Cook believes the top priority for all players should be the Champions Trophy and back-to-back Ashes series
England captain Alastair Cook has attempted to calm fears about an inevitable contract dispute between players and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) over an increase in wages and more freedom to play in domestic Twenty20 tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Porter believes the England players should be rewarded for their sacrifices
Professional Cricketers’ Association (PCA) chief executive Angus Porter believes England players are “substantially underpaid” and should receive higher wages, especially since they are restricted from taking part in lucrative domestic Twenty20 tournaments that have begun popping up all over the world.
Prior wants England to fight back for all the times they have been “bullied” by Australia
England wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior believes it is time for the national team to do some bullying of their own in this year’s back-to-back Ashes series since the English have often been seen as the victims of Australia’s onslaughts in Ashes history.
Hodge’s next assignment will be the IPL
Australia veteran batsman Brad Hodge, who had a grand plan of making an international comeback during this year’s back-to-back Ashes series, was left bitterly disappointed after Victoria decided not to select him for the last few games of the Sheffield Shield season, which he was planning to use as a launchpad for his dazzling return to Test cricket after an absence of nearly five years.
Vaughan sees nothing stopping England from beating Australia twice this year
Former England captain Michael Vaughan, who will forever be remembered for ending the country’s 18-year Ashes drought with a remarkable 2-1 victory over Australia in the 2005 Ashes series, believes that the baggy greens do not stand a chance in the back-to-back Ashes series this year as the England team are extremely strong in all departments and have shown that they are intent on keeping the urn.
Clarke is hoping his team can pick up the ultimate award of topping the rankings across all three formats
While the Allan Border Medal presentation ceremony may for the most part be all about glitz and glamour, Australia captain Michael Clarke took the night as an opportunity to expose a painful truth upon receiving his fourth Allan Border medal.
McGrath and Turner dominated world cricket despite being born in different eras
Legendary Australia bowlers Glenn McGrath and Charlie Turner, who represented the country more than a century apart, have both been inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame, bringing the total number of inductees to 37.
Di Venuto will be looking to cut down the number of mistakes the Australian batsmen make against the Indian spinners
Former Australia ODI batsman Michael Di Venuto, who is considered to be one of the greatest international players to play in the English county league, has been named as the country’s new batting coach.
Clarke was Australia’s shining light once again
Just days after losing the first Test against India in Chennai by eight wickets, Australia captain Michael Clarke has pointed out that England were in the same position after losing their first Test in Ahmedabad before going on to defeat the Indians in the next two Tests and win the series 2-1 to prove to the world that they are no longer as dominant as they used to be on home soil.
Lillee has been producing the best out of young bowlers for decades
Cricket Australia have appointed former pace bowler Dennis Lillee to their high performance section, where he will take up the role of fast-bowling advisor.
