'I couldn't control my tears of joy'

Several Indian players couldn't control their emotions © AFP Enlarge

"I couldn't have asked for anything more than this. Winning the World Cup is the proudest moment of my life. Thanks to my team-mates. Without them, nothing would have happened. I couldn't control my tears of joy."
Sachin Tendulkar, who's played six World Cups, on his best moment

"I took a quite few decisions tonight, if we hadn't won I would have been asked quite a few questions: Why no Ashwin, why Sreesanth, why no Yuvraj, why did I bat ahead?! That pushed me and motivated to do well"
MS Dhoni puts a light spin on his selection decisions ahead of India's title win

"This is unbelievable. The Under-19 World Cup, then the World Twenty20 but this is the most special. For Sachin, for everyone else."
Yuvraj Singh, the Player of the Tournament, sums it up

"Very proud of everyone, especially Mahela who rose up to the occasion and put up a great hundred. When you look at this Indian team anything less than 350 looks less! They deserved this title, the way they played in front of a great crowd."
Kumar Sangakkara, the Sri Lanka captain, is gracious in defeat

"All credit goes to Sachin Tendulkar. We played for him. Beating Australia and Pakistan and now this, its a dream come true."

Gautam Gambhir, who gave India the upper hand in the final with his 97

"It means the world to me. I have been part of the three World Cups. This is for the nation. Thank you very much, we love you. This cup is for the people. Love you India!"
Harbhajan Singh was among several Indian players who shed a tear following India's victory

"This goes out to all the people of India. This is my first World Cup; I can't ask for more. Tendulkar has carried the burden of nation for 21 years; It was time we carried him. Chak de India!"
Virat Kohli leads the Tendulkar tributes

Herath and Sangakkara star in Sri Lanka win

	Chris Gayle was on fire before he was bowled by Muttiah Muralitharan © Manoj Ridimahaliyadda Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Chris Gayle | Rangana Herath | Kumar Sangakkara Matches: Sri Lanka v West Indies at Colombo (RPS) Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Sri Lanka | West Indies

Sri Lanka's batsmen made light work of a tricky chase to give their side a four-wicket win in their World Cup warm-up game against West Indies in Colombo.

West Indies had scrapped to 281 on the back of half-centuries from Chris Gayle and Darren Bravo, but Sri Lanka's batsmen were never rushed as Tillakaratne Dilshan, captain Kumar Sangakkara and Thilan Samaraweera all made half-centuries to guide their team to victory.

Co-hosts Sri Lanka are one of the favourites for the World Cup and are looking to repeat the heroics of 1996 when - as a team of outsiders - they went on to win the trophy. Their victory on Tuesday was built on Lasith Malinga's three wickets and three key scalps for left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

Malinga struck in the first over, removing Devon Smith. The opening position alongside Gayle is already a problem for West Indies, who have also used Adrian Barath in the position. The early wicket brought Darren Bravo to the crease and he combined with Gayle to give West Indies their most productive passage of the match. The pair rushed to 88 by the 12th over, with Gayle cracking eights fours and a six, before he fell to Muttiah Muralitharan for 58 from 38 deliveries.

It was Muralitharan's only wicket of the innings but was probably the most important to fall. Darren Bravo then found useful support from Ramnaresh Sarwan, who is showing good signs of form on his return to the side, but Herath struck twice in two overs to remove both. Some breezy lower-order batting from Darren Sammy (21), Carlton Baugh (29) and Andre Russell (19*) lifted the total to 281.

"We should have scored more runs than we did, because we were well placed after 15 overs and then got some key wickets when they chased," Sammy said. "But we didn't finish it off, that's what we should do when we play the main tournament."

What should have been a competitive total was made easy with Upul Tharanga and Dilshan getting Sri Lanka off to a bright start. Dilshan was typically flamboyant, striking three sixes and five fours in his 50-ball 62. With Kemar Roach rested, West Indies' pacemen suffered - Andre Russell and Dwayne Bravo both coming in for fearful punishment. The spinners fared much better with Sulieman Benn taking the first of three wickets when he had Tharanga out.

It brought Sangakkara to the crease and he silkily worked his way to 71 from 89 balls, hitting just four boundaries to lay the foundations for the chase. After he fell Samaraweera took the responsibility and rotated the strike skilfully to make 55 at almost a run a ball before some late-order biffing from Chamara Kapugedera saw Sri Lanka over the line.

"It's good to have won both the warm-up matches," Sangakkara said after the match. "I think there is still a lot of work to be done, mainly the first 15 overs. I think we should have chased it down with one or two wickets less than we did, but I think mentally we are slightly better chasing under lights now probably than a few years ago."

Murali to end international career with World Cup

	Muttiah Muralitharan has only played two ODIs since retiring from Test cricket © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Muttiah Muralitharan Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Sri Lanka

Muttiah Muralitharan has said he will retire from all international cricket after the 2011 World Cup. The 38-year-old offspinner, who had retired from Test cricket in July last year, will continue to play in domestic Twenty20 competitions.

"This World Cup will be my last outing," Muralitharan said. "My time is up. I have signed up to play for two years in the IPL. I am also looking at similar work in New Zealand and perhaps England."

Muralitharan, who holds the record for the highest number of wickets in both Test and one-day cricket was part of Sri Lanka's World Cup winning side in 1996. He is one of three spinners in Sri Lanka's squad for the 2011 tournament, the other two being left-arm spinner Ranagana Herath and Ajantha Mendis. "This is my fourth World Cup. We won in 1996 and came close in 2007 by reaching the final. This would be a memorable one for me and for Sri Lankan fans."

Since quitting Tests, Muralitharan has played only three international matches - two ODIs and a Twenty20 game during Sri Lanka's tour of Australia in October-November 2010. He has been rested from the side for the first two ODIs of the three-match home series against West Indies which starts on January 31, Sri Lanka's final commitment before the World Cup.

He played for Chennai Super Kings in the first three seasons of the IPL, including their triumphs in the 2010 edition of the tournament and the Champions League in the same year. He was bought by the new Kochi franchise in the 2011 IPL auction for $1.1 million.

In July, Muralitharan had said there were plans in the pipeline for him and former India legspinner Anil Kumble to open a spin-bowling academy in Bangalore. However, while announcing his retirement after the World Cup on Friday, he said he had no immediate plans to start coaching. "There are plenty of coaches and lots of talented people out there. I will take things as they come. For the moment, I am not looking at any coaching stints."

Australia hopeful Hussey can make World Cup

schedule will give Michael Hussey enough time to recover from the serious hamstring injury that has ruled him out of the remaining one-day matches against England and put him in major doubt for the global tournament. Hussey underwent surgery on Tuesday after tearing the muscle off a bone during the first one-dayer at the MCG and faces a lengthy rehabilitation program.

Adding to the problem of risking Hussey at the World Cup is that the captain Ricky Ponting is still recovering from the broken finger he sustained during the Perth Test and which subsequently required an operation. Although Ponting is much less of a concern for the tournament proper, there remains the chance that Australia could travel with two unfit frontline batsmen in their squad.

"What gives us the leeway is the gap between games," Michael Clarke, Australia's stand-in captain, said. "We've got two practice games and then I think our first actual game is February 21. I think there's a bit of a gap there as well. There's a bit of time which is on our side. I'm hearing good reports that they're confident if all goes well they can get him [Hussey] fit to take part in the World Cup. It's just a matter of when he'll be fit and if selectors are willing to take that risk to take him not being 100%.

"I guess the concern is we're trying to get the skipper as fit as possible so hopefully he can take part in those two practice games. The selectors have to weigh up if we can we take Hussey as well, knowing he mightn't be fit for those first couple of games. We'll know more in time. I think the main thing right now is that Huss does everything in his power to make it heal. We just sit, watch closely and keep our fingers crossed in the hope that he pulls up well."

The odd nature of the injury has made it difficult for Cricket Australia to accurately predict when Hussey might return and they won't have a clearer picture for a number of weeks, which pushes them even closer to the World Cup. "As this is an unusual injury in cricket we will be closely monitoring his progress and making appropriate progressions," Alex Kountouris, the CA physiotherapist, said. "As yet we have not determined a fixed time for his return to cricket training and playing. This will become clearer in the next two or three weeks."

However, a leading sports doctor has said Hussey faces a long period on the sidelines and that the World Cup will be out of reach. "Our experience with that particular injury, it's a three-month plus [recovery time] in most sports," Peter Larkins told the Sydney Morning Herald. "The fact he had surgery ensures he won't be going to the World Cup.''

Shaun Marsh, the Western Australia batsman, has been drafted into the squad for the next three matches against England and would be the player to step up if Hussey was ruled out of the World Cup squad but Clarke knows they are massive shoes to fill.

"He's been a huge player, not only this summer in the Test format but over a long period of time in one-day cricket," he said. "I think in the subcontinent conditions are going to be quite tough for the middle-order players and I think his experience and knowledge in those conditions would be really helpful."

Ponting, meanwhile, is around the squad in Hobart and will spend other periods with them during the remainder of this series. It isn't impossible that he could squeeze in a match before the summer is finished.

"I think it's more day-by-day, keep seeing Alex, keep seeing how it's healing then they make a plan as soon as they can," Clarke said. "I'm confident Ricky will be right to play the World Cup, it's just about how much batting he gets under his belt leading up to that first game. The sooner the better I think for our team."

Bagai to lead young Canadian side in World Cup

	Ashish Bagai will be playing his third World Cup, in the subcontinent © Cricket Canada Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Ashish Bagai Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Canada

Ashish Bagai will lead a young Canadian squad to the 2011 World Cup, and Rizwan Cheema will be his deputy. Apart from Bagai, seamer Henry Osinde and allrounder John Davison are the two other players in the side with prior World Cup experience.

Canada have four Pakistan-born players in their squad who are still waiting to receive visas to enter India, where Canada play four of their six group games. Batsman Rizwan Cheema, allrounder Umar Bhatti, paceman Khurram Chohan and back-up keeper Hamza Tariq were all ruled out of Canada's recent pre-tournament warm-up in India because they couldn't enter the country, but have been named in the World Cup squad.

The team features seven players who have come through Canada's youth programs, including six who have represented the country at the under-19 level - Zubin Surkari, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Ruvindu Gunaskera, Parth Desai, and Hamza Tariq.

The Jamaica-born Tyson Gordon has been picked, though he still awaits confirmation of his Canadian citizenship. Cricket Canada expect this to be completed in the coming days but have named Hamza Tariq as a standby in case Gordon cannot make the cut.

The team leaves for a pre-tournament training camp in Dubai on January 26 and will head to Bangladesh on February 8 for warm-up matches against Bangladesh and England, before opening their tournament on February 20 against Sri Lanka.

Squad: Ashish Bagai (capt & wk), Rizwan Cheema (vice-capt), Harvir Baidwan, Nitish Kumar, Hiral Patel, Tyson Gordon, Henry Osinde, John Davison, Ruvindu Gunasekera, Parth Desai, Karl Whatham, Khurram Chohan, Jimmy Hansra, Zubin Surkari, Balaji Rao.

Standby: Hamza Tariq (for Tyson Gordon)

PCB issues Waqar notice over captaincy commen

PCB issues Waqar notice over captaincy comments

Waqar Younis a notice for expressing surprise over the board's decision to not name the captain when it announced Pakistan's final squad for the World Cup. Waqar had said it "would have been better" if the selectors had named the captain along with the final 15, and that not doing so "would only lead to issues".

"We have issued Waqar a notice asking him to explain his comments on the captaincy issue since he is under contract with the PCB," the board's media manager Nadeem Sarwar told PTI. He explained that under PCB's media policy it was binding on all team officials and players to avoid giving statements that questioned or negated the policies of the board.

In recent times, the PCB has adopted a new media policy for players and officials and has come down hard on any violations. The new guidelines also limit direct interaction between the team and journalists, and prefers the use of press releases.

The delay in naming the captain was criticised by several former cricketers and ex-selectors. It led to speculation that Misbah-ul-Haq could take over the one-day leadership from Shahid Afridi, who has been the captain in the limited-overs formats since the 2010 Asia Cup. After taking over from Salman Butt, who was suspended following the spot-fixing controversy, Misbah has sparked a resurgence as the Test captain, leading Pakistan to a draw against South Africa and a series win in New Zealand. The move to name him as vice-captain for the New Zealand ODIs is seen as a means of putting pressure on Afridi, who has struggled for form.

Before leaving for New Zealand, however, Afridi said he was not worried about the position. "I am not worried about the captaincy, it never worries me," he said. "I have never run after the captaincy in my entire career. It is something for the cricket board to decide. If they feel I am the right man they will appoint me and if they don't they will make someone else captain.

"I am a senior professional and I know what I have to do. I have to lead the team to win the series and perform well as player. I know our winning the series will be very important because if we win in New Zealand it will give us a boost for the World Cup."

Mashrafe Mortaza not in World Cup squad

	Mashrafe Mortaza isn't in the team, Tamim Iqbal is the vice-captain © Bangladesh Cricket Board Enlarge

Mashrafe Mortaza, the Bangladesh allrounder, has not been included in the 15-man squad for the World Cup. Mortaza had injured his right knee while playing club cricket in Dhaka in December and was striving to recover in time for the tournament. He had begun bowling off a short run-up during net sessions in the last few days but the selectors decided against including him in the campaign. Shakib Al Hasan was named captain of the squad and Tamim Iqbal will be his deputy.

"There is little chance that Mortaza will be fit before the World Cup," chief selector Rafiqul Alam told AFP, adding that coach Jamie Siddons supported this assessment. "Mortaza, however, has the chance to be included in the team later if he fully recovers and an opportunity arises."

Mortaza's absence is a blow to Bangladesh but they have enjoyed a string of positive results under Shakib recently, including beating New Zealand 4-0 in October 2010 and Zimbabwe 3-1 in their most recent outing in December.

The doubt over Mortaza's selection was the only major question ahead of the announcement. And though his exclusion effectively means that Mortaza won't be part of the World Cup, Siddons was optimistic. "He [Mortaza] is on track with his rehab. He was supposed to bowl today, bowl off a full run-up at the end of the month in eight to ten days," Siddons had told Daily Star the day before the squad was announced.

"We definitely want him to be fit. If the selectors don't pick him, and if he's fit by the first match, we can use him as a replacement in the World Cup. There are a few good reasons for him to bowl. I expect him to be fit by the start of the World Cup. I want him in the team, I want a fit Mashrafe."

The Bangladesh physiotherapist, Michael Henry, had said Mortaza had "responded well and there were no negative repercussions after his bowling stint."

Mortaza described his exclusion "as the most painful day" of his life. "I was 100% confident of regaining my fitness," Mortaza told reporters. "However, this is life and I am quite accustomed to it.

"I respect their decision and you can say this is just bad luck."

Bangladesh will play the tournament opener against India in Dhaka on February 19 after which they play their remaining group games at home.

Squad: Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Imrul Kayes, Junaid Siddique, Shahriar Nafees, Raqibul Hasan, Mohammad Ashraful, Mushfiqur Rahim, Naeem Islam, Mahmudullah, Abdur Razzak, Rubel Hossain, Shafiul Islam, Nazmul Hossain, Suhrawadi Shuvo.

Kenya a mix of the old and the new

	Seren Waters: under pressure from his university to return home © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Jimmy Kamande | James Ngoche | Shem Ngoche | Alex Obanda | Collins Obuya | David Obuya | Nehemiah Odhiambo | Thomas Odoyo | Peter Ongondo | Elijah Otieno | Maurice Ouma | Rakep Patel | Steve Tikolo | Seren Waters Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Kenya

Kenya have announced their 15-man squad for next month's World Cup and it is a combination of youth and experience under newly-appointed captain Jimmy Kamande. The announcement was more of a rubber-stamping exercise than a surprise, given it is the same group who are currently preparing for the tournament with matches in India.

Steve Tikolo, the 41-year-old allrounder who led his country to the semi-finals in 2003, will be taking part in his fifth World Cup as will 32-year-old Thomas Odoyo. At the other end of the spectrum, nine of the squad will be making their World Cup debuts.

The warm-up matches in India suggest Kenya will struggle to make any impression in the main competition. Although their batsmen have been scoring well, their bowlers have been ineffective and all five matches against Baroda and Gujarat have been lost.

Their preparations will be slight disrupted as Seren Waters, the 20-year-old opening batsman, who has scored the only hundred on the India trip, has to return to his studies for a week at the insistence of Durham University.

Kenya squad Jimmy Kamande (capt), Seren Waters, Alex Obanda, David Obuya, Collins Obuya, Steve Tikolo, Tamnay Mishra, Rakep Patel, Maurice Ouma, Thomas Odoyo, Nehemiah Odhiambo, Elijah Otieno, Peter Ongondo, Shem Ngoche, James Ngoche.

Kenyans left staring into World Cup abyss

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	Steve Tikolo, once Kenya's star batsman, looks past his best © Thota Sreenivas Enlarge

Kenya's tour of India, designed to prepare the squad for the forthcoming World Cup, has only served to expose the deficiencies in a side who, barring a major turnaround, seem set for a wretched tournament.

All five matches against youthful Gujarat and Baroda sides were lost, echoing results when the Indian state teams played in Nairobi last year. In only one match did Kenya come remotely close to winning, and even then they were unable to defend a total of 293 for 6, losing to Gujarat by six wickets with more than three overs remaining.

The batsmen have coped fairly well with alien conditions. Seren Waters scored the only hundred of the tour, but almost all the other front-line batsmen did enough to suggest they will cope come the World Cup, although doing more than that may be beyond them. However, Alex Obanda and Thomas Odoyo were really out of touch, and more worryingly Steve Tikolo failed to dominate in any game. For so long the lynchpin of the side, there have to be worries that a lack of high-class cricket and age are both taking a toll on his game.

Collins Obuya made one good score, but in four other innings managed only 47 runs. If Tikolo is unable to hold together the innings, much will depend on him, and his form is another big concern.

The real headache for coach Eldine Baptiste is with the bowling. Peter Ongondo, who has been so vital with the new ball, only played twice but leaked runs, while too many others lacked enough control to really put pressure on what were little more than inexperienced, if talented, young state batsmen. While some of the figures may not appear too bad, they have to be read in the knowledge that Baroda and Gujarat's batsmen were rarely under pressure to score quick runs and so did not need to be overly attacking.

After back-to-back wins, Gurajat completed a 3-0 clean sweep between the sides. Kenya's batsmen finally posted a good score, a second-wicket stand of 178 between Waters (103) and Obuya (92) helping them to 293 for 6, but Gujarat's well-paced reply enabled them to ease home with 19 balls to spare.

Kenya then headed to Vadodara for two matches against Baroda. Both followed a similar pattern. , Kenya were put in, most of their batsmen got starts without building a big innings, and their eventual score of 217 was not remotely enough as Baroda ambled to a five-wicket win with 20 balls in hand. , Kenya again batted and scored 182, with Tanmay Mishra's 63 saving them from a much lower score. Early wickets gave the Kenyans brief hope but Baroda knuckled down and again meandered to a well-paced six-wicket win.

Kenya now head to Dubai for conditioning, while Baptiste will be left scratching his head and trying to work out how to avoid the World Cup becoming a nightmare for his side.

Martin Williamson is executive editor of ESPNcricinfo and managing editor of ESPN Digital Media in Europe, the Middle East and Africa

Ramnaresh Sarwan recalled for World Cup

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	Ramnaresh Sarwan: Back in the frame © DigicelCricket.com Enlarge

West Indies have recalled batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan for the 2011 World Cup, after he had been left out of the national team's rain-marred tour of Sri Lanka last year. Sarwan last represented West Indies in the ODI series at home against South Africa in May and June last year and was subsequently dropped due to fitness issues and indifferent form on the domestic circuit. The World Cup team will be led by Darren Sammy and also includes fast-bowling allrounder Andre Russell, who is yet to make his ODI debut.

Sammy took over the reins from Chris Gayle last year. Gayle, Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, three players who turned down contracts with the West Indies Cricket Board, all feature in the squad following their participation in the WICB one-day tournament last year; as per WICB regulations, participation in domestic tournaments is a criteria for selection into the national team for the corresponding format.

Nikita Miller and Sulieman Benn are the two specialist spinners, both left-arm orthodox, while Russell, Kemar Roach and Ravi Rampaul make up the pace options. Carlton Baugh was preferred over Denesh Ramdin as wicketkeeper. Baugh has not played an ODI for West Indies since November 2008, but impressed with a half-century in the second Test in Sri Lanka.

Sarwan hasn't played Tests in more than a year, and was not offered a WICB contract last year. In the WICB one-day tournament, he averaged 21.33 in three games with one-half-century for Guyana and his team was knocked out in the league stage. However, he has an excellent ODI record in India, where West Indies play five of their six group games. He has played 15 matches there with an average of 57.30 and five half-centuries.

"The Selection Committee deliberated extensively over the selection of this most important World Cup squad and while choosing some players was straightforward we believe that we have come up with a good mix of players who will be able to do well in the Asian conditions," Clyde Butts, the WICB's chairman of selectors, said. "We have some of the most experienced ODI cricketers on the international stage along with the effervescence and freshness of some quality young players who we are confident can not only contribute to the team but win matches."

In the lead-up to the tournament, West Indies play three ODIs in Sri Lanka - a series rescheduled after the one-day leg of the December 2010 series was cancelled due to excessive rain.

West Indies squad: Darren Sammy (capt), Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Darren Bravo, Kieron Pollard, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Devon Smith, Sulieman Benn, Nikita Miller, Carlton Baugh (wk), Andre Rusell, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Adrian Barath.

England choose Matt Prior over Steve Davies

	Matt Prior is back in England's ODI squad © PA Photos Enlarge

The return of Matt Prior is the major surprise in England's 15-man World Cup squad after he was preferred to Steve Davies for the wicketkeeper's role. Davies was the original glove man in the one-day squad against Australia, but won't be travelling to the subcontinent as England make another change behind the stumps.

The rest of the squad was as expected with Ajmal Shahzad securing the final fast bowler's slot and James Tredwell, the Kent offspinner, named as back up for Graeme Swann and Michael Yardy. Paul Collingwood was included despite his recent omission against Australia, Luke Wright retained his spot as the spare allrounder and Stuart Broad is on track to recover from the stomach injury that kept him out since the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.

The last-minute switch to Prior was unexpected and meant England changed their one-day wicketkeeper for the third time in less than a year. Prior last played against Bangladesh, in Chittagong, in March where he batted in the middle order before being replaced by Craig Kieswetter, who held the position until the series against Pakistan in September, when Davies earned a chance.

Davies scored 197 runs in five matches against Pakistan and when he was retained for the current series against Australia he appeared set for the World Cup. He made 42 in the opening ODI in Melbourne but it was a scratchy innings which included four let-offs. The selectors were not convinced he was the right man for the subcontinent so Prior, who has been playing in the Big Bash for Victoria since the end of the Ashes, gets another chance at the top of the order. He will link up with the squad in Hobart ahead of the second ODI, where he will open with Andrew Strauss.

"Matt Prior returns to the England ODI squad after a brief absence and given his recent form and his batting style, which is very well suited to the subcontinent conditions, we believe his inclusion is warranted," Geoff Miller, the national selector, said. "Despite some strong performances both with the bat and behind the stumps by Steven Davies, we feel that Matt's game will be better suited to the conditions in Bangladesh and India, the venues staging England's group matches."

Prior has played 55 one-day internationals and averages 25.38 with a strike-rate of 74.80, while his record in India, where England will play five of their six group matches, is unflattering with 158 runs in 11 matches at an average of 17.55. However, he did finish the Ashes series in strong form with 85 in Melbourne and 118 in Sydney, and has since hit 51 off 29 balls for Victoria on his Big Bash debut against Tasmania.

Prior is guaranteed his place in the starting XI but the same can't be said of Collingwood after he was dropped for the opening match against Australia so he could "clear his mind". He is expected to be given some match time towards the end of the one-day series and has been backed to be a key part of the World Cup.

"Paul Collingwood may not have scored as many runs as he would have liked so far on the tour of Australia but he has been a consistently strong performer for England in limited-overs cricket for a long period of time," Miller said. "His experience, ODI knowledge and skills across all three facets of the game make him a valuable member of the squad and he'll be looking to make a big impact at another global event."

Miller was also confident the squad had the depth to cope with all the challenges that will be put forward during the tournament. "With spin bowlers set to play a prominent role in this World Cup we feel we have quality and depth in Graeme Swann, Michael Yardy and James Tredwell who have all shown their capabilities at international level," he said.

"We believe we have selected an extremely exciting World Cup squad that offers balance with several options across the entire squad. With this tournament being staged on the subcontinent the conditions will require a specific style of cricket and we feel that we've selected a squad that can prosper in these conditions."

Squad Andrew Strauss (capt), James Anderson, Ian Bell, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Paul Collingwood, Eoin Morgan, Kevin Pietersen, Matt Prior, Ajmal Shahzad, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell, Jonathan Trott, Luke Wright, Michael Yardy

Tait backs Australia's pace attack as world's best

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	Shaun Tait was a star bowler in the last World Cup and has believes Australia can repeat their dominance in the upcoming tournament © Getty Images Enlarge

Shaun Tait believes Australia's World Cup pace attack is the best in the world as they aim for a fourth title in a row. There is no lack of speed in the 15-man squad with Tait joined by Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger as the selectors take an aggressive route to the subcontinent.

It is a major gamble because Tait, Lee and Johnson can all prove expensive but they also have the ability to make significant inroads. In the 2007 tournament, Tait was a success as a shock bowler with 23 wickets, but was able to feed off the pressure built up by Glenn McGrath and Nathan Bracken. "We've all had a fair bit of experience and if you put that pace attack up against any in the world and I think it comes out No. 1," Tait said. "The selectors should be pretty happy with what they have."

Out of the four fast bowlers Tait will be used in the shortest, sharpest, spells mainly because his of his fragile body. He missed the first one-day international against England due to a back strain but he is unconcerned and is ready to take his place at Hobart on Friday in the best shape of his life.

"I'm at full fitness apart from the back complaint a few days ago," he said. "Obviously they will manage the fast bowlers through the rest of the series and probably the World Cup as well which is the done thing these days. It's probably the fittest I've been. I worked hard during the three months I was injured. At the end of the day you can be as fit as you like, but it is performances out on the field that count."

Despite the strain on his body when bowling in excess of 150kph, Tait won't be holding back against England or during the World Cup. "The reason I get selected is because of my pace and there's no substitute for me. I'm not going to hold back and try and put the ball in the right areas," he said. "I'm there to bowl fast and take wickets which is what I'll try to do."

The subcontinent used to be a graveyard for fast bowlers but that has changed in recent years, especially in India, with some lively wickets being produced. Finding swing with the old ball will be a key weapon during the tournament and Tait is looking forward to the challenge.

"In those conditions reverse swing will be a factor and all four of us can bowl that," Tait said. "You never know, though, in India because some of the wickets they produce can go through pretty quickly. Fast bowling isn't that bad over there, that's for sure."

Australia remain the No. 1 one-day team in the world but are not favourites for this year's tournament after a difficult year which has seen them lose to England, India and Sri Lanka in 50-over cricket. However, this current group of players are taking it as a major motivation to continue Australia's World Cup domination without some of the great names of the past.

"We had a team full of legends to be fair and it's a little different this time," Tait said. "When you lose so many great players over a couple of years it's a big hole to fill. Australian cricket is slowly trying to do that, but there's still plenty of experience there."

Form suggests that Australia will struggle to make it four in a row, but the squad they have selected means they aren't going to let their title go quietly.

Ireland pick Ed Joyce for World Cup

	Surrey's Gary Wilson is one of Ireland's selections for the World Cup
Related Links Players/Officials: Ed Joyce Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Ireland

Ed Joyce, the former England batsman who also plays for Sussex, has been picked in the 15-man Ireland squad for the 2011 World Cup. Ireland, led by batsman William Porterfield, have also selected allrounder Alex Cusack and seamer Boyd Rankin, players who didn't feature in their last ODI assignment, a lost series against Zimbabwe in September. Rankin, who was Ireland's leading wicket-taker in the 2007 World Cup, has recovered from a stress fracture in his foot that has kept him out of the team since July 2010.

Joyce, who last played an ODI in 2007, was cleared by the ICC in November 2010 to represent Ireland, the country of his birth, and he subsequently joined the team in a pre-World Cup preparation camp in India. Joyce has played 17 ODIs for England, averaging 27.70, though he's been a prolific run-getter on the List A and first-class circuit.

Ireland surprised one and all in the 2007 World Cup, knocking Pakistan out of the league stage, qualifying for the Super Eights and beating Bangladesh. Nine Irish players who featured in that tournament are part of the 2011 World Cup squad.

"I like the balance of the squad. As with most Irish teams of the past few years, there are quite a few allrounders, and that gives us plenty of options in all departments," Ireland coach Phil Simmons was quoted as saying in a release. "What is different this time, from 2007, is that 13 of the 15 earn their living from cricket - that's practically a full-time squad.

"We were also able to spend a month in India acclimatising, and that will stand us in good stead."

Porterfield added: "There has been a lot of hard work put in over the past few weeks and months and being in India in November for the training has really helped the lads in getting to where they want to be."

Ireland travel to Dubai for a training camp on January 28, and play warm-up games against New Zealand and Zimbabwe in the lead-up to the World Cup.

Ireland squad: William Porterfield (capt), Andre Botha, Alex Cusack, Niall O'Brien (wk), Kevin O'Brien, George Dockrell, Trent Johnston, Nigel Jones, John Mooney, Boyd Rankin, Paul Stirling, Albert van der Merwe, Gary Wilson (wk), Andrew White, Ed Joyce.

Lee and Tait win World Cup berths

	Shaun Tait is aiming for a second global trophy with Australia after being picked in the 15-man squad © Getty Images Enlarge
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Australia will risk both Brett Lee and Shaun Tait at the World Cup after they were chosen in the 15-man squad for the trophy defence beginning in India next month. Peter Siddle and Xavier Doherty were not included while John Hastings, the Victoria allrounder, was named along with the injured duo of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey.

Hussey picked up a serious hamstring tear in Sunday's ODI win over England and underwent surgery today, while Ponting is recovering from an operation on his little finger. The pair will not appear in the rest of the one-day series and Shaun Marsh will supplement the remaining 13 players for the next three matches.

Hussey and Ponting do have time to recover before the tournament reaches the knockout stages, with the quarter finals beginning on March 23. Australia's opening match of the campaign is against Zimbabwe in Ahmedabad on February 21.

While Australia are now mid-table in Tests, they remain the No.1 side in the 50-over game and are aiming for their fourth consecutive World Cup win. Seven players who were part of the unbeaten 2007 success in the West Indies will attempt to achieve more glory.

Lee and Tait are returning from long-term elbow injuries but the selectors have kept faith in their speed, bodies and shock value. Lee, 34, captured two wickets on Sunday in his first ODI since October 2009 as he reached 150kph, while Tait missed the game with a back injury. Mitchell Johnson and Doug Bollinger are the other quicks in the unit, with Hastings and Shane Watson enlisted to provide support.

"Hastings has been selected as he adds variety to our bowling options," Hilditch said. "We feel his bowling is well suited to subcontinent conditions and his all-round skills with bat and ball add to the flexibility of the squad."

Nathan Hauritz is the sole recognised spinner but Steven Smith and David Hussey will also be relied on to deliver regular overs. "Nathan is our preferred spin option and his one-day record in India is excellent," Hilditch said. Hauritz has played seven 50-over games in the country, taking four wickets at 70.75. Hilditch's panel did not pick Hauritz during the entire Ashes campaign but now he expects the offspinner to "be an important part of our bid for this fourth World Cup".

David Hussey's mix of hard-hitting batting and part-time offspin have earned him a trip, despite him playing his first one-day game in more than a year on Sunday. "We feel he will play a crucial role for us in sub-continental conditions," Hilditch said. Tim Paine is the back-up wicketkeeper and will also be a standby batsman.

Australia squad Shane Watson, Brad Haddin (wk), Ricky Ponting (capt), Michael Clarke, Michael Hussey, David Hussey, Cameron White, Tim Paine (wk), Steven Smith, John Hastings, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Brett Lee, Shaun Tait, Doug Bollinger.

Michael Hussey undergoes hamstring surgery

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	Michael Hussey has suffered a severe hamstring injury © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links News : Australia hopeful Hussey can make World Cup Analysis : Australia gamble on fear factor News : Hauritz excited by call, but Doherty 'shafted' News : Lee and Tait win World Cup berths Players/Officials: Michael Hussey | Ricky Ponting Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Australia

Michael Hussey is in major doubt for the World Cup after having surgery on his left leg just hours after being named in Australia's 15-man squad. Hussey hurt his hamstring in Sunday's ODI victory in Melbourne and initially thought the problem was minor. But scans revealed one of the hamstring tendons had torn from the inner side of his knee.

"The recovery time and availability for the World Cup will be dependent on his progress with the rehabilitation programme in the coming weeks," Australia's physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said. Hussey has been replaced for the next three games of the one-day series by Shaun Marsh, who is now a big chance of playing at his first World Cup.

Australia's first match of the global event is against Zimbabwe on February 21 in Ahmedabad, leaving Hussey racing to recover. The quarter-finals start a month later and Hussey is such an important player that he could be allowed to enter the tournament when the knockout games are approaching. Australia were in a similar situation four years ago when Andrew Symonds hurt his arm, but returned to help the side to the trophy.

"It's just happened at a bad time," Hilditch said before Hussey had surgery. "Obviously Mike's a key player of our squad so he's in this squad, but a final decision whether he's going to be fit or not will be made closer to our departure date."

Ricky Ponting hopes his little finger will be right for the start of the tournament. He broke it while fielding during the third Ashes Test in Perth and missed the Sydney match, with the surgery ruling him out of the England ODIs.

"I'm hoping to be right for the start of the World Cup," Ponting said. "My finger's coming along okay, I guess. I haven't been able to do anything for the last couple of weeks post-surgery, but I've got a bit more movement now."

The finger is still in a splint and Ponting said it would be looked at by a doctor once a week. "I'm pretty keen to get a bat back in my hands again and I'm going to be around the team, certainly this week down in Hobart for the second game," he said.

Ponting is 36 and heading to his fifth World Cup, but he said even a fourth consecutive victory would not hide the pain of the Ashes defeat. "I'm not sure if anything would erase what's just happened," he said. "Payback's going to be hard to get after losing the Ashes."

Australia's position in ODIs is much better than in Tests, where they sit fifth, and Ponting remains confident of his side's chances. "We're quite clearly the No.1-ranked one-day team in the world, and I think just little things like the great win that we had the other night shows that this one-day team is certainly on the right track," he said. "We've got a really proud record in the subcontinent and we'll be going there to do everything we can to win another World Cup."

Hauritz excited by call, but Doherty 'shafted'

	Nathan Hauritz: "It was disappointing not to be part of that Ashes but it's fantastic to be part of the World Cup squad" © Getty Images Enlarge

Nathan Hauritz was relieved to learn of his World Cup selection after being left on the outer for the duration of the Ashes. Hauritz is the sole specialist spinner in the 15-man outfit after the selectors overlooked Xavier Doherty, the left-arm orthodox from Tasmania.

"There were still thoughts in the back of my head that it might not happen," Hauritz said at the SCG. That's because it has been an incredibly bumpy summer for Hauritz.

He was Australia's Test spinner in India but was overlooked for the Ashes, despite being the most successful slow bowler since Shane Warne retired in 2007. "It's definitely a great deal of relief to be selected," he said. "Generally it's not good news but the last week it has been good news from the selectors. It's a like a phone call you get from your mother, sometimes it's bad news, sometimes it's good."

Hauritz is now happy in his role as the only specialist, but he will be supported by Steven Smith, David Hussey and possibly Michael Clarke at the tournament starting next month. "Obviously it was disappointing not to be part of that Ashes but it's fantastic to be part of the World Cup squad," he said. "I'm extremely excited."

This time it is Doherty's turn to feel the pain after his card was marked when he went wicket-less in Sunday's ODI win over England. It was his third ODI, with all four of his breakthroughs coming on debut against Sri Lanka. Last month he was dropped after being ineffective in his opening two Ashes Tests.

George Bailey, the Tasmania captain, said Doherty had been Australia's best one-day spinner on the domestic circuit for the past two or three years. "He's obviously performed really well in the few chances he's had with Australia, and then he's just basically shafted," Bailey told AAP.

Bailey pointed the finger at selectors for sending "mixed messages" over how Doherty should be bowling. "Then when he's told he's not in the team, he's given very little direction to come back for us," he said. "And this is not just Xavier, but I think all players that are dropped out of that Australian squad. I think communication from the top to players coming back is pretty ordinary."

Tanvir Ahmed, Mohammad Yousuf left out

Tanvir Ahmed, Mohammad Yousuf left out of World Cup

	The left-arm pace of Sohail Tanvir was preferred over Tanvir Ahmed © AFP Enlarge
Related Links News : PCB issues Waqar notice over captaincy comments Osman Samiuddin : A fresh, balanced squad with no captain Players/Officials: Mohammad Yousuf | Tanvir Ahmed Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: Pakistan

Pakistan's selectors have displayed an unusual consistency in their ODI squad, retaining all players bar one involved in the New Zealand ODIs for their World Cup campaign. Fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed, who is part of the 16-man ODI squad in New Zealand, is the unlucky one, missing out.

In opting for continuity, the selectors have not picked the veteran Mohammad Yousuf, indicating that his career is all but over. And as had been widely expected, they have remarkably not named a captain or deputy so far, leaving open the possibility that Shahid Afridi, who has been the limited overs leader, may be replaced.

The 15-man squad is generally low on surprise, and given that Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif, Mohammad Amir and Shoaib Malik, four key players, are not cleared for selection, almost picked itself. It is a fairly fresh one also; eight of the players have no previous World Cup experience.

The batting spots are shared by a mix of the old and new, with Asad Shafiq and Umar Akmal the ones to keep an eye on, around Younis Khan. The presence of Misbah-ul-Haq will raise some eyebrows. He has only played two ODIs in 2010 and was dropped midway through Pakistan's last ODI series against South Africa.

The bowling has considerable variety, with Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz expected to share the bulk of pace duties. Sohail Tanvir has a chance to resurrect his career after two injury-struck years. Much might depend on the spinners, with Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman providing contrasting support to the threat of Afridi.

Yousuf made the 30-man preliminary World Cup squad but hasn't played a one-dayer since he was recalled for the series-decider against South Africa last November in Dubai and made only 3. Though he has played 281 ODIs for Pakistan, he scored only one half-century in 10 matches last year and his World Cup experiences have generally been poor: he has only two half-centuries in 13 career World Cup matches.

The situation with the captaincy has built up steadily over the last few weeks. There has been increasing speculation that Afridi may be removed, the board not pleased with his regular public statements, including criticisms of his own side. He was retained as ODI captain for the New Zealand ODIs but his personal performance in the last ten ODIs doesn't help his case. He averages 20.9 with the bat and 48.7 with the ball. The move to name Misbah as vice-captain for the New Zealand ODIs is seen as a means of putting pressure on Afridi.

But before leaving for New Zealand, Afridi said he was not worried about the position. "I am not worried about the captaincy, it never worries me," Afridi told reporters. "I have never run after the captaincy in my entire career. It is something for the cricket board to decide. If they feel I am the right man they will appoint me and if they don't they will make someone else captain.

"I am a senior professional and I know what I have to do. I have to lead the team to win the series and perform well as player. I know our winning the series will be very important because if we win in New Zealand it will give us a boost for the World Cup."

Squad: Shahid Afridi, Misbah-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Kamran Akmal (wk), Younis Khan, Asad Shafiq, Umar Akmal, Abdul Razzaq, Abdur Rehman, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul, Wahab Riaz, Sohail Tanvir, Ahmed Shehzad

BCCI denied customs duty exemption

	The immediate impact of the ruling would be felt at the World Cup © AFP Enlarge

The BCCI has been denied customs duty exemption on imports by the government of India, in the first direct consequence of its de-recognition as a national sports body.

A government circular from the Ministry of Finance on Monday states that the goods imported by the BCCI or certified as import "are not entitled to any exemption benefit" which is usually available on "sports goods / equipment / consumables" that are imported by national sports federations.

The government had de-recognised the board for its failure to complete the paperwork needed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as part of its new annual recognition process set up for all national sports federations in India.

In order for a sports federation to be recognised by the government, it must submit details about its electoral process, the duration of the tenure of its officials and a statement of accounts. While the BCCI is not dependant on the Indian government with regards to funding, unlike most other sports federations, it requires government clearances for overseas tours of its teams and also enjoys several benefits relating to tax exemption.

The immediate impact of the Ministry of Finance's ruling would be felt on the World Cup which begins next month. While India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka are the three co-hosts of the World Cup, the event organisers are headquartered in the BCCI's office in Mumbai.

A significant amount of the event's publicity and promotional material, the organisers say, is being imported. Some signage is being imported from Germany and corporate and hospitality gifts from China. These include merchandising and sponsors' materials like the 'thundersticks' (the inflatable 'sticks' banged together during games) and signs held up by the crowd after every four or six.

Given that the customs duty in India ranges between 25 and 30%, the withdrawal of the duty exemption would, a tournament organiser said, could well total at "around a million dollars". World Cup organisers, however, are hoping that the government's approval of the event, which are part of their bidding documents, will help them arrive at an amenable settlement.

The BCCI's chief administrative officer Ratnakar Shetty, however, said the decision would not affect the World Cup. "BCCI was always an autonomous body." Shetty said. "A lot of pressure has been created in the last few months that we should register with the government but there is a different feeling within the BCCI. This decision would not have any bearing on the World Cup."

Tahir and van Wyk picked for World Cup

	Pakistan-born legspinner Imran Tahir is the only uncapped player in South Africa's squad © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links Players/Officials: Imran Tahir | Morne van Wyk Series/Tournaments: ICC Cricket World Cup Teams: South Africa

Imran Tahir, the Pakistan-born legspinner, is the only uncapped player named in South Africa's World Cup squad. Reserve wicketkeeper Morne van Wyk is a surprise inclusion in the final XV while there is no room for David Miller.

Tahir's inclusion means that South Africa have five spin options in their bowling attack, a sign that they have moulded the squad to suit subcontinent conditions. Tahir only became eligible to play South Africa on New Year's Day and has yet to make his debut but his inexperience at international level is not bothering the selectors. "It is not a worry that Tahir has not played an ODI yet," Andrew Hudson, convenor of selectors, said. "The conditions in South Africa have been more suited to seam bowling and his record in domestic cricket both in South Africa and England speaks for itself. We know exactly what he offers us."

Faf du Plessis, the allrounder who made his debut against India on Tuesday night, is the other legspinner in the squad, giving South Africa an option they have not had at a World Cup before. du Plessis scored a classy 60 in his first match, although he struggled with cramp and received treatment on his forearm. He spent some time off the field but later returned and bowled an over. "I am very happy with Faf du Plessis' debut and form. He gives us a leg-spinning option as well and is an outstanding fielder."

du Plessis will replace Miller at number six or seven in the batting line-up. Miller has been inconsistent since making his debut against the West Indies in May 2010. Although he is a clean hitter of the ball, he has struggled in the current series against India, scoring just 36 runs in two innings and his inexperience could well have cost his place. Miller is only 21-years-old and opportunity will no doubt come his way in the future.

Colin Ingram, who came into the national team against Zimbabwe in October last year, after Miller had made his debut, has retained his place. Ingram has been batting at No. 3, in place of the injured Jacques Kallis, and will move down the order when Kallis returns. Kallis suffered a side strain and bruising to his rib during the Test series against India and was left out of the ODI squad for the current in order to recover. Kallis is fully fit for the World Cup. "CSA's Medical Committee are happy with Kallis' progress and he will be ready to play a full role with both bat and ball from the start of the tournament."

Kallis will form part of a battery of five seamers that includes Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and two left-armers in Lonwabo Tsotsobe and Wayne Parnell. Parnell has been the weakest of the five since making a comeback from a groin injury against Pakistan in November last year. He has been battled with his rhythm and accuracy but has been included despite his inexperience. Kallis is the only one of the five bowlers who has played in a World Cup before.

Together with Smith, AB de Villiers and Robin Petersen, Kallis is one of only four survivors from the last World Cup in the West Indies in 2007. Mark Boucher, the only other player from that tournament who could have been recalled was discarded in place of van Wyk.

van Wyk has been rewarded for consistent performances at domestic level and has been preferred to Mark Boucher as the reserve wicketkeeper, essentially signaling the end of Boucher's limited-overs career. van Wyk is also a back-up opening batsman, who could come in handy if one of Graeme Smith or Hashim Amla are indisposed. In 10 matches in this season's MNT40, he scored 323 runs at an average of 35.88, including a match-winning century in the semi-final and undefeated 85 in the final. van Wyk has played six ODIs, the last one against New Zealand in November 2007 and has an average of 32.50.

Squad: Graeme Smith (capt), Hashim Amla, Johan Botha, AB de Villiers (wk), JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Jacques Kallis, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Robin Peterson, Dale Steyn, Imran Tahir, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Morne van Wyk (wk)

Rhodes continues work with Kenya

	Kenya are hoping Jonty Rhodes can have a positive impact on their World Cup preparations © AFP Enlarge

, the former South African batsman, will continue to help Kenya with their preparations for the World Cup, which starts on February 19. Rhodes, who first worked with the team during a three-week training camp at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria 2010, will link up with the squad when they return to Kenya later this week, following a tour of India.

Kenya are currently engaged on a World Cup warm-up tour of India and crashed to heavy losses in the first four encounters of their trip, with their final match against Baroda XI at Vadodara on Tuesday.

"Jonty will be a tremendous asset to the squad during the final phase of our preparation," said Cricket Kenya chief executive Tom Sears. "The reports that came back from the squad after working with him in South Africa were incredibly enthusiastic and we are delighted that he will be with us again during this crucial period.

"We are doing everything we can to ensure our squad arrive at the World Cup in a position to fulfill their undoubted potential and Jonty's involvement will be a key part of that."

Rhodes will be with the squad during their World Cup preparations in Nairobi, and will also travel with them to an ICC High Performance Camp in Dubai on 30 January and then on to Sri Lanka for the final stage of the preparations and warm up matches. Kenya's first game of the competition is against New Zealand at Chennai on February 20.