South Africa take 2-0 lead – Cricket News Roundup – February 29, 2012 – Part1
South Africa took an 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series, as they beat New Zealand by 6 wickets in the second one-dayer at Napier.
After being sent into bat, the hosts were cruising at 163 for 3 before losing their way considerably to stumble on a meagre 230 all out in 47.3 overs. Morne Morkel was the pick of the Proteas’ bowlers, taking five for 38.
In reply, Hashim Amla anchored the innings with 92, getting able support from the middle-order, who all chipped in with valuable contributions as the tourist reached to the victory total inside 39 overs.
India have elevated middle-order batsman, Virat Kohli, to the vice-captaincy post, while have rested Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Kohli is the leading run-getter in the ongoing CB series, where he scored a stupendous ton in the previous match against Sri Lanka.
Other notable inclusions are in the shape of all-rounder, Yusuf Pathan, and fast bowler, Ashok Dinda. They have replaced pacers, Zaheer Khan and Umesh Yadav, after the selectors decided to give the duo a break following a grueling tour Down Under.
"Unfortunately Virender Sehwag and Zaheer Khan have been asked to take rest by the physiotherapist. It is purely on injury grounds both have been rested," he said. "I can assure you that nobody has been dropped," said chairman of selectors, Kris Srikkanth.
Australian National Selection Panel have the announced the One Day squad for the team’s upcoming tour of West Indies, which sees the return of Brad Haddin, along with the inclusion of George Bailey and Nathan Lyon.
The wicket-keeper batsman was dropped for the on-going series with his place being taken by Matthew Wade. However, the selection committee has decided to take two glove men for their trip to the Caribbean island.
Bailey and Lyon will be hoping to make their respective ODI debuts after making their name in T20 and Test cricket respectively. Pacer Ryan Harris has been excluded, while Shaun Marsh (poor form) and Patrick Cummins (fitness) also failed to make the cut.
Michael Hussey returned to the T20 circuit, while Peter Forrest was also given the nod in the shortest format of the game on the back of his impressive showings in the ongoing tri-series.