Story 1992 and Onwards, Rebuilding the ICC (EA Sports Cricket 2005)

[Slowcoach]

Back on the forums after a year off, I'll be doing an EA Sports Cricket 2005 story.
I'll be doing all the batting for both teams because the batting AI and batting lineups in the game are terrible.
I've already played some cricket so updates will follow shortly.

 

[Slowcoach]

ICC in Ruins Due to Rebel Cricket League

The ICC has been left in ruins as a host of international stars have been signed up to play in a rebel cricket cricket league run by Indian allrounder Kapil Dev.
With most international teams losing their entire first choice lineups straight after the 1992 World Cup to this cash bonanza it is not clear whether any international standard cricket can be played at all in the 1992 and 1992/3 seasons due to this mass exodus of stars.
The ICC have released a statement claiming the game will go on, and have appointed former West Indian great Clive Lloyd to sort out the shambles.
Clive Lloyd himself has said he is disgusted with the players for putting money before country, but has stated in this modern age we will probably be seeing a lot more of it, particularly with the money being floated around after the success of the World Cup.
Whilst saying he was bitterly disappointed, particularly with his fellow West Indians, he has vowed to sort out the mess.
More news to follow...



New ICC President Clive Lloyd vows to sort out the mess.

 

[Slowcoach]

ICC announce South Africa and England tours

The ICC, lead by new president Clive Lloyd have announced the game will go on with two tours to start the new ICC Calendar.
With only Australia, England, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies prepared to put up a team the fixture list will be limited.
In a bid to keep fans interested in the international game the newly re-admitted South Africa will under-take their inaugural tour of West Indies.
England will also tour Sri Lanka for a test series for the first time.
The ICC have used their limited funding to buy back a few stars, but details of lineups at this points are sketchy.

 

[Slowcoach]

West Indies squad announced

The West Indies Cricket Board, also lead by former captain, and new coach Clive Lloyd have announced a 13 man squad for their Test and ODI series v South Africa in March.
The West Indies will be lead by batsman and offspinner Carl Hooper, and vice-captained by Brian Lara, but will carry few other names of any note, in what looks to be a team which will struggle to play to international standard.
Much of the focus against pacey South African attack will be on new opening pair Clayton Lambert and Philo Wallace after the departure of all-time great pair of Desmond Haynes and Gordon Greenidge.
It was hoped the vast domestic experience of Lambert could guide the new-comers to the squad, but little is known about the rest of the lineup.

West Indies Squad:

C.Lambert
P.Wallace
S.Dhaniram
B.Lara(vc)
C.Hooper(c)
S.Chanderpaul
F.Reifer
C.Browne(wk)
R.Jacobs(wk)
O.Gibson
V.Drakes
C.Cuffy
D.Ramnarine



Experienced opener Clayton Lambert



New-comer Philo Wallace

 

[Aravind.]

Great start & a unique concept KIU.

 

[Na Maloom Afraad]

Awesome concept, I must say!

 

[Slowcoach]

South African squad announced

South Africa have named a 12 man squad for it's 2 Test and 3 ODI tour of the West Indies beginning in March.
Having lost most of it's experienced World Cup squad to the rebel league, almost none of the squad have international experience.
Batsman Daryl Cullinan has been named as captain, while World Cup star Jonty Rhodes has been named vice captain and it is hoped his electric fielding will bring a few extra fans through the gates, particularly for the limited overs games.
The squad features a number of allrounders, and the batting depth of the team is seen as it's primary strength in what will be an interesting series.

South Africa squad:

D.Cullinan (c)
J.Rhodes (vc)
G.Kirsten
H.Gibbs
E.Stewart (wk)
P.Strydom
D.Crookes
S.Elworthy
A.Dawson
S.Pollock
C.Eksteen
C.Henderson



Jonty Rhodes fielding will be a major drawcard for the South Africans

 

[Slowcoach]

England squad for tour of Sri Lanka announced

In 1990's tradition, England have named a ridiculously large and unbalanced squad for their tour of Sri Lanka.
Deciding to head off the inevitable injury and stress related illness crisis sure to plague the side on tour, management have sent all reserves and shadow players on tour in a pre-emptive move.
Most of the squad have international experience, while others have been strong performers on recent A tours.
The squad will be captained by experienced batsman Kim Barnett, who toured Sri Lanka with England B in 1985/6.
Given the number of players Sri Lanka have lost to the rebel leagues England are strong favourites for the series, despite their expectation of turning pitches expected to favour the home team's attack.


England Squad:

K.Barnett (c)
R.Smith (vc)
D.Bicknell
J.Stephenson
T.Ward
G.Hick
N.Hussain
M.Ramprakash
G.Thorpe
M.Maynard
M.Alleyne
S.Rhodes (wk)
J.Russell (wk)
R.Blakey (wk)
W.Hegg (wk)
R.Croft
P.DeFreitas
D.Cork
M.Bicknell
I.Salisbury
D.Malcolm



Who's this old bloke then?! Old codger Kim Barnett set to captain England for the first time.

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lanka v England Test begins in Kandy

The first Test of a 3 Test series between Sri Lanka and England has got underway in Kandy.
Sri Lankan captain Hashan Tillekeratne won the toss, and elected to bat first on a Dry wicket in Hot conditions. The pitch was expected to turn and offer uneven bounce as the match progresses.
Sri Lanka have chosen a very inexperienced team, with only Atapattu and Tillekeratne having played Test cricket before.
The England team features 4 debutants, with wicketkeeper Steve Rhodes replacing the already injured Jack Russell, who will remain on tour to paint scenery and raise spirits with his tatty old hat. Offspinner Robert Croft and and legspinner Ian Salisbury make their Test debuts on a pitch expected to offer them some assistance, having previously played for the A team, alongside left-handed opener Darren Bicknell who has opened the batting for the England A team's last 3 away tours.

Sri Lanka team:

R.Arnold
S.Jayasuriya
M.Nawaz
M.Atapattu
H.Tillekeratne (c)
R.Kaluwitharana (wk)
U.Chandana
K.Dharmasena
C.Vaas
P.Guneratne
M.Muralitharan

England team:

D.Bicknell
J.Stephenson
K.Barnett (c)
G.Hick
R.Smith
M.Ramprakash
S.Rhodes (wk)
R.Croft
P.DeFreitas
I.Salisbury
D.Malcolm



A Dry pitch greeted the teams at Kandy on the morning of the first Test.

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lankan openers survive first hour

Debutant opening pair R.Arnold and S.Jayasuriya have survived the first hour of play, posting 37 without loss at the first drinks break.
In worrying signs for England, fast bowler Devon Malcolm was showing clear signs of tiredness as early as his 4th over, as the Hot conditions began to take their toll on and under-prepared English team.
Though the openers played and missed a few times, there were few alarms for Sri Lanka, and it appears it will be up to the spinners to do much of the work as the day progresses.
DeFreitas deserved praise for getting through an accurate 7 over spell in the heat, beating the bat a number of times.

Sri Lanka 37/0 (14.0 overs)

R.Arnold...............not out.............20* (53 balls) 1 four
S.Jayasuriya..........not out.............10* (31 balls) 1 four
Extras 7 (6nb, 1lb)

........................O...M...R...W
D.Malcolm......... 5 - 1 - 13 - 0 (5nb)
P.DeFreitas.........7 - 0 - 18 - 0 (nb)
J.Stephenson......2 - 0 - 5 - 0

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lanka reach 83/2 at Lunch

England struck twice in the second hour of the morning session, leaving honours even at the end of the first session.
With the openers posting 50 seemingly without trouble, it was a surprise when the first wicket fell.
First to go was Sanath Jayasuriya, caught by a diving mid wicket as he attempted to slog sweep Salisbury on 20.
Things slowed down as the spinners tightened their hold, with Salisbury in particular bothering the batsmen, having Nawaz dropped on 9 by a diving square leg.
It was a surprise when he was taken off with 1 over left before Lunch, but with two left handers in Barnett threw the ball to part time offspinner Hick.
It proved to be a masterstroke by the wily Barnett as Hick struck with his second ball, Arnold top edging a sweep to the man at 45 to be out for 37.
Atapattu put away a couple of loose deliveries, to leave Sri Lanka 83/2 at Lunch and much hard work ahead of their inexperienced middle order.
The pitch is already offering considerable turn, and any first innings lead could prove vital on a pitch expected to break up.

Lunch...Sri Lanka 83/2 (28.0 overs)

R.Arnold...............c DeFreitas b Hick..........37 (91 balls) 4 fours
S.Jayasuriya..........c Croft b Salisbury..........20 (51 balls) 3 fours'
M.Nawaz...................not out.....................10* (22 balls) 2 fours
M.Atapattu................not out......................8* (4 balls) 2 fours
Extras 8 (6nb, 2lb)

Fall of Wickets: 60,75

..................................O...M...R...W
D.Malcolm....................7 - 1 - 16 - 0 (5nb)
P.DeFreitas...................7 - 0 - 18 - 0 (nb)
J.Stephenson................2 - 0 - 5 - 0
R.Croft.........................5 - 1 - 15 - 0
I.Salisbury....................6 - 1 - 19 - 1
G.Hick..........................1 - 0 - 8 - 1



Graeme Hick struck with his 2nd ball to leave honours even at Lunch on Day 1

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lanka lose Nawaz after Lunch

M.Nawaz was out sweeping Croft to midwicket for 21 as the English spinners tightened their hold over the Sri Lankan batting after Lunch on Day 1.
Nawaz was unconvincing against the spinners during his short stay, and failed to capitalise after being dropped from a similar shot off Salisbury on 9.
Atapattu continued to play brightly, and at Drinks midway through Day 1 the match was evenly poised with Sri Lanka on 125/3.
Croft was miserly, troubling the left handers with his angle, though Salisbury was at times expensive during his two short spells.

Sri Lanka 125/3 (43.0 overs)

R.Arnold...................c DeFreitas b Hick.................37 (91 balls) 4 fours
S.Jayasuriya..............c Croft b Salisbury................20 (51 balls) 3 fours
M.Nawaz...................c Salisbury b Croft................21 (43 balls) 2 fours
M.Atapattu........................not out........................30* (41 balls) 3 fours
H.Tillekeratne....................not out.........................8* (32 balls)
Extras 9 (nb7,lb2)

Fall of Wickets: 60,75,110

...................................O...M...R...W
D.Malcolm.....................9 - 1 - 24 - 0 (6nb)
P.DeFreitas....................9 - 0 - 24 - 0 (nb)
J.Stephenson.................2 - 0 - 5 - 0
R.Croft.........................11 - 3 - 22 - 1
I.Salisbury....................11 - 1 - 40 - 1
G.Hick...........................1 - 0 - 8 - 1

 

[Slowcoach]

Atapattu and Tillekeratne unbeaten at Tea

Marvan Atapattu and captain Hashan Tillekeratne have steadied the Sri Lankan innings with an unbroken 65 run stand for the 4th wicket.
Showing their experience, the pair blunted the spinners, with Atapattu continuing his bright form to bring up a maiden international 50 off 73 balls.
Barnett tried all his options, including himself, but apart from a top edge from Tillekeratne lobbing into space off Salisbury, there was little joy for the bowlers.
The batsman finally got on top of the seamers, leaving England short of options as they turned to their inexperienced spinners on a good batting wicket.

Tea...Sri Lanka 175/3 (57 overs)

R.Arnold....................c DeFreitas b Hick........37 (91 balls) 4 fours
S.Jayasuriya...............c Croft b Salisbury.......20 (51 balls) 3 fours
M.Nawaz....................c Salisbury b Croft.......21 (43 balls) 2 fours
M.Atapattu....................not out...................53* (78 balls) 4 fours
H.Tillekeratne................not out...................35* (79 balls) 1 four
Extras 9 (7nb, 2lb)

Fall of Wickets: 60,75,110

.................................O...M...R...W
D.Malcolm..................11 - 1 - 33 - 0 (6nb)
P.DeFreitas.................11 - 0 - 34 - 0 (nb)
J.Stephenson................2 - 0 - 5 - 0
R.Croft.......................16 - 3 - 41 - 1
I.Salisbury..................12 - 1 - 44 - 1
G.Hick.........................3 - 0 - 14 - 1
K.Barnett.....................2 - 1 - 2 - 0



Marvan Atapattu reaches his maiden international half century.

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lanka in strong position late on Day 1

Hashan Tillekeratne and Marvan Atapattu continued their unbroken partnership after tea, as Sri Lanka reached 226/3 at the final Drinks break on Day 1.
With Tillekeratne reaching a half century off 103 balls, the partnership grew to 116 going into the final hour.
The English bowlers couldn't make an impact, and Barnett's frustrations were summed up when Atapattu swept him for 3 fours in his only over of the session.

Sri Lanka 226/3 (71.0 overs)

R.Arnold...................c DeFreitas b Hick...............37 (91 balls) 4 fours
S.Jayasuriya.............c Croft b Salisbury...............20 (51 balls) 3 fours
M.Nawaz..................c Salisbury b Croft...............21 (43 balls) 2 fours
M.Atapattu........................not out......................78* (115 balls) 8 fours
H.Tillekeratne....................not out......................61* (126 balls) 4 fours
Extras 9 (7nb, 2lb)

Fall of Wickets: 60,75,110

...................................O...M...R...W
D.Malcolm....................13 - 2 - 36 - 0
P.DeFreitas...................11 - 0 - 34 - 0
J.Stephenson.................2 - 0 - 5 - 0
R.Croft.........................21 - 3 - 53 - 1
I.Salisbury....................16 - 1 - 58 - 1
G.Hick...........................5 - 0 - 23 - 1
K.Barnett.......................3 - 1 - 15 - 0

 

[Slowcoach]

Sri Lanka 297/5 at Stumps

Keeper Kaluwitharana, and legspinning allrounder Chandana are both unbeaten on 25, as Sri Lanka reached Stumps on Day 1 at 297/5.
Both scored quickly against the second new ball in the final overs after earlier the spinners had dragged England back into the match.
Salisbury claimed his second wicket when Atapattu was caught on the deep square leg boundary attempting a legside slog for six.
Tillekeratne soon followed when he lobbed a catch to the man at 45 after sweeping at the offspin of Hick.
Worryingly for England, the pace bowlers failed to claim a wicket, and Malcolm in particular visibly struggled in the heat.

Stumps Day 1...Sri Lanka 297/5 (85.0 overs)

R.Arnold.....................c DeFreitas b Hick..............37 (91 balls) 4 fours
S.Jayasuriya................c Croft b Salisbury.............20 (51 balls) 3 fours
M.Nawaz.....................c Salisbury b Croft.............21 (43 balls) 2 fours
M.Atapattu..................c Croft b Salisbury.............84 (126 balls) 9 fours
H.Tillekeratne..............c Malcolm b Hick...............73 (150 balls) 6 fours
R.Kaluwitharana(wk)...........not out......................25* (25 balls) 3 fours
U.Chandana.......................not out......................25* (24 balls) 3 fours
Extras 12 (9nb, 3lb)

Fall of Wickets: 60,75,110,242,258

..................................O...M...R...W
D.Malcolm...................15 - 2 - 49 - 0 (7nb)
P.DeFreitas..................13 - 0 - 43 - 0 (2nb)
J.Stephenson................3 - 0 - 15 - 0
R.Croft........................24 - 3 - 70 - 1
I.Salisbury...................21 - 3 - 78 - 2
G.Hick..........................6 - 0 - 24 - 2
K.Barnett......................3 - 1 - 15 - 0