Cricket Update: Player Injuries, Bans and more
Ryan Harris had his knee operation and is fighting to get his fitness back for Australia’s tour to India this October. Ryan Harris immediately returned to Australia after 5th ODI against England, where he picked up knee injury. "Ryan Harris underwent arthroscopic surgery in Melbourne on Thursday to correct cartilage damage to his right knee," Cricket Australia doctor Trefor James said. Ryan’s injury adds him to a big list of injured pacers of Australia. Bret Lee along with Peter Siddle is out for long periods, while Ben Hilfenhaus made a comeback after seven months break because of injury. Ryan will be monitored in coming weeks for his fitness, and only a fit Harris will be considered by selectors for the VB tour to India.
Sri Lanka only had played two test matches until a recent test series with India was arranged. Sri Lankan’s have not played in a test match outside Asia, since the Australian tour of 2007. Mahela Jayawardene has only played four test matches in Australia during his 13 year career, which speaks volumes of inconsistency of FTP- Future Tour Program. Sangakkara said: "All sides should have an equal opportunity to play Tests, We are lucky India are touring us, but the opportunity for Sri Lankan players to fulfil their Test dreams are getting more and more limited."
Bangladesh Wicketkeeper is ruled out of last two ODI’s against England following his injury. Poor Mushfiqur Rahim took a hit on his face on the bowling of left arm spinner Faisal Hossain. Rahim became the victim because of some extra bounce from pitch. It was a sad side when he was taken away on stretcher.
Sulieman Benn of West Indies was banned for one test or two ODI’s or two T20’s, after he pleaded guilty of his behaviour “contrary to the spirit of the game”. Benn was found guilty for inappropriately entering South African dressing room and provoking players and coaches. The incident took place at Kensington Oval, Barbados. Jeff Crowe match referee while explaining the offence said: “Whatever had gone on before Sulieman entered the Proteas' dressing-room, while helping to explain his behaviour, cannot justify it." This is not the first time Benn has landed himself in trouble. He was banned in 2009 for two ODI’s following his unpleasant confrontation with Mitchell Johnson and Brad Haddin of Australia. "We like the game to be played in a competitive way but, whether on or off the field, players must treat the opposition and the game itself with respect. That did not happen on this occasion and Sulieman has paid the price."- Jeff added.
Dhoni makes a public appearance with his wife to thank fans. Last week Dhoni made headlines for marrying his childhood friend Sakshi. A private ceremony took place in the city of Dehradun, which was attended by about 50 people. Some fellow cricketers were also seen in the event. Suresh Raina, Harbhajan Singh, Rohit Sharma, RP Singh and Ashish Nehra attended the ceremony. Media reports suggest the couple looked relax and were having a good time.
Ian Bell, who made a comeback in English Cricket team suffered an injury against Bangladesh and finds himself unfit for the series against Pakistan. Bell in tenth over attempted a diving catch, leaving him with a fractured fifth metatarsal in his left foot. It will take him six to seven weeks to recover from injury. Eoin Morgan is likely to replace Bell in test squad. Ian’s injury also leaves selectors to experiment by playing five specialist bowlers. "I went up for a catch and felt pain as soon as I landed," Bell said. "I knew straight away I'd done something serious. This is obviously extremely disappointing for me. I had worked very hard to get back into the England squad and had felt in good touch,” He added.
Australian Tim Paine, 25, will make his test debut in Lords against Pakistan. Tim will become the youngest Australian glove-man after Ian Healy to be part of Australian squad. Haddin’s elbow injury has given Tim a chance to perform in two test matches against Pakistan. Paine is excited about the chance and also knows the importance of performing well. "I'm absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity to play Test cricket," Paine said. "It's a pretty rare thing for a wicketkeeper. I realise I'm very fortunate, to get it before you normally would,” He added.