Thursday, November 15, 2012
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Michael John Clarke
Full name : Michael John Clarke
Born : 2 April 1981 (age 31)
Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
Nickname : Pup, Clarkey, Top Dog, Nemo, Eminem[1]
Height : 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Batting style : Right-hand
Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox
Role : Batsman, Australian Captain
National side: Australia
Clarke married model and presenter Kyly Boldy on 15 May 2012,
During the Australian Cricket tour of New Zealand in March 2010, Clarke left the tour to return to Sydney for "personal reasons". Clarke's management confirmed he and then-fiance, model Lara Bingle, had decided to terminate their engagement in a late night press conference on 12 March 2010. Speaking to GQ Australia in November 2010, Clarke said of his decision to leave the tour of New Zealand, "My decision that I made there, was what I thought was right. I respect playing for my country that much that I thought, if I’m going to let anybody down, I shouldn’t be here — there’s somebody else who could be doing a better job than me. Going home was the right decision at the time for me. I don’t regret that decision."
Born : 2 April 1981 (age 31)
Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia
Nickname : Pup, Clarkey, Top Dog, Nemo, Eminem[1]
Height : 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Batting style : Right-hand
Bowling style: Slow left-arm orthodox
Role : Batsman, Australian Captain
National side: Australia
Clarke married model and presenter Kyly Boldy on 15 May 2012,
During the Australian Cricket tour of New Zealand in March 2010, Clarke left the tour to return to Sydney for "personal reasons". Clarke's management confirmed he and then-fiance, model Lara Bingle, had decided to terminate their engagement in a late night press conference on 12 March 2010. Speaking to GQ Australia in November 2010, Clarke said of his decision to leave the tour of New Zealand, "My decision that I made there, was what I thought was right. I respect playing for my country that much that I thought, if I’m going to let anybody down, I shouldn’t be here — there’s somebody else who could be doing a better job than me. Going home was the right decision at the time for me. I don’t regret that decision."
Ricky Ponting
Full name : Ricky Thomas Ponting
Born : December 19, 1974, Launceston, Tasmania
Current age : 37 years 282 days
Major teams : Australia, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Somerset, Tasmania
Nickname : Punter
Playing role : Top-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
Height : 1.78 m
Education : Mowbray Primary; Brooks Senior High School, Launceston
Relation : Uncle - GD Campbell
Ricky Ponting, the most uncompromising player of his generation, grew into Australia's most successful run-maker and only sits below Bradman in the country's overall ratings. It takes an extremely critical eye to diminish his run-scoring achievements, which seem to collect new records in every series. Like spotting a celebrity, it's necessary to look twice when analysing Ponting, first as the archetypal modern batsman, then as the country's 42nd Test captain. There is no doubt about his greatness after taking guard, but his leadership has been under scrutiny for much of his reign. While his blade has sparkled, his stewardship is pock-marked by three Ashes defeats - two in England and one at home - and stumbles to South Africa and India.
Born : December 19, 1974, Launceston, Tasmania
Current age : 37 years 282 days
Major teams : Australia, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Somerset, Tasmania
Nickname : Punter
Playing role : Top-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
Height : 1.78 m
Education : Mowbray Primary; Brooks Senior High School, Launceston
Relation : Uncle - GD Campbell
Ricky Ponting, the most uncompromising player of his generation, grew into Australia's most successful run-maker and only sits below Bradman in the country's overall ratings. It takes an extremely critical eye to diminish his run-scoring achievements, which seem to collect new records in every series. Like spotting a celebrity, it's necessary to look twice when analysing Ponting, first as the archetypal modern batsman, then as the country's 42nd Test captain. There is no doubt about his greatness after taking guard, but his leadership has been under scrutiny for much of his reign. While his blade has sparkled, his stewardship is pock-marked by three Ashes defeats - two in England and one at home - and stumbles to South Africa and India.
Richard Ernst Levi
Full name : Richard Ernst Levi
Born : January 14, 1988, Johannesburg
Current age : 24 years 256 days
Major teams : Cape Cobras, Mumbai Indians, Somerset, Somerset 2nd XI, South Africa A, South Africa Academy, South Africa Under-19s, South Africa XI, Western Province
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
A student of the Cape Ivy League schools, Richard Levi represented South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup in 2006, and quickly developed a reputation as a fearsome striker of the new ball, especially in the shortest format. Two Twenty20s into his international career, no one was in doubt of his abilities. In February 2012, opening the innings in South Africa's chase of 174 against New Zealand, Levi plundered 13 sixes - a record - in an unbeaten 117 off 51 balls. He reached his century off 45 balls, breaking the record for the fastest ton in Twenty20 internationals. Granted, the Seddon Park in Hamilton isn't the biggest ground, but several of Levi's strikes sailed well past the boundary, and would have been sixes in most arenas. Levi's success could provide South Africa with an exciting long-term replacement for Graeme Smith at the top of the order in the limited-overs formats.
Born : January 14, 1988, Johannesburg
Current age : 24 years 256 days
Major teams : Cape Cobras, Mumbai Indians, Somerset, Somerset 2nd XI, South Africa A, South Africa Academy, South Africa Under-19s, South Africa XI, Western Province
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
A student of the Cape Ivy League schools, Richard Levi represented South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup in 2006, and quickly developed a reputation as a fearsome striker of the new ball, especially in the shortest format. Two Twenty20s into his international career, no one was in doubt of his abilities. In February 2012, opening the innings in South Africa's chase of 174 against New Zealand, Levi plundered 13 sixes - a record - in an unbeaten 117 off 51 balls. He reached his century off 45 balls, breaking the record for the fastest ton in Twenty20 internationals. Granted, the Seddon Park in Hamilton isn't the biggest ground, but several of Levi's strikes sailed well past the boundary, and would have been sixes in most arenas. Levi's success could provide South Africa with an exciting long-term replacement for Graeme Smith at the top of the order in the limited-overs formats.
Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
Full name : Abraham Benjamin de Villiers
Born : February 17, 1984, Pretoria
Current age : 28 years 222 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Delhi Daredevils, Northerns, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Titans
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
A batsman of breathtaking chutzpah and enterprise, as well as the skills and the temperament required to back up his creative intent. A fielder able to leap tall buildings and still come up with the catch. A wicketkeeper who is perfectly at ease donning pads and gloves. A fine rugby player, golfer, and tennis player. All AB de Villiers needs to show off his abundant gifts is a ball. Just about any ball.
Born : February 17, 1984, Pretoria
Current age : 28 years 222 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Delhi Daredevils, Northerns, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Titans
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
A batsman of breathtaking chutzpah and enterprise, as well as the skills and the temperament required to back up his creative intent. A fielder able to leap tall buildings and still come up with the catch. A wicketkeeper who is perfectly at ease donning pads and gloves. A fine rugby player, golfer, and tennis player. All AB de Villiers needs to show off his abundant gifts is a ball. Just about any ball.
Johannes Albertus Morkel
Full name : Johannes Albertus Morkel
Born : June 10, 1981, Vereeniging, Transvaal
Current age : 31 years 108 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Chennai Super Kings, Durham, Easterns, Somerset, Somerset 2nd XI, South Africa Under-19s, Titans
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium-fast
Relation Father - A Morkel, Brother - M Morkel
Albie Morkel, a right-arm fast-medium bowler and left-handed batsman, was earmarked as the new Lance Klusener, but hasn't quite been able to live up to his billing despite some glimpses of match-winning skills.
Born : June 10, 1981, Vereeniging, Transvaal
Current age : 31 years 108 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Chennai Super Kings, Durham, Easterns, Somerset, Somerset 2nd XI, South Africa Under-19s, Titans
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium-fast
Relation Father - A Morkel, Brother - M Morkel
Albie Morkel, a right-arm fast-medium bowler and left-handed batsman, was earmarked as the new Lance Klusener, but hasn't quite been able to live up to his billing despite some glimpses of match-winning skills.
David Andrew Miller
Full name : David Andrew Miller
Born : June 10, 1989, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Current age : 23 years 108 days
Major teams : South Africa, Dolphins, Durham, Kings XI Punjab, KwaZulu-Natal Inland Under-19s, South Africa A, South Africa Academy, South African Schools
Playing role : Middle-order batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style :Right-arm offbreak
A product of the esteemed Martizburg College, David Miller was groomed for cricketing success from a young age. He made his first-class debut when he was just 17 and has been a force in limited-overs cricket. Grace and elegance have little place in his technique, which is to hit the ball with such power that it stays hit. He has been particularly effective in the Powerplay overs because of his big-hitting, and he enjoys the freedom to play a range of strokes, both off the front and back foot. Miller earned his national call-up in May 2010 after a series for South Africa A against Bangladesh A, where he ended as the second-highest run-scorer. In his first match, a Twenty20 international against West Indies, he was the top-scorer for South Africa in a tense, 1-run victory. He played in two ODI series, against West Indies and Pakistan, before being named in South Africa preliminary 2011 World Cup squad.
Born : June 10, 1989, Pietermaritzburg, Natal
Current age : 23 years 108 days
Major teams : South Africa, Dolphins, Durham, Kings XI Punjab, KwaZulu-Natal Inland Under-19s, South Africa A, South Africa Academy, South African Schools
Playing role : Middle-order batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style :Right-arm offbreak
A product of the esteemed Martizburg College, David Miller was groomed for cricketing success from a young age. He made his first-class debut when he was just 17 and has been a force in limited-overs cricket. Grace and elegance have little place in his technique, which is to hit the ball with such power that it stays hit. He has been particularly effective in the Powerplay overs because of his big-hitting, and he enjoys the freedom to play a range of strokes, both off the front and back foot. Miller earned his national call-up in May 2010 after a series for South Africa A against Bangladesh A, where he ended as the second-highest run-scorer. In his first match, a Twenty20 international against West Indies, he was the top-scorer for South Africa in a tense, 1-run victory. He played in two ODI series, against West Indies and Pakistan, before being named in South Africa preliminary 2011 World Cup squad.
Jacques Henry Kallis
Full name : Jacques Henry Kallis
Born : October 16, 1975, Pinelands, Cape Town, Cape Province
Current age : 36 years 346 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Cape Cobras, Glamorgan, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Middlesex, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Warriors, Western Province
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium]
No batsman prizes his wicket more highly, and no wicket in all of cricket is more highly prized. Jacques Kallis is the broad-shouldered colossus of the South African team, a figure whose looming presence inspires calm in some and dread in others. Few players who belong to the modern age are a better fit for the notion of the classical cricketer. Kallis is a fine, forceful batsman who has at his disposal both a rock-solid technique and a mind impervious to distraction. Though his role as a bowler diminishes with each passing season, he will be remembered as a purveyor of sometimes surprising pace and swing, and awkward bounce. In the slips, his sure-handedness and rattlesnake reflexes make ridiculous catches look regulation.
Born : October 16, 1975, Pinelands, Cape Town, Cape Province
Current age : 36 years 346 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Cape Cobras, Glamorgan, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Middlesex, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Warriors, Western Province
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium]
No batsman prizes his wicket more highly, and no wicket in all of cricket is more highly prized. Jacques Kallis is the broad-shouldered colossus of the South African team, a figure whose looming presence inspires calm in some and dread in others. Few players who belong to the modern age are a better fit for the notion of the classical cricketer. Kallis is a fine, forceful batsman who has at his disposal both a rock-solid technique and a mind impervious to distraction. Though his role as a bowler diminishes with each passing season, he will be remembered as a purveyor of sometimes surprising pace and swing, and awkward bounce. In the slips, his sure-handedness and rattlesnake reflexes make ridiculous catches look regulation.
Dale Willem Steyn
Full name : Dale Willem Steyn
Born : June 27, 1983, Phalaborwa
Current age : 29 years 91 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Cape Cobras, Deccan Chargers, Essex, Northerns, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Titans, Warwickshire
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast
Dale Steyn could be just the latest nuclear-tipped arrow that South Africa have drawn from their seemingly bottomless quiver of classy fast bowlers. The trouble, for opposing batsmen, is that he is rather more than that. Pure pace is one thing, pinpoint pure pace distinctly another. Pinpoint pure pace poison-tipped with aggression still another. Add the regularity with which Steyn moves the ball away from right-handers, and the way his deliveries skid at batsmen - a lack of height isn't all bad - and the danger he poses is obvious.
Born : June 27, 1983, Phalaborwa
Current age : 29 years 91 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Cape Cobras, Deccan Chargers, Essex, Northerns, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Titans, Warwickshire
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast
Dale Steyn could be just the latest nuclear-tipped arrow that South Africa have drawn from their seemingly bottomless quiver of classy fast bowlers. The trouble, for opposing batsmen, is that he is rather more than that. Pure pace is one thing, pinpoint pure pace distinctly another. Pinpoint pure pace poison-tipped with aggression still another. Add the regularity with which Steyn moves the ball away from right-handers, and the way his deliveries skid at batsmen - a lack of height isn't all bad - and the danger he poses is obvious.
Graeme Craig Smith
Full name : Graeme Craig Smith
Born : February 1, 1981, Johannesburg, Transvaal
Current age : 31 years 238 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Cape Cobras, Gauteng, Hampshire Cricket Board, ICC World XI, Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals, Somerset, Western Province
Playing role : Opening batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Meaty, muscular and mighty, that's Graeme Smith, who looms even larger than all that as South Africa's colossus of a captain. His achievements as a batsman are significant, but the most important monument to his career is the fact that under Smith, the confidence of South Africans, both within and outside of the national team and its structures, has been rebuilt.
Born : February 1, 1981, Johannesburg, Transvaal
Current age : 31 years 238 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Cape Cobras, Gauteng, Hampshire Cricket Board, ICC World XI, Pune Warriors, Rajasthan Royals, Somerset, Western Province
Playing role : Opening batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Meaty, muscular and mighty, that's Graeme Smith, who looms even larger than all that as South Africa's colossus of a captain. His achievements as a batsman are significant, but the most important monument to his career is the fact that under Smith, the confidence of South Africans, both within and outside of the national team and its structures, has been rebuilt.
Wayne Dillon Parnell
Full name : Wayne Dillon Parnell
Born : July 30, 1989, Port Elizabeth, Cape Province
Current age : 23 years 58 days
Major teams : South Africa, Delhi Daredevils, Eastern Province, Kent, Pune Warriors, South Africa Under-19s, Sussex, Warriors
Nick name : Pigeon, Parny
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Left-arm medium-fast
Education : Grey High School
Wayne Parnell is a naturally gifted allrounder who bats and bowls left-handed, and who seems to have been earmarked for success from a young age. Parnell began playing for Eastern Province's U-13 side when he was 12 and was captain the following year. He didn't make the U-15 side initially, but at the age of 15 began to play for Eastern Province and South Africa at the U-19 level. He made his first-class debut for Eastern Province in 2006-07 and was also part of South Africa's Under-19 squad for the 2006 World Cup in Sri Lanka. The experience he gained over the years brought him the captaincy for the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008 and he led by example: taking 18 wickets, the most in the tournament, and scoring useful runs in the middle-order to steer South Africa into the final. His best performance came in the quarter-final against Bangladesh, when he took 6 for 8 after scoring 57. The South Africa selectors were already taking note and he went on the Emerging Players tour of Australia before a call-up to the senior one-day squad for the series in early 2009. After a modest debut against the Australians, he became the youngest player to be handed a national contract by Cricket South Africa (CSA). He soon repaid their faith in him with a terrifically impressive performance in just his second ODI in April 2009. Parnell demolished Australia in partnership with Dale Steyn, picking up 4 for 25 and a well-deserved Man-of-the-Match award. He put in a stand-out performance at the Twenty20 World Cup later that year, picking up 9 wickets at an economy rate of under 6 runs an over. After a successful stint with county Kent, Parnell's star continued to rise when he made his Test debut against England in the fourth Test at the Wanderers in January 2010. Later that month he also found himself with a new IPL contract, snapped up by Delhi Daredevils for $610,000 .
Born : July 30, 1989, Port Elizabeth, Cape Province
Current age : 23 years 58 days
Major teams : South Africa, Delhi Daredevils, Eastern Province, Kent, Pune Warriors, South Africa Under-19s, Sussex, Warriors
Nick name : Pigeon, Parny
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Left-arm medium-fast
Education : Grey High School
Wayne Parnell is a naturally gifted allrounder who bats and bowls left-handed, and who seems to have been earmarked for success from a young age. Parnell began playing for Eastern Province's U-13 side when he was 12 and was captain the following year. He didn't make the U-15 side initially, but at the age of 15 began to play for Eastern Province and South Africa at the U-19 level. He made his first-class debut for Eastern Province in 2006-07 and was also part of South Africa's Under-19 squad for the 2006 World Cup in Sri Lanka. The experience he gained over the years brought him the captaincy for the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2008 and he led by example: taking 18 wickets, the most in the tournament, and scoring useful runs in the middle-order to steer South Africa into the final. His best performance came in the quarter-final against Bangladesh, when he took 6 for 8 after scoring 57. The South Africa selectors were already taking note and he went on the Emerging Players tour of Australia before a call-up to the senior one-day squad for the series in early 2009. After a modest debut against the Australians, he became the youngest player to be handed a national contract by Cricket South Africa (CSA). He soon repaid their faith in him with a terrifically impressive performance in just his second ODI in April 2009. Parnell demolished Australia in partnership with Dale Steyn, picking up 4 for 25 and a well-deserved Man-of-the-Match award. He put in a stand-out performance at the Twenty20 World Cup later that year, picking up 9 wickets at an economy rate of under 6 runs an over. After a successful stint with county Kent, Parnell's star continued to rise when he made his Test debut against England in the fourth Test at the Wanderers in January 2010. Later that month he also found himself with a new IPL contract, snapped up by Delhi Daredevils for $610,000 .
Mark Verdon Boucher
Full name : Mark Verdon Boucher
Born : December 3, 1976, East London, Cape Province
Current age : 35 years 298 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Border, Cape Cobras, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Warriors
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
A man to go to war with, but never against, Mark Boucher packed all the archetypical attributes of the South African cricketer into his short, stocky frame. He was relentlessly competitive, invariably aggressive, and as hard and uncompromising as the new ball. After an international career that lasted almost 15 years, the end was desperately unfortunate, as Boucher was forced to announce his retirement after being hit in the eye by a bail in a warm-up game on the tour to England in 2012, which would have been his last series anyway. Boucher finished with 998 international dismissals as a wicketkeeper, including 555 in 147 Tests.
Born : December 3, 1976, East London, Cape Province
Current age : 35 years 298 days
Major teams : South Africa, Africa XI, Border, Cape Cobras, ICC World XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Warriors
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
A man to go to war with, but never against, Mark Boucher packed all the archetypical attributes of the South African cricketer into his short, stocky frame. He was relentlessly competitive, invariably aggressive, and as hard and uncompromising as the new ball. After an international career that lasted almost 15 years, the end was desperately unfortunate, as Boucher was forced to announce his retirement after being hit in the eye by a bail in a warm-up game on the tour to England in 2012, which would have been his last series anyway. Boucher finished with 998 international dismissals as a wicketkeeper, including 555 in 147 Tests.
Vernon Darryl Philander
Full name : Vernon Darryl Philander
Born : June 24, 1985, Bellville, South Africa
Current age : 27 years 93 days
Major teams : South Africa, Cape Cobras, Devon, Middlesex, Somerset, South Africa A, South Africa Under-19s, Western Province, Western Province Boland, Western Province Under-19s
Also known as Pro
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Vernon Philander is a powerful allrounder who has had stunning success in his first five months in Test cricket, reaching 50 wickets in only seven matches, the second-fastest ever in Test history. Philander hails from a country famous for producing high-quality fast bowlers, and he has done everything in his first few games to keep up that tradition. His strength isn't extreme pace, but he has everything else going for him: the ability to move the ball both ways at a sharp speed, and relentlessly attack the stumps over long spells.
Born : June 24, 1985, Bellville, South Africa
Current age : 27 years 93 days
Major teams : South Africa, Cape Cobras, Devon, Middlesex, Somerset, South Africa A, South Africa Under-19s, Western Province, Western Province Boland, Western Province Under-19s
Also known as Pro
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Vernon Philander is a powerful allrounder who has had stunning success in his first five months in Test cricket, reaching 50 wickets in only seven matches, the second-fastest ever in Test history. Philander hails from a country famous for producing high-quality fast bowlers, and he has done everything in his first few games to keep up that tradition. His strength isn't extreme pace, but he has everything else going for him: the ability to move the ball both ways at a sharp speed, and relentlessly attack the stumps over long spells.
Hashim Mahomed Amla
Born : March 31, 1983, Durban, Natal
Current age : 29 years 178 days
Major teams : South Africa, Dolphins, Essex, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa XI
Playing role : Top-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium, Right-arm offbreak
Relation Brother - AM Amla
An elegant strokeplayer blessed with the temperament to make the most of his talent, Hashim Amla is the first South African of Indian descent to reach the national squad - his grandparents migrated from Gujarat - and he shares the penchant for wristy leg-side flicks that ooze off his bat. His elevation to the South Africa side was a poorly kept secret after he reeled off four centuries in his first eight innings of the 2004-05 season, after being appointed captain of the Dolphins (formerly Natal) at the tender age of 21. His older brother by four years, Ahmed, made his first-class debut two seasons before Hashim, but there is little doubt that the younger Amla is the better player. He is also a devout Muslim whose requests to have logos promoting alcohol removed from his playing gear have been successful so far. Amla toured New Zealand with the South African Under-19 team in 2000-01, he captained South Africa at the 2002 Under-19 World Cup, and after starring for the A team, made his Test debut against India in 2004-05. He was not an instant success, with serious questions emerging about his technique as he mustered 36 runs in four innings against England later that season. hi is best.
Kamran Akmal
Full name : Kamran Akmal
Born : January 13, 1982, Lahore, Punjab
Current age : 30 years 256 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Asia XI, Lahore, Lahore City, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, National Bank of Pakistan, Punjab Stallions, Rajasthan Royals
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
Relation Brother - Adnan Akmal, Brother - Umar Akmal
Kamran Akmal may well be the most emphatic proof of cricket's changed priorities post Adam Gilchrist. Sides now search for an explosive batsman who can change a day, an innings, a phase with the bat and so long as you can identify right wicketkeeping glove from left, the place is yours.
Born : January 13, 1982, Lahore, Punjab
Current age : 30 years 256 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Asia XI, Lahore, Lahore City, Lahore Eagles, Lahore Lions, National Bank of Pakistan, Punjab Stallions, Rajasthan Royals
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
Relation Brother - Adnan Akmal, Brother - Umar Akmal
Kamran Akmal may well be the most emphatic proof of cricket's changed priorities post Adam Gilchrist. Sides now search for an explosive batsman who can change a day, an innings, a phase with the bat and so long as you can identify right wicketkeeping glove from left, the place is yours.
Mohammad Junaid Khan
Full name : Mohammad Junaid Khan
Born : December 24, 1989, Matra, North-West Frontier Province
Current age : 22 years 276 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Abbottabad, Abbottabad Rhinos, Lancashire, Pakistan Under-19s
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Left-arm medium-fast
At U-19 level Junaid Khan was among of a crop of the most promising young fast bowlers in recent years, alongside Mohammad Amir. Good pace and better stamina and an ability to move the ball around if the conditions are right, Khan finally made it to national contention when he was called up for Pakistan's 2011 World Cup squad as a late replacement for Sohail Tanvir. His Test debut, against Zimbabwe in 2011, was uneventful, but in his second Test he showed his class with a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka on a flat surface in Abu Dhabi.
Born : December 24, 1989, Matra, North-West Frontier Province
Current age : 22 years 276 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Abbottabad, Abbottabad Rhinos, Lancashire, Pakistan Under-19s
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Left-arm medium-fast
At U-19 level Junaid Khan was among of a crop of the most promising young fast bowlers in recent years, alongside Mohammad Amir. Good pace and better stamina and an ability to move the ball around if the conditions are right, Khan finally made it to national contention when he was called up for Pakistan's 2011 World Cup squad as a late replacement for Sohail Tanvir. His Test debut, against Zimbabwe in 2011, was uneventful, but in his second Test he showed his class with a five-wicket haul against Sri Lanka on a flat surface in Abu Dhabi.
Mohammad Hafeez
Full name : Mohammad Hafeez
Born : October 17, 1980, Sargodha, Punjab
Current age : 31 years 344 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Faisalabad, Faisalabad Wolves, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sargodha, Sui Gas Corporation of Pakistan
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
An opening batsman and handy offspin bowler, Mohammad Hafeez first played for Pakistan in 2003, but it was only in 2011 that he finally became a regular in the side in all formats.
Born : October 17, 1980, Sargodha, Punjab
Current age : 31 years 344 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Faisalabad, Faisalabad Wolves, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sargodha, Sui Gas Corporation of Pakistan
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
An opening batsman and handy offspin bowler, Mohammad Hafeez first played for Pakistan in 2003, but it was only in 2011 that he finally became a regular in the side in all formats.
Awais Zia
Full name : Awais Zia
Born : September 1, 1986, Bhown, Chakwal, Punjab
Current age : 26 years 24 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Dhaka Gladiators, Federal Areas, Khan Research Laboratories, Pakistan Television, Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi Rams
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
A middle-order batsman in the first-class format and also an opener in Twenty20 cricket, Awais Zia won a call-up to the national side for the first time in 2012, when he was picked in the T20 squad for the series against England in the UAE. By then, Zia had already spent four years on the domestic circuit and was with Rawalpindi at the time of selection. His T20 team, Rawalpindi Rams, made it to the final of the Faysal Bank T-20 Cup in 2011 and Awais delivered a fitting start to their chase of 181 - it ended in a 10-run defeat, but Awais smashed 32 in just 13 balls while opening the batting. That potential to make an impact at the top of the order won him his first international stint.
Born : September 1, 1986, Bhown, Chakwal, Punjab
Current age : 26 years 24 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Dhaka Gladiators, Federal Areas, Khan Research Laboratories, Pakistan Television, Rawalpindi, Rawalpindi Rams
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
A middle-order batsman in the first-class format and also an opener in Twenty20 cricket, Awais Zia won a call-up to the national side for the first time in 2012, when he was picked in the T20 squad for the series against England in the UAE. By then, Zia had already spent four years on the domestic circuit and was with Rawalpindi at the time of selection. His T20 team, Rawalpindi Rams, made it to the final of the Faysal Bank T-20 Cup in 2011 and Awais delivered a fitting start to their chase of 181 - it ended in a 10-run defeat, but Awais smashed 32 in just 13 balls while opening the batting. That potential to make an impact at the top of the order won him his first international stint.
Mohammad Younis Khan
Full name : Mohammad Younis Khan
Born : November 29, 1977, Mardan, North-West Frontier Province
Current age : 34 years 301 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, Nottinghamshire, Peshawar Cricket Association, Rajasthan Royals, South Australia, Surrey, Warwickshire, Yorkshire
Also known as : Younus Khan
Playing role : Middle-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium, Legbreak
One of Pakistan's modern batting greats, Younis Khan is the kind of man who responds best in adversity. A Test average of over 50, a triple-hundred, a famous double-hundred against India in India, and a brilliant rearguard partnership to clinch Pakistan's 3-0 Test whitewash over England, leave no doubt about his quality and class. He is also one of the most successful fielders for Pakistan, and can bowl respectable slow-medium. As a captain, Younis has enjoyed success in leading Pakistan to the world Twenty20 title in 2009. Much of his persona evokes the idea of the quintessential Pathan warrior - committed, inspired, capable, and bearing the burden of conflict with fortitude and poise. Born in Mardan, a prominent city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Younis moved at an early age to Karachi, where he caught the eye of Rashid Latif and Saeed Anwar at Malir Gymkhana, one of the city's renowned sports clubs. The relationship with Latif blossomed into a nurturing mentorship, guiding Younis towards entry onto the world stage. After two impressive domestic seasons, he got a Test call-up, and marked it with a century on debut. Style and aesthetics are not his strongest points. His technique relies on a good deal of bottom hand, which deprives it of the fluidity and grace that is typical of Asia's best batsmen. Yet when Younis gets going, he produces results in the face of steep odds. Indeed, the steeper the odds, the more Younis seems to thrive. His match-winning 267 and 84 not out in Bangalore came after a string of low scores prompted a sarcastic comment from the team manager that leaked into the media. His greatest captaincy feat - the world Twenty20 championship in England - was achieved weeks after Pakistan cricket had been devastated by the terror attacks in Lahore. And though his triple-century came at home on a flat track, the innings began under pressure when Younis, eschewing the nightwatchman, stepped out himself in the dying moments of the second day with Pakistan staring at a huge Sri Lankan total. Unsurprisingly for a rearguard specialist, Younis has emerged a master of the fourth innings. Among players with 1000 or more fourth-innings Test runs, his average is among the highest. Along with these accomplishments, Younis's career has also seen turmoil. Inability to control infighting within the team and display tact with the PCB led to him losing the captaincy in late 2009, and he effected a moody refusal when circumstances changed and it was offered again. His nature is to be inward-looking and intensely focused, quietly fighting his way through. While this makes for a reclusive personality that shuns the media and runs afoul of officialdom, it has also been the source of Younis's batting strength and his extraordinary resilience as a cricketer.
Born : November 29, 1977, Mardan, North-West Frontier Province
Current age : 34 years 301 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Habib Bank Limited, Nottinghamshire, Peshawar Cricket Association, Rajasthan Royals, South Australia, Surrey, Warwickshire, Yorkshire
Also known as : Younus Khan
Playing role : Middle-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm medium, Legbreak
One of Pakistan's modern batting greats, Younis Khan is the kind of man who responds best in adversity. A Test average of over 50, a triple-hundred, a famous double-hundred against India in India, and a brilliant rearguard partnership to clinch Pakistan's 3-0 Test whitewash over England, leave no doubt about his quality and class. He is also one of the most successful fielders for Pakistan, and can bowl respectable slow-medium. As a captain, Younis has enjoyed success in leading Pakistan to the world Twenty20 title in 2009. Much of his persona evokes the idea of the quintessential Pathan warrior - committed, inspired, capable, and bearing the burden of conflict with fortitude and poise. Born in Mardan, a prominent city in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, Younis moved at an early age to Karachi, where he caught the eye of Rashid Latif and Saeed Anwar at Malir Gymkhana, one of the city's renowned sports clubs. The relationship with Latif blossomed into a nurturing mentorship, guiding Younis towards entry onto the world stage. After two impressive domestic seasons, he got a Test call-up, and marked it with a century on debut. Style and aesthetics are not his strongest points. His technique relies on a good deal of bottom hand, which deprives it of the fluidity and grace that is typical of Asia's best batsmen. Yet when Younis gets going, he produces results in the face of steep odds. Indeed, the steeper the odds, the more Younis seems to thrive. His match-winning 267 and 84 not out in Bangalore came after a string of low scores prompted a sarcastic comment from the team manager that leaked into the media. His greatest captaincy feat - the world Twenty20 championship in England - was achieved weeks after Pakistan cricket had been devastated by the terror attacks in Lahore. And though his triple-century came at home on a flat track, the innings began under pressure when Younis, eschewing the nightwatchman, stepped out himself in the dying moments of the second day with Pakistan staring at a huge Sri Lankan total. Unsurprisingly for a rearguard specialist, Younis has emerged a master of the fourth innings. Among players with 1000 or more fourth-innings Test runs, his average is among the highest. Along with these accomplishments, Younis's career has also seen turmoil. Inability to control infighting within the team and display tact with the PCB led to him losing the captaincy in late 2009, and he effected a moody refusal when circumstances changed and it was offered again. His nature is to be inward-looking and intensely focused, quietly fighting his way through. While this makes for a reclusive personality that shuns the media and runs afoul of officialdom, it has also been the source of Younis's batting strength and his extraordinary resilience as a cricketer.
Shoaib Malik
Born : February 1, 1982, Sialkot, Punjab
Current age : 30 years 237 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Asia XI, Delhi Daredevils, Gloucestershire, Gujranwala Cricket Association, Pakistan International Airlines, Pakistan Reserves, Sialkot Cricket Association, Sialkot Stallions
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Relation Brother - Adeel Malik
There is almost no role in a cricket side that Shoaib Malik hasn't filled, so much so that over ten years into his career, nobody is sure what his precise and best role is.
Nasir Jamshed
Full name : Nasir Jamshed
Born : December 6, 1989, Lahore, Punjab
Current age : 22 years 294 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Lahore Lions, Lahore Region Blues, National Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Under-19s
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Following an impressive 74 for National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on his first-class debut when aged only 15, Nasir Jamshed was selected for the Pakistan Under-19s side to play the visiting Sri Lankans. Scoring a 44 and a 204 on his debut, he helped his side draw that match after Pakistan had conceded a 253-run first-innings lead. Although he failed to replicate those performances for the remainder of the season, he remained part of the NBP squad as well as representing Lahore. Jamshed was also part of the Pakistan U-19 squad that successfully defended its title in 2006, beating India by 38 runs.
Born : December 6, 1989, Lahore, Punjab
Current age : 22 years 294 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Lahore Lions, Lahore Region Blues, National Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Under-19s
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Following an impressive 74 for National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) on his first-class debut when aged only 15, Nasir Jamshed was selected for the Pakistan Under-19s side to play the visiting Sri Lankans. Scoring a 44 and a 204 on his debut, he helped his side draw that match after Pakistan had conceded a 253-run first-innings lead. Although he failed to replicate those performances for the remainder of the season, he remained part of the NBP squad as well as representing Lahore. Jamshed was also part of the Pakistan U-19 squad that successfully defended its title in 2006, beating India by 38 runs.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Misbah-ul-Haq Khan Niazi
Full name : Misbah-ul-Haq Khan Niazi
Born : May 28, 1974, Mianwali, Punjab
Current age : 38 years 119 days
Major : teams Pakistan, Khan Research Labs, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sargodha
Playing role : Middle-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Legbreak
The most remarkable aspect about Misbah-ul-Haq is his unflappable temperament. It shows in his batting, which reached unprecedented levels of consistency in 2011, and in his captaincy, which helped lift Pakistan from the depths of the spot-fixing saga in England in 2010. Taking over as leader immediately after that episode at the age of 36, Misbah's calm approach was exactly what Pakistan cricket needed after the tumultuous period it had gone through.
Born : May 28, 1974, Mianwali, Punjab
Current age : 38 years 119 days
Major : teams Pakistan, Khan Research Labs, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sargodha
Playing role : Middle-order batsman
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Legbreak
The most remarkable aspect about Misbah-ul-Haq is his unflappable temperament. It shows in his batting, which reached unprecedented levels of consistency in 2011, and in his captaincy, which helped lift Pakistan from the depths of the spot-fixing saga in England in 2010. Taking over as leader immediately after that episode at the age of 36, Misbah's calm approach was exactly what Pakistan cricket needed after the tumultuous period it had gone through.
Saeed Ajmal
Full name : Saeed Ajmal
Born : October 14, 1977, Faisalabad, Punjab
Current age : 34 years 346 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Dhaka Gladiators, Faisalabad, Islamabad Cricket Association, Khan Research Labs, Water and Power Development Authority, Worcestershire
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
A modern-day offspinner who relies on the doosra as much as on other variations of flight and speed, Saeed Ajmal made a relatively late entry into international cricket, at the age of 30, but is doing his best to make up for lost time, quickly moving up to be regarded among the best spinners in the game today. Ajmal didn't play his first Test till almost 32, but showed immediately that he belonged, taking five wickets in his debut Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2009.
Born : October 14, 1977, Faisalabad, Punjab
Current age : 34 years 346 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Dhaka Gladiators, Faisalabad, Islamabad Cricket Association, Khan Research Labs, Water and Power Development Authority, Worcestershire
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
A modern-day offspinner who relies on the doosra as much as on other variations of flight and speed, Saeed Ajmal made a relatively late entry into international cricket, at the age of 30, but is doing his best to make up for lost time, quickly moving up to be regarded among the best spinners in the game today. Ajmal didn't play his first Test till almost 32, but showed immediately that he belonged, taking five wickets in his debut Test against Sri Lanka in Galle in 2009.
Shahid Afridi
Full name : Sahibzada Mohammad Shahid Khan Afridi
Born : March 1, 1980, Khyber Agency
Current age : 32 years 207 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Asia XI, Deccan Chargers, Dhaka Gladiators, Fly Emirates XI, Griqualand West, Habib Bank Limited, Hampshire, ICC World XI, Karachi, Leicestershire, Melbourne Renegades, South Australia
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Legbreak googly
Relation Brother - Tariq Afridi, Brother - Ashfaq Afridi
Of Shahid Afridi it can safely be said that cricket never has and never will see another like him. To say he is an allrounder is to say Albert Einstein was a scientist; it tells a criminally bare story.
Born : March 1, 1980, Khyber Agency
Current age : 32 years 207 days
Major teams : Pakistan, Asia XI, Deccan Chargers, Dhaka Gladiators, Fly Emirates XI, Griqualand West, Habib Bank Limited, Hampshire, ICC World XI, Karachi, Leicestershire, Melbourne Renegades, South Australia
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Legbreak googly
Relation Brother - Tariq Afridi, Brother - Ashfaq Afridi
Of Shahid Afridi it can safely be said that cricket never has and never will see another like him. To say he is an allrounder is to say Albert Einstein was a scientist; it tells a criminally bare story.
Chamith Kosala Bandara Kulasekara
Full name : Chamith Kosala Bandara Kulasekara
Born : July 15, 1985, Mavanalle
Current age : 27 years 71 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Galle Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Academy XI, Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI, Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI, Sri Lanka Under-17s, Sri Lanka Under-19s
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Height : 6 ft 1 in
Education : Vidyartha College, Kandy
Kosala Kulasekara is a big-hitting 6' 1" batting allrounder who has been a regular performer in domestic cricket for Nondescripts CC in the Premier tournament and Ruhuna in the Inter-provincial tournament. His approach to the game is more suitable for the one-day and T20 formats where he has excelled in domestic matches. In 2010 he hit a whirlwind 43 off 15 balls against Basnahira North in the inter-provincial T20 match and captured four wickets for 26 with his nippy deliveries to help Ruhuna convert a losing cause into a winning one.
Born : July 15, 1985, Mavanalle
Current age : 27 years 71 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Galle Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Academy XI, Sri Lanka Cricket Development XI, Sri Lanka Cricket President's XI, Sri Lanka Under-17s, Sri Lanka Under-19s
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Height : 6 ft 1 in
Education : Vidyartha College, Kandy
Kosala Kulasekara is a big-hitting 6' 1" batting allrounder who has been a regular performer in domestic cricket for Nondescripts CC in the Premier tournament and Ruhuna in the Inter-provincial tournament. His approach to the game is more suitable for the one-day and T20 formats where he has excelled in domestic matches. In 2010 he hit a whirlwind 43 off 15 balls against Basnahira North in the inter-provincial T20 match and captured four wickets for 26 with his nippy deliveries to help Ruhuna convert a losing cause into a winning one.
Warushavithana Upul Tharanga
Full name : Warushavithana Upul Tharanga
Born : February 2, 1985, Balapitiya
Current age : 27 years 235 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna, Singha Sports Club, Sri Lanka Board President's XI, Sri Lanka Board XI
Playing role : Batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Fielding position : Occasional wicketkeeper
Upul Tharanga's call-up to the national one-day squad in July 2005 brightened a year marred by the Asian tsunami, which washed away his family home in Ambalangoda, a fishing town on the west coast. From an early age he was tipped for the big time, playing Premier League cricket for Singha CC at the age of 15 and passing seamlessly and successfully through the Sri Lanka under-15, under-17 and under-19 development squads. He first really caught the eye during the under-19 World Cup in 2004 when he cracked 117 against South Africa and then 61 in 42 balls against India in the next game. Then, after a successful tour with the under-19 team to Pakistan, during which he scored half-centuries in each of the two Tests and two one-day matches, the Sri Lankan board sent him to play league cricket in Essex, where he starred for Loughton Cricket Club. He soon graduated to the A team and after accomplished performances against West Indies A earlier he was selected for the national squad a week later. However, it was on the 2006 tour of England that he really began to develop, especially in the one-day game, with an outstanding century at Lord's in the first match of Sri Lanka's 5-0 whitewash. Back-to-back centuries followed in the Champions Trophy and he was formed a destructive partnership with Sanath Jayasuriya without having to compromise his natural flair. He is also a skillful wicketkeeper.
Born : February 2, 1985, Balapitiya
Current age : 27 years 235 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna, Singha Sports Club, Sri Lanka Board President's XI, Sri Lanka Board XI
Playing role : Batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Fielding position : Occasional wicketkeeper
Upul Tharanga's call-up to the national one-day squad in July 2005 brightened a year marred by the Asian tsunami, which washed away his family home in Ambalangoda, a fishing town on the west coast. From an early age he was tipped for the big time, playing Premier League cricket for Singha CC at the age of 15 and passing seamlessly and successfully through the Sri Lanka under-15, under-17 and under-19 development squads. He first really caught the eye during the under-19 World Cup in 2004 when he cracked 117 against South Africa and then 61 in 42 balls against India in the next game. Then, after a successful tour with the under-19 team to Pakistan, during which he scored half-centuries in each of the two Tests and two one-day matches, the Sri Lankan board sent him to play league cricket in Essex, where he starred for Loughton Cricket Club. He soon graduated to the A team and after accomplished performances against West Indies A earlier he was selected for the national squad a week later. However, it was on the 2006 tour of England that he really began to develop, especially in the one-day game, with an outstanding century at Lord's in the first match of Sri Lanka's 5-0 whitewash. Back-to-back centuries followed in the Champions Trophy and he was formed a destructive partnership with Sanath Jayasuriya without having to compromise his natural flair. He is also a skillful wicketkeeper.
Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara
Full name : Kumar Chokshanada Sangakkara
Born : October 27, 1977, Matale
Current age: : 34 years 333 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Central Province, Colombo District Cricket Association, Deccan Chargers, ICC World XI, Kandurata, Kings XI Punjab, Marylebone Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Warwickshire
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
As soon as he broke into the side at the age of 22, while a law student, it was apparent that Kumar Sangakkara was destined for more than just batting stardom. The left-handers that had preceded him, like Arjuna Ranatunga and Asanka Gurusinha, had been pugnacious battlers but Sangakkara was cut from more graceful cloth, easing into strokes with the elegance often associated with those that play with the 'other' hand. The cut and the pull came naturally to him and with growing confidence, he became a more assured front-foot player as well.
Born : October 27, 1977, Matale
Current age: : 34 years 333 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Central Province, Colombo District Cricket Association, Deccan Chargers, ICC World XI, Kandurata, Kings XI Punjab, Marylebone Cricket Club, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Warwickshire
Playing role : Wicketkeeper batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
As soon as he broke into the side at the age of 22, while a law student, it was apparent that Kumar Sangakkara was destined for more than just batting stardom. The left-handers that had preceded him, like Arjuna Ranatunga and Asanka Gurusinha, had been pugnacious battlers but Sangakkara was cut from more graceful cloth, easing into strokes with the elegance often associated with those that play with the 'other' hand. The cut and the pull came naturally to him and with growing confidence, he became a more assured front-foot player as well.
Angelo Davis Mathews
Full name : Angelo Davis Mathews
Born : June 2, 1987, Colombo
Current age : 25 years 114 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Basnahira North, Colts Cricket Club, Combined Provinces, Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Under-19s
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Angelo Mathews is one of Sri Lanka's finest all-round cricketers, and has been praised for his ability to handle pressure. He is a product of St Joseph's College, Colombo, where he teamed up with Thisara Perera to bring several honours to the school. After a quiet debut first-class season, in 2007-08, he made big strides with 696 runs at 58. He made it to the national side for the tour of Zimbabwe in 2008, but it was at the World Twenty20 the following year where he announced himself with an acrobatic save at the boundary, and a three-wicket opening over. He made his Test debut later that year and has since established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman and third seamer. He made his first Test century against Australia in Colombo in 2011, after he was named vice-captain. In one-dayers, Mathews has impressed with his ability to bat with the tail in tight situations, most notably in Melbourne in 2010, and against Pakistan in 2012. Injuries remain his biggest concern and as a result he has had to cut down on bowling on occasions.
Born : June 2, 1987, Colombo
Current age : 25 years 114 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Basnahira North, Colts Cricket Club, Combined Provinces, Kolkata Knight Riders, Pune Warriors, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Under-19s
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Angelo Mathews is one of Sri Lanka's finest all-round cricketers, and has been praised for his ability to handle pressure. He is a product of St Joseph's College, Colombo, where he teamed up with Thisara Perera to bring several honours to the school. After a quiet debut first-class season, in 2007-08, he made big strides with 696 runs at 58. He made it to the national side for the tour of Zimbabwe in 2008, but it was at the World Twenty20 the following year where he announced himself with an acrobatic save at the boundary, and a three-wicket opening over. He made his Test debut later that year and has since established himself as a reliable middle-order batsman and third seamer. He made his first Test century against Australia in Colombo in 2011, after he was named vice-captain. In one-dayers, Mathews has impressed with his ability to bat with the tail in tight situations, most notably in Melbourne in 2010, and against Pakistan in 2012. Injuries remain his biggest concern and as a result he has had to cut down on bowling on occasions.
Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan
Full name : Tillakaratne Mudiyanselage Dilshan
Born : October 14, 1976, Kalutara
Current age : 35 years 346 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Basnahira South, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Delhi Daredevils, Kalutara Town Club, Northern Districts, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sebastianites Cricket and Athletic Club, Singha Sports Club
Also known as :Tuwan Mohamad Dilshan
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
With his relentless aggression, strong wrists and natural timing, Tillakaratne Dilshan is one of the most exciting batsmen in the game today. He is technically sound, but, much like Virender Sehwag, he uses the defensive option only as a last resort, after all the attacking alternatives have been explored. He loves to make room and thrash the ball through the off side, but the stroke that bears his signature more than any other is the one he developed for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 - the eponymously named "Dilscoop" shot over his head, which confounded bowlers and experts alike.
Born : October 14, 1976, Kalutara
Current age : 35 years 346 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Basnahira South, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Delhi Daredevils, Kalutara Town Club, Northern Districts, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Sebastianites Cricket and Athletic Club, Singha Sports Club
Also known as :Tuwan Mohamad Dilshan
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Fielding position : Wicketkeeper
With his relentless aggression, strong wrists and natural timing, Tillakaratne Dilshan is one of the most exciting batsmen in the game today. He is technically sound, but, much like Virender Sehwag, he uses the defensive option only as a last resort, after all the attacking alternatives have been explored. He loves to make room and thrash the ball through the off side, but the stroke that bears his signature more than any other is the one he developed for the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 - the eponymously named "Dilscoop" shot over his head, which confounded bowlers and experts alike.
Ajantha Mendis
Full name : Balapuwaduge Ajantha Winslow Mendis
Born : March 11, 1985, Moratuwa
Current age : 27 years 197 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Combined Provinces, Hampshire, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Board President's XI, Wayamba
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak, Legbreak
Ajantha Mendis reintroduced mystery to spin in the era of video analysts and super-slow-motion replays. Much like the original mystery spinner, Jack Iverson, and the other practitioner of the "Iversons", John Gleeson, Mendis stunned the world with his finger-flicked legbreaks. His Iversons came with a new name, the "carrom ball", taken from the way the striker is flicked in the popular board game in the subcontinent.
Born : March 11, 1985, Moratuwa
Current age : 27 years 197 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Combined Provinces, Hampshire, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Board President's XI, Wayamba
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak, Legbreak
Ajantha Mendis reintroduced mystery to spin in the era of video analysts and super-slow-motion replays. Much like the original mystery spinner, Jack Iverson, and the other practitioner of the "Iversons", John Gleeson, Mendis stunned the world with his finger-flicked legbreaks. His Iversons came with a new name, the "carrom ball", taken from the way the striker is flicked in the popular board game in the subcontinent.
Mohamed Farveez Maharoof
Full name : Mohamed Farveez Maharoof
Born : September 7, 1984, Colombo
Current age : 28 years 17 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Colombo Cricket Club, Delhi Daredevils, Lancashire, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Schools XI, Sri Lanka Under-15s, Sri Lanka Under-19s, Wayamba, Wesley College
Also known as : Fara
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Farveez Maharoof is a young fast-bowling allrounder of exciting potential, and bowls lively seamers from an upright, open-chested action. Sri Lanka's selectors, impressed by his performances as under-19 captain, fast-tracked him into the national squad for the Zimbabwe tour as they looked towards the future. Faced with a weak opposition, Maharoof picked up a bunch of wickets, but then came up against better competitors during the Asia Cup. He performed reasonably well, and made a mark with his swinging deliveries when South Africa came visiting. He had worked his way up through the representative ranks, playing for Sri Lanka under-15, under-17 and under-19, and led the under-19 team on four tours, including the 2004 Youth World Cup in Bangladesh. He enjoyed a prolific school career for Wesley College, with a highest score of 243 and best bowling figures of 8 for 20. Opportunities in the Test team have been limited but in the one-day side he has started to cement a permanent spot. A mean display during the ICC Champions Trophy in England, when he exploited the end-of-summer conditions expertly, suggested he could be especially useful when Sri Lanka play in seamer-friendly conditions. His batting has taken longer to click for the senior team but his talent is obvious and a middle-order position for the under-19 team suggests that with time he has the raw ingredients to become one of Sri Lanka's finest allrounders. Most importantly, he has also indicated that he is comfortable under pressure, the traditional Achilles Heel of Sri Lanka's recent fast bowling allrounders. A useful series with bat and ball against Pakistan in early 2006 suggested he was ready to push on, but his bowling failed to impress on the tour of England - in conditions that should have suited him. Then came an astonishing display at the Champions Trophy in India when his 6 for 14 skittled West Indies for 80. He performed creditably with bat and ball for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL's first season. A regular in the one-day side, he's yet to cement his place in the Test side.
Born : September 7, 1984, Colombo
Current age : 28 years 17 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, Asia XI, Bloomfield Cricket and Athletic Club, Colombo Cricket Club, Delhi Daredevils, Lancashire, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Sri Lanka A, Sri Lanka Schools XI, Sri Lanka Under-15s, Sri Lanka Under-19s, Wayamba, Wesley College
Also known as : Fara
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
Farveez Maharoof is a young fast-bowling allrounder of exciting potential, and bowls lively seamers from an upright, open-chested action. Sri Lanka's selectors, impressed by his performances as under-19 captain, fast-tracked him into the national squad for the Zimbabwe tour as they looked towards the future. Faced with a weak opposition, Maharoof picked up a bunch of wickets, but then came up against better competitors during the Asia Cup. He performed reasonably well, and made a mark with his swinging deliveries when South Africa came visiting. He had worked his way up through the representative ranks, playing for Sri Lanka under-15, under-17 and under-19, and led the under-19 team on four tours, including the 2004 Youth World Cup in Bangladesh. He enjoyed a prolific school career for Wesley College, with a highest score of 243 and best bowling figures of 8 for 20. Opportunities in the Test team have been limited but in the one-day side he has started to cement a permanent spot. A mean display during the ICC Champions Trophy in England, when he exploited the end-of-summer conditions expertly, suggested he could be especially useful when Sri Lanka play in seamer-friendly conditions. His batting has taken longer to click for the senior team but his talent is obvious and a middle-order position for the under-19 team suggests that with time he has the raw ingredients to become one of Sri Lanka's finest allrounders. Most importantly, he has also indicated that he is comfortable under pressure, the traditional Achilles Heel of Sri Lanka's recent fast bowling allrounders. A useful series with bat and ball against Pakistan in early 2006 suggested he was ready to push on, but his bowling failed to impress on the tour of England - in conditions that should have suited him. Then came an astonishing display at the Champions Trophy in India when his 6 for 14 skittled West Indies for 80. He performed creditably with bat and ball for the Delhi Daredevils in the IPL's first season. A regular in the one-day side, he's yet to cement his place in the Test side.
Separamadu Lasith Malinga
Full name : Separamadu Lasith Malinga
Born : August 28, 1983, Galle
Current age : 29 years 27 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, BCCSL Academy XI, Galle Cricket Club, Kent, Mumbai Indians, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna
Also known as : Separamadu Lasith Malinga Swarnajith
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast
Lasith Malinga was the surprise selection for Sri Lanka's tour to Australia in 2004, though he had a fearsome reputation on the domestic circuit. Malinga bowls with a distinctive and explosive round-arm action which generates genuine pace and can disconcert batsmen who struggle to pick up the ball's trajectory. Already, he is rated the fastest bowler in Sri Lanka. His first performance in Sri Lankan colours was also impressive - he took 6 for 90 against a Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI. That paved the way for his inclusion in the Test team, and he acquitted himself quite well too, dismissing Darren Lehmann and Adam Gilchrist in the same over.
Born : August 28, 1983, Galle
Current age : 29 years 27 days
Major teams : Sri Lanka, BCCSL Academy XI, Galle Cricket Club, Kent, Mumbai Indians, Nondescripts Cricket Club, Ruhuna
Also known as : Separamadu Lasith Malinga Swarnajith
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast
Lasith Malinga was the surprise selection for Sri Lanka's tour to Australia in 2004, though he had a fearsome reputation on the domestic circuit. Malinga bowls with a distinctive and explosive round-arm action which generates genuine pace and can disconcert batsmen who struggle to pick up the ball's trajectory. Already, he is rated the fastest bowler in Sri Lanka. His first performance in Sri Lankan colours was also impressive - he took 6 for 90 against a Northern Territory Chief Minister's XI. That paved the way for his inclusion in the Test team, and he acquitted himself quite well too, dismissing Darren Lehmann and Adam Gilchrist in the same over.
Yusuf Khan Pathan
Full name : Yusuf Khan Pathan
Born : November 17, 1982, Baroda, Gujarat
Current age : 29 years 312 days
Major teams : India, Baroda, India Green, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Relation Half-brother - IK Pathan
Yusuf Pathan first made his mark as a hard-hitting batsman and offspinner for the Baroda Under-16 team in the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 1999-2000. His impressive showings saw him quickly climb the rungs to the Baroda U-19 and the West Zone U-19 sides. He made his Ranji debut against Saurashtra in 2001-02, but it wasn't until the 2004-05 season, by when younger brother Irfan Pathan was donning the national colours, that he established himself as a regular in the Baroda squad. Pathan ended the 2004-05 season as Baroda's fourth-highest scorer and third-highest wicket-taker.
Born : November 17, 1982, Baroda, Gujarat
Current age : 29 years 312 days
Major teams : India, Baroda, India Green, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm offbreak
Relation Half-brother - IK Pathan
Yusuf Pathan first made his mark as a hard-hitting batsman and offspinner for the Baroda Under-16 team in the Vijay Merchant Trophy in 1999-2000. His impressive showings saw him quickly climb the rungs to the Baroda U-19 and the West Zone U-19 sides. He made his Ranji debut against Saurashtra in 2001-02, but it wasn't until the 2004-05 season, by when younger brother Irfan Pathan was donning the national colours, that he established himself as a regular in the Baroda squad. Pathan ended the 2004-05 season as Baroda's fourth-highest scorer and third-highest wicket-taker.
Zaheer Khan
Full name : Zaheer Khan
Born : October 7, 1978, Shrirampur, Maharashtra
Current age : 33 years 353 days
Major teams : India, Asia XI, Asia XI, Baroda, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Surrey, Worcestershire
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Left-arm fast-medium
Zaheer Khan is an Indian fast bowler with all the traits that made the Pakistani fast bowlers a phenomenon. He swings the new ball and reverses the old, he does well on flat subcontinent pitches and relishes the helpful ones away, and he controls all three balls well - SG, Duke and Kookaburra. He might not quite have the skills of Wasim Akram, who he has often been compared to, but mentally Zaheer has become as good as Akram. He knows how to get wickets, he has an intuitive sense of when to go for the kill, and once a batsman has shown him the slightest hint of a weakness, Zaheer preys on it ruthlessly. Unlike the Pakistan fast bowlers of the 2000s, though, he stays away from controversy and is pretty low-key off the field.
Born : October 7, 1978, Shrirampur, Maharashtra
Current age : 33 years 353 days
Major teams : India, Asia XI, Asia XI, Baroda, Mumbai, Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Surrey, Worcestershire
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Left-arm fast-medium
Zaheer Khan is an Indian fast bowler with all the traits that made the Pakistani fast bowlers a phenomenon. He swings the new ball and reverses the old, he does well on flat subcontinent pitches and relishes the helpful ones away, and he controls all three balls well - SG, Duke and Kookaburra. He might not quite have the skills of Wasim Akram, who he has often been compared to, but mentally Zaheer has become as good as Akram. He knows how to get wickets, he has an intuitive sense of when to go for the kill, and once a batsman has shown him the slightest hint of a weakness, Zaheer preys on it ruthlessly. Unlike the Pakistan fast bowlers of the 2000s, though, he stays away from controversy and is pretty low-key off the field.
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth
Full name : Shanthakumaran Sreesanth
Born : February 6, 1983, Kothamangalam, Kerala
Current age : 29 years 231 days
Major teams : India, Asia XI, Kerala, Kerala Under-19s, Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Rajasthan Royals, Warwickshire
Also known as : Gopu
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
For three seasons, Sreesanth was hardly anything more than an answer to a trivia question - who is the only Kerala bowler to have taken a Ranji Trophy hat-trick ? His rise, though, was rapid, and since he played for a weak side, unnoticed. Not too many bowlers get selected for the Duleep Trophy in their first season, like Sreesanth did in 2002-03 after snapping up 22 wickets in his first seven games.
Born : February 6, 1983, Kothamangalam, Kerala
Current age : 29 years 231 days
Major teams : India, Asia XI, Kerala, Kerala Under-19s, Kings XI Punjab, Kochi Tuskers Kerala, Rajasthan Royals, Warwickshire
Also known as : Gopu
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style : Right-arm fast-medium
For three seasons, Sreesanth was hardly anything more than an answer to a trivia question - who is the only Kerala bowler to have taken a Ranji Trophy hat-trick ? His rise, though, was rapid, and since he played for a weak side, unnoticed. Not too many bowlers get selected for the Duleep Trophy in their first season, like Sreesanth did in 2002-03 after snapping up 22 wickets in his first seven games.
Harbhajan Singh
Full name : Harbhajan Singh
Born : July 3, 1980, Jullundur (now Jalandhar), Punjab
Current age :32 years 83 days
Major teams : India, Asia XI, Essex, India Green, Lancashire, Mumbai Indians, Punjab, Surrey
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak
A player of passion, with talent to match, Harbhajan Singh is India's most successful offspin bowler. Purists might mutter about a lack of loop and flight, but he is very much a product of his times where short boundaries, heavy bats and shorter forms afford little latitude to slow bowlers. Bowling with a windmilling, whiplash action, remodelled after he was reported for throwing, he deals by varying his length and his pace, and can turn it the other way too. His deadliest ball, however, is the one that climbs wickedly from a length, forcing a hurried jab. In March 2001, it proved too much for the all-conquering Australians, as Harbhajan collected 32 wickets in three Tests, including the first Test hat-trick by an Indian, while none of his team-mates managed more than three. His personal rivalry against the Australians has provided him both the highest and the lowest points of his career. Invariably, he has managed to raise his game against them, and been singularly responsible for Ricky Ponting's low scores on Indian soil - he dismissed him five times under 12 in the 2001 series - and some his punchiest batting performances has come against them too. But in 2008 his confrontation with Andrew Symonds created one of the ugliest controversies in cricket - he was initially charged with racial insult which was reduced to abuse on appeal. Later that year, he was banned for whole IPL season for slapping Sreesanth, his Indian team-mate. When he channels his natural combativeness in the right direction, he can be a fiercely competitive and dangerous opponent. He was expected to be India's lead spinner in the all three forms of the game after Anil Kumble's retirement, but following a run of poor form was dropped from India's Test team for home series against West Indies and the tour of Australia in the 2011-12 season.
Born : July 3, 1980, Jullundur (now Jalandhar), Punjab
Current age :32 years 83 days
Major teams : India, Asia XI, Essex, India Green, Lancashire, Mumbai Indians, Punjab, Surrey
Playing role : Bowler
Batting style : Right-hand bat
Bowling style: Right-arm offbreak
A player of passion, with talent to match, Harbhajan Singh is India's most successful offspin bowler. Purists might mutter about a lack of loop and flight, but he is very much a product of his times where short boundaries, heavy bats and shorter forms afford little latitude to slow bowlers. Bowling with a windmilling, whiplash action, remodelled after he was reported for throwing, he deals by varying his length and his pace, and can turn it the other way too. His deadliest ball, however, is the one that climbs wickedly from a length, forcing a hurried jab. In March 2001, it proved too much for the all-conquering Australians, as Harbhajan collected 32 wickets in three Tests, including the first Test hat-trick by an Indian, while none of his team-mates managed more than three. His personal rivalry against the Australians has provided him both the highest and the lowest points of his career. Invariably, he has managed to raise his game against them, and been singularly responsible for Ricky Ponting's low scores on Indian soil - he dismissed him five times under 12 in the 2001 series - and some his punchiest batting performances has come against them too. But in 2008 his confrontation with Andrew Symonds created one of the ugliest controversies in cricket - he was initially charged with racial insult which was reduced to abuse on appeal. Later that year, he was banned for whole IPL season for slapping Sreesanth, his Indian team-mate. When he channels his natural combativeness in the right direction, he can be a fiercely competitive and dangerous opponent. He was expected to be India's lead spinner in the all three forms of the game after Anil Kumble's retirement, but following a run of poor form was dropped from India's Test team for home series against West Indies and the tour of Australia in the 2011-12 season.
Gautam Gambhir
Full name : Gautam Gambhir
Born : October 14, 1981, Delhi
Current age : 30 years 346 days
Major teams : India, Delhi, Delhi Daredevils, India Red, Indian Board President's XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Cricket Association President's XI
Playing role : Top-order batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Legbreak
Feisty and firm, capricious and correct, insatiable and insecure, Gautam Gambhir is one of the most complete batsmen of the current era. He is adept at opening in all three forms of the game. He can be more aggressive than Virender Sehwag, he can play the kind of back-to-the-wall innings that would do Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman proud, and he can accumulate without taking any risks, much like Sachin Tendulkar has been doing in the last quarter of his career.
He walks down the track to the fastest of bowlers, and an unfriendly word or three with the fielding side only help him concentrate harder, though it's not as if he needs external motivation to make the most of his time as a cricketer. He almost lost the fight to his own high standards and to the fickle selectors, which left him "not wanting to play anymore" when he was dropped for the 2007 World Cup, and insecure when he did make it back. For about eight first years of his career, he was the domestic cheque that would not be honoured at international level. While the bowlers on the Ranji circuit swore by this little left-hand batsman, he had just two international centuries to show after 13 Tests and 19 ODIs when he was left out of the World Cup party.
He came back with massive runs in domestic cricket, a few important technical adjustments, and with the reputation of being the best player of spin in India, outside the international side. A century in his second ODI back and a final-winning fifty in the inaugural World Twenty20 paved the way for his Test return. Test fifties against Murali and Mendis in the summer of Murali and Mendis in 2008 told him he belonged. In his next 13 Tests, he scored eight centuries: centuries to set up wins, centuries to bat opposition out, and centuries to hold on for draws, including the near 11-hour marathon in Napier. The Arjuna Award came his way, the ICC named him the Test player of 2009, but much more tellingly Sehwag called him the best Indian Test opener since Sunil Gavaskar. The only plausible flaw in Sehwag's claim is Sehwag himself.
Born : October 14, 1981, Delhi
Current age : 30 years 346 days
Major teams : India, Delhi, Delhi Daredevils, India Red, Indian Board President's XI, Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Cricket Association President's XI
Playing role : Top-order batsman
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style : Legbreak
Feisty and firm, capricious and correct, insatiable and insecure, Gautam Gambhir is one of the most complete batsmen of the current era. He is adept at opening in all three forms of the game. He can be more aggressive than Virender Sehwag, he can play the kind of back-to-the-wall innings that would do Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman proud, and he can accumulate without taking any risks, much like Sachin Tendulkar has been doing in the last quarter of his career.
He walks down the track to the fastest of bowlers, and an unfriendly word or three with the fielding side only help him concentrate harder, though it's not as if he needs external motivation to make the most of his time as a cricketer. He almost lost the fight to his own high standards and to the fickle selectors, which left him "not wanting to play anymore" when he was dropped for the 2007 World Cup, and insecure when he did make it back. For about eight first years of his career, he was the domestic cheque that would not be honoured at international level. While the bowlers on the Ranji circuit swore by this little left-hand batsman, he had just two international centuries to show after 13 Tests and 19 ODIs when he was left out of the World Cup party.
He came back with massive runs in domestic cricket, a few important technical adjustments, and with the reputation of being the best player of spin in India, outside the international side. A century in his second ODI back and a final-winning fifty in the inaugural World Twenty20 paved the way for his Test return. Test fifties against Murali and Mendis in the summer of Murali and Mendis in 2008 told him he belonged. In his next 13 Tests, he scored eight centuries: centuries to set up wins, centuries to bat opposition out, and centuries to hold on for draws, including the near 11-hour marathon in Napier. The Arjuna Award came his way, the ICC named him the Test player of 2009, but much more tellingly Sehwag called him the best Indian Test opener since Sunil Gavaskar. The only plausible flaw in Sehwag's claim is Sehwag himself.
Irfan Khan Pathan
Full name : Irfan Khan Pathan
Born : October 27, 1984, Baroda, Gujarat
Current age : 27 years 333 days
Major teams : India, Baroda, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Middlesex
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style :Left-arm medium-fast
Relation Half-brother - YK Pathan
Irfan Khan Pathan was considered by many, with reason, as the most talented swing and seam bowler to emerge from India since Kapil Dev. Within a couple of years in international cricket, he was thought of as a possible successor for Kapil in the allround department. When he made his Test debut in Australia in 2003-04, it was with the energy of a 19-year-old, but a composed nous that was striking even for one who had been specifically readied for the purpose via the A-team and age-group channels. His instinct is not merely what to bowl to who and when, but also to keep learning new tricks. He played a big part in India's one-day and the Test series wins on their revival tour of Pakistan. His batting soon took off and he was regularly pushed up the order - his first stint at No.3 resulted in a spectacular 83 against Sri Lanka at Nagpur - and he often bailed India out of strife in the Test arena as well. His bowling form, though, nosedived in 2006, and he struggled to make it to both the Test and ODI teams when the year ended, becoming the first Indian player to be sent back from a tour (South Africa) to concentrate on domestic cricket. He did make it to the World Cup squad but didn't figure in a single game during India's disappointing campaign, after which he was dropped from both the Test and one-day sides. Recalled to the side for the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa in September 2007, Pathan did not disappoint, snapping up 10 wickets at 14.90. His crucial spell of 3 for 16 in the final against Pakistan earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.
Born : October 27, 1984, Baroda, Gujarat
Current age : 27 years 333 days
Major teams : India, Baroda, Delhi Daredevils, Kings XI Punjab, Middlesex
Playing role : Allrounder
Batting style : Left-hand bat
Bowling style :Left-arm medium-fast
Relation Half-brother - YK Pathan
Irfan Khan Pathan was considered by many, with reason, as the most talented swing and seam bowler to emerge from India since Kapil Dev. Within a couple of years in international cricket, he was thought of as a possible successor for Kapil in the allround department. When he made his Test debut in Australia in 2003-04, it was with the energy of a 19-year-old, but a composed nous that was striking even for one who had been specifically readied for the purpose via the A-team and age-group channels. His instinct is not merely what to bowl to who and when, but also to keep learning new tricks. He played a big part in India's one-day and the Test series wins on their revival tour of Pakistan. His batting soon took off and he was regularly pushed up the order - his first stint at No.3 resulted in a spectacular 83 against Sri Lanka at Nagpur - and he often bailed India out of strife in the Test arena as well. His bowling form, though, nosedived in 2006, and he struggled to make it to both the Test and ODI teams when the year ended, becoming the first Indian player to be sent back from a tour (South Africa) to concentrate on domestic cricket. He did make it to the World Cup squad but didn't figure in a single game during India's disappointing campaign, after which he was dropped from both the Test and one-day sides. Recalled to the side for the ICC World Twenty20 in South Africa in September 2007, Pathan did not disappoint, snapping up 10 wickets at 14.90. His crucial spell of 3 for 16 in the final against Pakistan earned him the Man-of-the-Match award.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Virender Sehwag
Full name : Virender Sehwag
Born : 20 October 1978 (age 33)
Delhi NCR (Haryana), India
Nickname : Viru, Nawab of Najafgarh (Haryana)
Height : 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Batting style : Right-handed
Bowling style: Right arm off break
Role : Opening batsman, occasional off spinner
National side : India
Virender Sehwag About this sound pronunciation (born 20 October 1978), affectionately known as Viru and the Nawab of Najafgarh, also called the Zen master of modern cricket, or the Viv Richards of this era by columnists, is one of the leading batsmen in the Indian cricket team. Sehwag is an aggressive right-handed opening batsman and a part-time right-arm off-spin bowler. He played his first One Day International in 1999 and joined the Indian Test cricket team in 2001. In April 2009, Sehwag became the only Indian to be honoured as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for his performance in 2008, subsequently becoming the first player of any nationality to retain the award for 2009.
Sehwag holds multiple records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket (319), which was also the fastest triple century in the history of international cricket (reached 300 off only 278 balls) as well as the fastest 250 by any batsman (in 207 balls against Sri Lanka on 3 December 2009 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai). His other innings of 309 and 293 are also the second and third best by any Indian player. Sehwag also holds the distinction of being one of four batsmen in the world to have ever surpassed 300 twice in Test cricket, and the only one to score two triple centuries and take a five-wicket innings haul. In March 2009, Sehwag smashed the fastest century ever scored by an Indian in ODI cricket, from 60 balls. On 8 December 2011, he hit his maiden double century in ODI cricket, against West Indies, becoming the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark. His score remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket – 219 off 149 balls. He is the only player in world to score a double hundred in ODI and a triple hundred in Test Cricket.
Sehwag was appointed as vice-captain of the Indian team under Rahul Dravid in October 2005 but due to poor form, he was later replaced by V. V. S. Laxman in December 2006 as Test vice-captain. In January 2007, Sehwag was dropped from the ODI team and later from the Test team as well. During his term as vice-captain, Sehwag skippered the team in place of injured Dravid in 2 ODIs and 1 Test. Following his return to form in 2008 and the retirement of Anil Kumble, Sehwag has been reappointed as the vice-captain for both Tests and ODIs. By early 2009, Sehwag had reestablished himself as one of the best performing batsmen in ODI cricket. In early February a rift had been drawn between the Indian Skipper (MS Dhoni) and Virender Sehwag, but it had been solved. Virender Sehwag was dropped from the Asia Cup squad on fitness grounds, however after an improved performance in the Indian Premier League, Sehwag is making a comeback in Indian ODI side to play Sri Lankan series.
Born : 20 October 1978 (age 33)
Delhi NCR (Haryana), India
Nickname : Viru, Nawab of Najafgarh (Haryana)
Height : 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
Batting style : Right-handed
Bowling style: Right arm off break
Role : Opening batsman, occasional off spinner
National side : India
Virender Sehwag About this sound pronunciation (born 20 October 1978), affectionately known as Viru and the Nawab of Najafgarh, also called the Zen master of modern cricket, or the Viv Richards of this era by columnists, is one of the leading batsmen in the Indian cricket team. Sehwag is an aggressive right-handed opening batsman and a part-time right-arm off-spin bowler. He played his first One Day International in 1999 and joined the Indian Test cricket team in 2001. In April 2009, Sehwag became the only Indian to be honoured as the Wisden Leading Cricketer in the World for his performance in 2008, subsequently becoming the first player of any nationality to retain the award for 2009.
Sehwag holds multiple records including the highest score made by an Indian in Test cricket (319), which was also the fastest triple century in the history of international cricket (reached 300 off only 278 balls) as well as the fastest 250 by any batsman (in 207 balls against Sri Lanka on 3 December 2009 at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai). His other innings of 309 and 293 are also the second and third best by any Indian player. Sehwag also holds the distinction of being one of four batsmen in the world to have ever surpassed 300 twice in Test cricket, and the only one to score two triple centuries and take a five-wicket innings haul. In March 2009, Sehwag smashed the fastest century ever scored by an Indian in ODI cricket, from 60 balls. On 8 December 2011, he hit his maiden double century in ODI cricket, against West Indies, becoming the second batsman after Sachin Tendulkar to reach the landmark. His score remains the highest individual score in ODI cricket – 219 off 149 balls. He is the only player in world to score a double hundred in ODI and a triple hundred in Test Cricket.
Sehwag was appointed as vice-captain of the Indian team under Rahul Dravid in October 2005 but due to poor form, he was later replaced by V. V. S. Laxman in December 2006 as Test vice-captain. In January 2007, Sehwag was dropped from the ODI team and later from the Test team as well. During his term as vice-captain, Sehwag skippered the team in place of injured Dravid in 2 ODIs and 1 Test. Following his return to form in 2008 and the retirement of Anil Kumble, Sehwag has been reappointed as the vice-captain for both Tests and ODIs. By early 2009, Sehwag had reestablished himself as one of the best performing batsmen in ODI cricket. In early February a rift had been drawn between the Indian Skipper (MS Dhoni) and Virender Sehwag, but it had been solved. Virender Sehwag was dropped from the Asia Cup squad on fitness grounds, however after an improved performance in the Indian Premier League, Sehwag is making a comeback in Indian ODI side to play Sri Lankan series.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Full name : Mahendra Singh Dhoni
Born : 7 July 1981 (age 31)
: Ranchi, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), India
Nickname : Mahi
Height : 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Batting style : Right-hand batsman
Bowling style : Right-hand medium
Role : Wicket-keeper, India captain
National side : IndiaMahendra Singh Dhoni About this sound pronunciation (born 7 July 1981) is an Indian cricketer and the current captain of the Indian national cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings cricket team. He made his One Day International debut in December 2004 against Bangladesh, and a year later played his first Test, this time against Sri Lanka.
Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, CB Series of 2007–08, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2008 and 2010 against Australia 2–0, Asia cup 2010 and 2011 World Cup. His Test, ODI record is best among all the Indian captains to date. He also captained Chennai Super Kings to victory in the recent 2011 IPL and in the Champions League. He is now captain of India in all three forms of the game and also led the team to their first ever bilateral ODI series wins in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Under Dhoni's captaincy India became the first team after a gap of more than 20 years to whitewash Australia in a Test series. Dhoni also led the Indian team to the number one position in ICC rankings in Test cricket for the first time. Dhoni has also been the recipient of many awards including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first Indian player to achieve this feat), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award and the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour in 2009. In 2009 Dhoni topped the list of world’s top 10 earning cricketers compiled by Forbes and he has been ranked as 31st richest sportsman in the world according to the Forbes Highest Paid Athletes for the year 2012. Dhoni’s total earnings are estimated to be USD 26.5 million according to Forbes. Thus he has became the richest Indian sportsman surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.He was named as the captain of ICC World Test and ICC ODI teams for 2009. In the final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, he hit 91 not out of just 79 balls to lead India to victory. For his outstanding batting in the final, he was awarded as the man of the match. The TIME magazine added him in its "Time 100" list of 100 most influential people of 2011. SportsPro has rated MS Dhoni as the 16th most remarkable athlete in the world.
Born : 7 July 1981 (age 31)
: Ranchi, Bihar (now in Jharkhand), India
Nickname : Mahi
Height : 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Batting style : Right-hand batsman
Bowling style : Right-hand medium
Role : Wicket-keeper, India captain
National side : IndiaMahendra Singh Dhoni About this sound pronunciation (born 7 July 1981) is an Indian cricketer and the current captain of the Indian national cricket team and the Chennai Super Kings cricket team. He made his One Day International debut in December 2004 against Bangladesh, and a year later played his first Test, this time against Sri Lanka.
Under his captaincy, India won the 2007 ICC World Twenty20, CB Series of 2007–08, the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2008 and 2010 against Australia 2–0, Asia cup 2010 and 2011 World Cup. His Test, ODI record is best among all the Indian captains to date. He also captained Chennai Super Kings to victory in the recent 2011 IPL and in the Champions League. He is now captain of India in all three forms of the game and also led the team to their first ever bilateral ODI series wins in Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Under Dhoni's captaincy India became the first team after a gap of more than 20 years to whitewash Australia in a Test series. Dhoni also led the Indian team to the number one position in ICC rankings in Test cricket for the first time. Dhoni has also been the recipient of many awards including the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2008 and 2009 (the first Indian player to achieve this feat), the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award and the Padma Shri, India's fourth highest civilian honour in 2009. In 2009 Dhoni topped the list of world’s top 10 earning cricketers compiled by Forbes and he has been ranked as 31st richest sportsman in the world according to the Forbes Highest Paid Athletes for the year 2012. Dhoni’s total earnings are estimated to be USD 26.5 million according to Forbes. Thus he has became the richest Indian sportsman surpassing Sachin Tendulkar.He was named as the captain of ICC World Test and ICC ODI teams for 2009. In the final of the 2011 Cricket World Cup, he hit 91 not out of just 79 balls to lead India to victory. For his outstanding batting in the final, he was awarded as the man of the match. The TIME magazine added him in its "Time 100" list of 100 most influential people of 2011. SportsPro has rated MS Dhoni as the 16th most remarkable athlete in the world.
Yuvaj singh
Born : 12 December 1981 (age 30)
Chandigarh, India
Nickname : Yuvi
Height : 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Batting style : Left-handed
Bowling style : Slow left arm orthodox
Role : Batting All-rounder
Relations : Yograj Singh (father)
National side : India
Early years and personal life
Yuvraj Singh belongs to a Sikh Jat Family.Yuvraj Singh's parents are Yograj Singh and Shabnam Singh. Yuvraj has a brother, Zoravar singh. Yograj and Shabnam divorced years ago, with Yuvraj choosing to stay with his mother. Shabnam Singh was with her son Yuvraj during his diagnosis with a cancerous tumor in his left lung in USA.
Yuvraj Singh About this sound pronunciation is an Indian cricketer, and the son of former Indian fast bowler and Punjabi movie star Yograj Singh. Yuvraj is a left-hand middle-order batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He has been a member of the Indian cricket team in ODIs since 2000 and played his first Test match in 2003. He was the vice-captain of the ODI team from late-2007 to late-2008. At the 2007 World Twenty20, he famously hit six sixes in an over against England's Stuart Broad — a feat performed only three times previously in any form of senior cricket, and previously never in an international match between two Test cricket nations. He was named the Man of the Tournament in the 2011 Cricket World Cup and was one of the top performers at the 2007 World Twenty20, both of which India won.
In 2011, he was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor (stage-I) in his left lung and underwent chemotherapy treatment at the Cancer Research Institute in Boston, USA as well as Medicine Facilities in Indianapolis, Indiana. In March 2012, Yuvraj was discharged from hospital after completing the third and final cycle of chemotherapy and returned to India in April. He was conferred with Arjuna Award, India's second highest sporting award in the year 2012 by the President of India. He made his international comeback in a Twenty20 match in September against New Zealand shortly before the 2012 World Twenty20.
Virat Kohli
Full name : Virat Kohli
Born : 5 November 1988 (age 23)
Delhi, India
Height : 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Batting style : Right-handed
Bowling style: Right arm medium pace
Role : Batsman
National side :
India
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi to Prem and Saroj Kohli. He has an elder brother, Vikash, and an elder sister, Bhavna. Virat attended school at Vishal Bharti and Savier Convent. Virat's father, Prem, worked as a lawyer and died in December 2006. Little is known of Virat Kohli's personal life.
Virat Kohli About this sound pronunciation (born 5 November 1988 in Delhi) is an Indian international cricketer. He is a middle order batsman, who can also open the batting. He can also bowl right arm medium pace. Kohli was the captain of the victorious Indian team at the 2008 U/19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. He represents Delhi in first-class cricket and plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. He also played for the West Delhi Cricket Academy. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 2008 and was part of the Indian team which won the 2011 World Cup.
Despite being a regular in the ODI side, Kohli only played his first Test in 2011 against West Indies in Kingston. But on the disastrous 2011/12 India tour of Australia, in which India's senior batsmen struggled throughout, Kohli stood out, scoring his first Test hundred in Adelaide. Virat Kohli is currently regarded as one of India's potential number three batman in Tests, after the retirement of Rahul Dravid following the Australian tour. Kohli was the recipient of the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2012.
Born : 5 November 1988 (age 23)
Delhi, India
Height : 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Batting style : Right-handed
Bowling style: Right arm medium pace
Role : Batsman
Virat Kohli was born on 5 November 1988 in Delhi to Prem and Saroj Kohli. He has an elder brother, Vikash, and an elder sister, Bhavna. Virat attended school at Vishal Bharti and Savier Convent. Virat's father, Prem, worked as a lawyer and died in December 2006. Little is known of Virat Kohli's personal life.
Virat Kohli About this sound pronunciation (born 5 November 1988 in Delhi) is an Indian international cricketer. He is a middle order batsman, who can also open the batting. He can also bowl right arm medium pace. Kohli was the captain of the victorious Indian team at the 2008 U/19 Cricket World Cup held in Malaysia. He represents Delhi in first-class cricket and plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League. He also played for the West Delhi Cricket Academy. He made his One Day International (ODI) debut in 2008 and was part of the Indian team which won the 2011 World Cup.
Despite being a regular in the ODI side, Kohli only played his first Test in 2011 against West Indies in Kingston. But on the disastrous 2011/12 India tour of Australia, in which India's senior batsmen struggled throughout, Kohli stood out, scoring his first Test hundred in Adelaide. Virat Kohli is currently regarded as one of India's potential number three batman in Tests, after the retirement of Rahul Dravid following the Australian tour. Kohli was the recipient of the ICC ODI Player of the Year award in 2012.
Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar
Born : 24 April 1973 (age 39)
Bombay (now Mumbai), Maharashtra, India
Nickname : Little Master, Tendlya[1]
Height : 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m)
Batting style: Right-handed
Bowling style : Right-arm leg spin, off spin, medium pace
Role : Batsman
National side : IndiaSachin Ramesh Tendulkar (About this sound pronunciation (help·info); born 24 April 1973) is an Indian cricketer widely considered to be one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He is the leading run-scorer and century maker in Test and one-day international cricket. He is the first player to score a double century in Men's ODI cricket. In 2002, just 12 years into his career, Wisden ranked him the second greatest Test batsman of all time, behind Donald Bradman, and the second greatest one-day-international (ODI) batsman of all time, behind Viv Richards.Tendulkar was a part of the 2011 Cricket World Cup winning Indian team in the later part of his career, his first such win in six World Cup appearances for India. He has been recommended for the receipt of the Bharat Ratna award, in fact it has been speculated that the criteria for the award of the Bharat Ratna was changed to allow him receive the award. He is also a member of Rajya Sabha of Parliament of India
Saturday, September 22, 2012
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