Briefly Cricket

Kirsten could join MI.

Kirsten could join MI

Johannesburg: India coach Gary Kirsten could be involved with Mumbai Indians in the IPL,a report said on Wednesday. According to the report in The Times,Kirsten8217;s good rapport with Sachin Tendulkar could lead to the former South African opener being appointed in a top position in Mumbai Indians which is to appoint a director of coaching before the IPL IV. 8220;Indian cricket had hoped to persuade Kirsten to change his mind about not renewing his contract,but gave up on it this week. Future options for Kirsten could involve the Indian Premier League,8221; the report said.

Gibbs8217; trophy up for grabs

Johannesburg: Cricket fans across the world will have an opportunity to win South African batsman Herschelle Gibbs8217; man of the match trophy which he won after a record run chase of 438 against Australia in 2006. Gibbs,who mutually terminated his contract with Cricket South Africa last year,said he would give the prize to one of his Twitter followers. 8220;Next week I8217;m giving away my 175 run man of match medal vs australia in 438 game. Stay tuned for details pls,8221; he wrote on the social networking site.

Beggars to be cleared

Dhaka: Bangladesh8217;s police have been told to clear beggars and hawkers off the major streets of Dhaka during next month8217;s World Cup. Home Affairs minister Shahara Khatun said Wednesday her ministry would ask police and city authorities to implement the plan and other recommendations put forward by a World Cup security committee. 8220;We may take the street beggars to the social welfare ministry8217;s shelters for the time being,8221; Khatun said.

Ervine quits Zimbabwe

Harare: Zimbabwe8217;s cricket World Cup preparations have suffered a major blow after pace bowling allrounder Sean Ervine pulled out of the squad for what officials say are personal reasons. Ervine quit English County side Hampshire two weeks ago to play for Zimbabwe for the first time in seven years,but he intends to return to England. Ervine has been replaced by Tinotenda Mawoyo,an opening batsman and wicketkeeper who received two one-day international caps against Bangladesh in 2006.

Tremlett rewarded

London: Chris Tremlett has been rewarded for his role in England8217;s victorious Ashes campaign,with the ECB offering him an incremental contract for the remainder of the 2011 season. Tremlett missed out on selection for the forthcoming World Cup,but has played in each of England8217;s first four ODIs in Australia. 8220;The selectors are delighted with the contribution Chris has made in both forms of the game this winter,8221; said the national selector,Geoff Miller. 8220;His return of 17 wickets from three Test matches in Australia was an outstanding effort and he can be very proud of the role he played in helping the team retain the Ashes.8221;

Woodcock in ODI squad

Christchurch: Luke Woodcock,the only uncapped player in New Zealand8217;s World Cup squad,has been included in 12-man team for the third ODI against Pakistan in Christchurch on January 29. Ross Taylor will captain the side while Daniel Vettori will stay with the team but won8217;t play the match. 8220;We think it8217;s important for everyone in the World Cup squad to get a run before they head to India,8221; Mark Greatbatch said. 8220;Normally the selection panel would pick a squad for two matches but because of the short game in Wellington and the rained-out match in Queenstown we wanted some flexibility.

Pak-NZ ODI washed out

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Queenstown: The second ODI between New Zealand and Pakistan was abandoned on Wednesday due to heavy rain in Queenstown. Only 26 balls were bowled after New Zealand won the toss and put Pakistan in to bat,with the tourists at 31 without loss when poor weather forced the players back to the pavilion. New Zealand lead the series,which has now been reduced to five matches,1-0 after a nine-wicket victory in Wellington. The next match is scheduled for Saturday in Christchurch.