Martin Guptill and Brendon McCullum saved New Zealand from embarrassment on the opening day of the one-off Test against Bangladesh.
The sixth-wicket pair shared an unbroken stand of 100 to see the Black Caps through to 258-5 at stumps in Hamilton.
Guptill, who reached a career high Test score of 80 not out, showed plenty of composure after entering the fray with the hosts struggling at 66-3.
While it took the right-hander a little time to work his way into his innings, once he did he showed his usual positive intent notching 11 fours in his 146-ball knock.
More importantly for New Zealand he formed three key partnership with Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and McCullum before play was finally called off for bad light at 7.40pm local time.
McCullum, in his 50th Test, scored his 16th Test fifty to reach the close unbeaten on 58.
Rubel shines
Seamer Rubel Hossain was Bangladesh's standout performer with the ball taking 3-86 off 16 overs.
The other wicket-takers were paceman Shafiul Islam (one for 54) and left-arm spinner Shakib Al Hasan (1-34) but fast bowler Shahadat Hossain had a disappointing day, going for 74 runs off 13.1 overs.
The start of play at Seddon Park was delayed by an hour because of wet conditions and, after winning the toss and inserting the New Zealanders, Bangladesh enjoyed a good first session as they made inroads into the hosts' top order to have them 73-3 at lunch.
Opener Tim McIntosh was first to go for seven when he was caught in the slips by Imrul Kayes off Shafiul and BJ Watling (13) followed shortly afterwards when Rubel also found an edge and Junaid Siddique took the catch in the slips.
Peter Ingram (42) looked assured on his Test debut as he struck five boundaries, including two off Rubel's opening deliveries, and a six.
But the Bangladesh seamer ended Ingram's promising knock when he fired in a short ball and the 31-year-old's attempted pull flew in the air to Shahadat at mid on.
Ingram's departure brought Guptill to the crease and in the afternoon session he and Taylor (40) kick-started New Zealand's recovery.
Guptill though endured a couple of nervous moments early on when he survived a referral by Bangladesh captain Shakib for a caught behind which was not given. The replay showing the batsman had hit his pad and not the ball.
He had not added a run to his total when Shafiul then dropped a difficult caught-and-bowled chance.
Uncomfortable
Taylor, who struggled against Rubel, departed shortly afterwards when he edged to wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim.
Vettori survived a big leg before shout the very next ball - which was again unsuccessfully referred by Shakib. But the New Zealand skipper failed to make the most of his good fortune.
He had scored just 10 when the Bangladesh captain got his man as his opposite number charged down the wicket only to see the ball go past and hit his off-stump.
Guptill, who brought up his half-century late in the afternoon session, and McCullum continued New Zealand's fightback and by tea the hosts had reached 212-5.
After the interval there was enough time for the wicket-keeper batsman to notch his 50 before they were offered the light for the first time and took it.
When play resumed after a short delay only 11 deliveries were bowled, for an additional eight runs to the New Zealand total, before the players departed for a second and final time.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Hussey Focused on Future
Michael Hussey insists retirement is not on his mind and he desperately wants to be a part of Australia's trophy quest over the next two years.
Hussey, who turns 35 in May, said his motivation to continue was high and his goals included the 2011 World Cup.
"Looking ahead to the next year, we've got some huge series coming up," noted Hussey, who did not make his Test debut until he was 30.
"I'd love to be involved in the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.
"We've got to win the Ashes back, so I'd love to be part of that. Then there's a (50-over) World Cup coming up after that, and I'd love to be part of that too.
"For me personally I'm very, very determined to be part of those big three series and I'll be trying to do everything I can.
"Beyond that I'll have to step back and have a look at it."
Hussey, who turns 35 in May, said his motivation to continue was high and his goals included the 2011 World Cup.
"Looking ahead to the next year, we've got some huge series coming up," noted Hussey, who did not make his Test debut until he was 30.
"I'd love to be involved in the Twenty20 World Cup in the West Indies.
"We've got to win the Ashes back, so I'd love to be part of that. Then there's a (50-over) World Cup coming up after that, and I'd love to be part of that too.
"For me personally I'm very, very determined to be part of those big three series and I'll be trying to do everything I can.
"Beyond that I'll have to step back and have a look at it."
Whelan Calls For Changes
Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has called on the Premier League to implement stricter financial regulations.
Whelan has revealed he has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore suggesting a limit on borrowings in the wake of Portsmouth's financial plight.
Portsmouth are battling to avoid going out of business and their situation has left many clubs fearful for the future.
Wigan supremo Whelan has proposed clubs should not be allowed to borrow 25 per cent of their annual turnover to prevent clubs accruing massive debts.
Whelan told The Times: "I sent a letter to the Premier League, saying, 'Can we have an agreement that we can only borrow 25% of our individual club's turnover?'
"There should be a limit on borrowings - not as a set amount, but as a percentage of turnover.
"They have to do something about it."
Portsmouth were granted a stay of execution at the High Court last week over an unpaid tax bill, but administration remains a real danger.
Whelan admits he is saddened by Portsmouth's plight and concedes paying massive salaries to players cannot continue.
"What has gone on at Portsmouth is a crying shame for football and for their loyal band of supporters," added Whelan.
"It just comes down to desperation to stay in the Premier League.
"Some of the salaries I've read about - whether the figures are accurate or not - make you cringe.
"It's not easy for clubs, but the ones that take the risks sometimes come a cropper."
Whelan has revealed he has written to Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore suggesting a limit on borrowings in the wake of Portsmouth's financial plight.
Portsmouth are battling to avoid going out of business and their situation has left many clubs fearful for the future.
Wigan supremo Whelan has proposed clubs should not be allowed to borrow 25 per cent of their annual turnover to prevent clubs accruing massive debts.
Whelan told The Times: "I sent a letter to the Premier League, saying, 'Can we have an agreement that we can only borrow 25% of our individual club's turnover?'
"There should be a limit on borrowings - not as a set amount, but as a percentage of turnover.
"They have to do something about it."
Portsmouth were granted a stay of execution at the High Court last week over an unpaid tax bill, but administration remains a real danger.
Whelan admits he is saddened by Portsmouth's plight and concedes paying massive salaries to players cannot continue.
"What has gone on at Portsmouth is a crying shame for football and for their loyal band of supporters," added Whelan.
"It just comes down to desperation to stay in the Premier League.
"Some of the salaries I've read about - whether the figures are accurate or not - make you cringe.
"It's not easy for clubs, but the ones that take the risks sometimes come a cropper."
Becks Backed to Continue
Ryan Giggs sees no reason why David Beckham cannot continue his illustrious playing career for another three to four years.
The AC Milan loanee is set to go head-to-head with Manchester United for the first time in his career this week.
Milan entertain The Red Devils in the first leg of their last 16 UEFA Champions League clash at the San Siro.
Despite many thinking the 34-year-old is firmly at the back end of his career, Giggs believes he still has much more to give.
The pair played alongside each other at Old Trafford for a decade and the Welsh wizard knows Becks looks after himself.
Limelight
"We are different in the sense he has been in the limelight, front page and back, while I prefer to keep myself to myself," explained Giggs.
"But I still speak to him. He has not changed as a person.
"He has always loved football. He has always been dedicated and that is still the same now.
"Like myself, Becks looks after himself.
"He is naturally fit and is a natural athlete, so I am not surprised he is still going at all.
"In fact I reckon he will keep going for another three or four years."
Fantastic
Giggs is relishing playing against the former England captain and just hopes he does not save his best football for their Champions League meeting.
"We had a couple of chances to meet when he was at Real Madrid but it is great that it will finally happen and great for Becks to come back," he continued.
"It will be fantastic for the fans to see him again because he was a great player for United and still is a great player for England and Milan and in America as well.
"I hope he doesn't do anything nasty to us. He is a quality player and has always risen to the occasion. Hopefully he will enjoy it - but not that much."
The AC Milan loanee is set to go head-to-head with Manchester United for the first time in his career this week.
Milan entertain The Red Devils in the first leg of their last 16 UEFA Champions League clash at the San Siro.
Despite many thinking the 34-year-old is firmly at the back end of his career, Giggs believes he still has much more to give.
The pair played alongside each other at Old Trafford for a decade and the Welsh wizard knows Becks looks after himself.
Limelight
"We are different in the sense he has been in the limelight, front page and back, while I prefer to keep myself to myself," explained Giggs.
"But I still speak to him. He has not changed as a person.
"He has always loved football. He has always been dedicated and that is still the same now.
"Like myself, Becks looks after himself.
"He is naturally fit and is a natural athlete, so I am not surprised he is still going at all.
"In fact I reckon he will keep going for another three or four years."
Fantastic
Giggs is relishing playing against the former England captain and just hopes he does not save his best football for their Champions League meeting.
"We had a couple of chances to meet when he was at Real Madrid but it is great that it will finally happen and great for Becks to come back," he continued.
"It will be fantastic for the fans to see him again because he was a great player for United and still is a great player for England and Milan and in America as well.
"I hope he doesn't do anything nasty to us. He is a quality player and has always risen to the occasion. Hopefully he will enjoy it - but not that much."
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Johnson Clings to a Share
Defending champion Dustin Johnson is part of a six-way tie for the lead at 10-under-par after the second round of the Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
Johnson, the overnight leader after a first-round 64, followed up with a two-under 68 on the Monterey Peninsula, one of three courses being used for this event.
He is joined at the head of the field by fellow Americans Paul Goydos, JB Holmes, Bryce Molder, Germany's Alex Cejka and Matt Jones of Australia.
Molder (65) and Holmes (67) were also playing the Monterey Peninsula, while Jones and Cejka signed for 67s at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill layouts respectively.
The round of the day, however, belonged to Goydos, who produced seven birdies in a blemish-free 65 at Spyglass Hill.
Another American, David Duval (68), is alone in seventh place on nine-under-par, just ahead of a packed leaderboard.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington (67) is well placed at eight under, while Englishman Luke Donald (65) and world number two Phil Mickelson (67) are a stroke futher back.
Johnson, the overnight leader after a first-round 64, followed up with a two-under 68 on the Monterey Peninsula, one of three courses being used for this event.
He is joined at the head of the field by fellow Americans Paul Goydos, JB Holmes, Bryce Molder, Germany's Alex Cejka and Matt Jones of Australia.
Molder (65) and Holmes (67) were also playing the Monterey Peninsula, while Jones and Cejka signed for 67s at Pebble Beach and Spyglass Hill layouts respectively.
The round of the day, however, belonged to Goydos, who produced seven birdies in a blemish-free 65 at Spyglass Hill.
Another American, David Duval (68), is alone in seventh place on nine-under-par, just ahead of a packed leaderboard.
Ireland's Padraig Harrington (67) is well placed at eight under, while Englishman Luke Donald (65) and world number two Phil Mickelson (67) are a stroke futher back.
Champs Win Thrilling Opener
The Bulls got their Super 14 defence off to a winning start following a pulsating 51-34 victory over the Cheetahs in an entertaining spectacle that saw nine tries being scored in Bloemfontein on Friday.
A fourteen-point scoring spree in two minutes from the Bulls after half-time effectively sealed the deal for the visitors who were made to work hard for their win against a spirited Cheetahs outfit.
It may seem like a drubbing, but the Cheetahs were good until the very end, losing by a rather twisted scoreline.
It was a fast-moving match full of excitement without much between the sides. A few missed tackles and unsure handling at times prevented it from being a really great match, but the signs were there that the Cheetahs will not be easy to beat this year.
As for the Bulls, they showed that they will again be up there with the best - and there is little doubt that their scrum has improved. They more than held their own against a formidable Cheetahs front row with Gurthro Steenkamp showing he wants to make up for his disappointing year-end Springbok tour.
Penalty try
With three minutes to go, the visitors were awarded a penalty try after the Cheetahs' scrum disintegrated on their own line to underline a good night's scrummaging.
But it was the hosts that got off to a dream start with a try 30 seconds into the match thanks to some excellent work from their tremendously quick wingers Jongi Nokwe and Lionel Mapoe, with the latter finishing off turnover ball generated by his partner in crime.
A high kick-off by the home side was hunted down by Nokwe who was quick to bring down Bulls recipient Fourie du Preez and win the ball back for his team. Swift recycle ball then saw play spread to the left like wildfire until Mapoe took advantage of the rattled defence for his first Super Rugby touchdown on debut.
With the tricky conversion missed by Naas Olivier, opposite number Morne Steyn was more successful with his penalty attempt soon afterwards before the Cheetahs' pivot found the middle of the posts with a three-pointer.
The Cheetahs, with their tails still up, were brought back down to earth after Bulls centre Jaco Pretorius bull-dozed his way through two would-be tacklers for the defending champions' first try of the tournament.
Penalties
Three further penalty exchanges between Olivier and Steyn kept the scoreboard ticking over in a stimulating see-saw battle that saw the lead change hands five times in 30 minutes.
The Bulls started to accelerate from the Cheetahs, however, following a solo effort from Steyn eight meters out from the hosts' line that ended with the Bok fly-half stretched out under the posts for a seven-pointer.
Steyn kept his 100 per cent kicking record for the half intact with a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time to take the Bulls to commanding 24-13 lead.
If anyone thought the game was over as a contest at the break, they were in for a big surprise! The opening 15 minutes in the second half alone saw five converted tries and a penalty being scored - that's 38 points, more in the entire first half alone.
Naka Drotske's side struck first from the restart with Olivier curling over a fine penalty from the right-hand touchline. But the joy was short lived as quick tries from Bulls wing Gerhard van den Heever and then full-back Zane Kirchner stretched the lead to a massive 20 points after 48 minutes thanks to the additional points added by Steyn.
The Cheetahs' attempts to try and stay in touch were kept alive by captain Juan Smith, who capitalised on quick thinking from scrum-half Tewis de Bruyn to touch down, and the home crowd were given more cause to believe when Nokwe finished a flowing move from inside the Cheetahs' 22 by racing down the right touchline to score.
Both tries were converted by Olivier, but just as the hosts seemed to have gathered some momentum, there was a floodlight failure on the 55-minute mark with just six points in it.
After play was halted for a brief period, Bulls centre Wynand Olivier then broke through for his side's fifth try and despite the best efforts of the hosts, they could only manage one final penalty from Naas Olivier.
To compound matters, referee Jonathan Kaplan awarded a late penalty try against the Cheetahs scrum as the Bulls sealed victory.
A fourteen-point scoring spree in two minutes from the Bulls after half-time effectively sealed the deal for the visitors who were made to work hard for their win against a spirited Cheetahs outfit.
It may seem like a drubbing, but the Cheetahs were good until the very end, losing by a rather twisted scoreline.
It was a fast-moving match full of excitement without much between the sides. A few missed tackles and unsure handling at times prevented it from being a really great match, but the signs were there that the Cheetahs will not be easy to beat this year.
As for the Bulls, they showed that they will again be up there with the best - and there is little doubt that their scrum has improved. They more than held their own against a formidable Cheetahs front row with Gurthro Steenkamp showing he wants to make up for his disappointing year-end Springbok tour.
Penalty try
With three minutes to go, the visitors were awarded a penalty try after the Cheetahs' scrum disintegrated on their own line to underline a good night's scrummaging.
But it was the hosts that got off to a dream start with a try 30 seconds into the match thanks to some excellent work from their tremendously quick wingers Jongi Nokwe and Lionel Mapoe, with the latter finishing off turnover ball generated by his partner in crime.
A high kick-off by the home side was hunted down by Nokwe who was quick to bring down Bulls recipient Fourie du Preez and win the ball back for his team. Swift recycle ball then saw play spread to the left like wildfire until Mapoe took advantage of the rattled defence for his first Super Rugby touchdown on debut.
With the tricky conversion missed by Naas Olivier, opposite number Morne Steyn was more successful with his penalty attempt soon afterwards before the Cheetahs' pivot found the middle of the posts with a three-pointer.
The Cheetahs, with their tails still up, were brought back down to earth after Bulls centre Jaco Pretorius bull-dozed his way through two would-be tacklers for the defending champions' first try of the tournament.
Penalties
Three further penalty exchanges between Olivier and Steyn kept the scoreboard ticking over in a stimulating see-saw battle that saw the lead change hands five times in 30 minutes.
The Bulls started to accelerate from the Cheetahs, however, following a solo effort from Steyn eight meters out from the hosts' line that ended with the Bok fly-half stretched out under the posts for a seven-pointer.
Steyn kept his 100 per cent kicking record for the half intact with a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time to take the Bulls to commanding 24-13 lead.
If anyone thought the game was over as a contest at the break, they were in for a big surprise! The opening 15 minutes in the second half alone saw five converted tries and a penalty being scored - that's 38 points, more in the entire first half alone.
Naka Drotske's side struck first from the restart with Olivier curling over a fine penalty from the right-hand touchline. But the joy was short lived as quick tries from Bulls wing Gerhard van den Heever and then full-back Zane Kirchner stretched the lead to a massive 20 points after 48 minutes thanks to the additional points added by Steyn.
The Cheetahs' attempts to try and stay in touch were kept alive by captain Juan Smith, who capitalised on quick thinking from scrum-half Tewis de Bruyn to touch down, and the home crowd were given more cause to believe when Nokwe finished a flowing move from inside the Cheetahs' 22 by racing down the right touchline to score.
Both tries were converted by Olivier, but just as the hosts seemed to have gathered some momentum, there was a floodlight failure on the 55-minute mark with just six points in it.
After play was halted for a brief period, Bulls centre Wynand Olivier then broke through for his side's fifth try and despite the best efforts of the hosts, they could only manage one final penalty from Naas Olivier.
To compound matters, referee Jonathan Kaplan awarded a late penalty try against the Cheetahs scrum as the Bulls sealed victory.
Johnno Ready for Forward Battle
England manager Martin Johnson is preparing to meet muscle with muscle having named a forward-dominated bench for Sunday's RBS Six Nations showdown with Italy.
Johnson is fully aware that Italy's strength lies in their pack and more specifically a high-quality front row that includes Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
As such, the England supremo has named a full replacement front row of Steve Thompson, David Wilson and the uncapped Worcester loose-head Matt Mullan for the clash at the Stadio Flaminio - the first time he has done so since taking charge 18 months ago.
Leicester lock Louis Deacon and London Irish flanker Steffon Armitage complete a five-strong forwards contingent amongst the substitutes and Johnson makes no apologies for heading into the game loaded with options up front.
"We have picked an entire front row, which is the right call for this game. We know what we are getting into," he explained.
"We have done a 5-2 split before with two back rowers but never three front row forwards.
"With the way we are going to play the front row is going to have to work very hard so it's good we have the depth.
"Whilst we don't want to go into a game that is solely about close-quarter work, that is a part of it. We shouldn't be afraid of our driving game and pick go and it should be a part of our armoury.
"Against Italy the scrummage is important along with the clear-out work and getting fatigue into the opposition is a key part and that's what we will be trying to exploit."
Wilko backing Flutey
With the England pack aiming to wear down their Italian counterparts to create space, it will then be down to Jonny Wilkinson and Riki Flutey to exploit it by bringing runners into play.
It is certainly an area on which Johnson will want to improve despite last week's 30-17 triumph over Wales and Wilkinson believes Flutely is the ideal man to try and help generate a more expansive game.
Indeed, Wilkinson feels he and the Brive centre can develop the kind of understanding he enjoyed with the likes of Mike Catt and Will Greenwood when England were at the peak of the world game.
"I can see a bit of Catty in him, in terms of his vision of the game, which is very clear," explained the England number 10.
"I see Riki as an out-and-out threat playing at 12 and he talks well too.
"When you are a bit wider in the 12 position you have a bit more time away from where the scrum-half is passing the ball to scan the field and see what is going on.
"The biggest goal this weekend for us is to play with the ball. It is a balance but seeing guys get the ball in the right areas is a key for me."
No excuses
England have encountered a number of setbacks during their preparation for the Italy match with Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw both struck down by illness and record levels of snow in Rome also complicating matters.
However, Johnson has warned his players that excuses would not be tolerated - and he said that England will only start growing into a force to be reckoned with if they start stringing performances together.
"There was a bit frustration and I told the guys 'you either use it as an excuse to train badly or you just get on with it' and we trained well in the circumstances," continued the England chief.
"There was snow on the ball when it was being passed and on the floor. It's a mental discipline more than anything.
"Attitude when we take the field away from home is a key factor.
"There is potentially an issue after a win of euphoria and getting carried away with yourself - but the mark of a good side is backing up one good performance and a victory with another."
Johnson is fully aware that Italy's strength lies in their pack and more specifically a high-quality front row that includes Leicester prop Martin Castrogiovanni.
As such, the England supremo has named a full replacement front row of Steve Thompson, David Wilson and the uncapped Worcester loose-head Matt Mullan for the clash at the Stadio Flaminio - the first time he has done so since taking charge 18 months ago.
Leicester lock Louis Deacon and London Irish flanker Steffon Armitage complete a five-strong forwards contingent amongst the substitutes and Johnson makes no apologies for heading into the game loaded with options up front.
"We have picked an entire front row, which is the right call for this game. We know what we are getting into," he explained.
"We have done a 5-2 split before with two back rowers but never three front row forwards.
"With the way we are going to play the front row is going to have to work very hard so it's good we have the depth.
"Whilst we don't want to go into a game that is solely about close-quarter work, that is a part of it. We shouldn't be afraid of our driving game and pick go and it should be a part of our armoury.
"Against Italy the scrummage is important along with the clear-out work and getting fatigue into the opposition is a key part and that's what we will be trying to exploit."
Wilko backing Flutey
With the England pack aiming to wear down their Italian counterparts to create space, it will then be down to Jonny Wilkinson and Riki Flutey to exploit it by bringing runners into play.
It is certainly an area on which Johnson will want to improve despite last week's 30-17 triumph over Wales and Wilkinson believes Flutely is the ideal man to try and help generate a more expansive game.
Indeed, Wilkinson feels he and the Brive centre can develop the kind of understanding he enjoyed with the likes of Mike Catt and Will Greenwood when England were at the peak of the world game.
"I can see a bit of Catty in him, in terms of his vision of the game, which is very clear," explained the England number 10.
"I see Riki as an out-and-out threat playing at 12 and he talks well too.
"When you are a bit wider in the 12 position you have a bit more time away from where the scrum-half is passing the ball to scan the field and see what is going on.
"The biggest goal this weekend for us is to play with the ball. It is a balance but seeing guys get the ball in the right areas is a key for me."
No excuses
England have encountered a number of setbacks during their preparation for the Italy match with Steve Borthwick and Simon Shaw both struck down by illness and record levels of snow in Rome also complicating matters.
However, Johnson has warned his players that excuses would not be tolerated - and he said that England will only start growing into a force to be reckoned with if they start stringing performances together.
"There was a bit frustration and I told the guys 'you either use it as an excuse to train badly or you just get on with it' and we trained well in the circumstances," continued the England chief.
"There was snow on the ball when it was being passed and on the floor. It's a mental discipline more than anything.
"Attitude when we take the field away from home is a key factor.
"There is potentially an issue after a win of euphoria and getting carried away with yourself - but the mark of a good side is backing up one good performance and a victory with another."
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