RULES THAT CREATED IMBALANCE BETWEEN BAT N BALL

                                Cricket is a game which involves a lot of calculations, manipulations, emotions, sentiments, arguments. It is a second religion to all who follow it with SACHIN being the prime god. But, have you ever thought of who the priests are? and what exactly the association of priests in cricket known as? Yes, you  have read it rite priests do exist in the religion of cricket and there is an association for priests. The association is known as Marylebone Cricket Club (M.C.C) and it's members are none other than the priests. They are the one who got the rights to create rules in the game of cricket. Now a days these guys are partial to the batsmen which are evident from the rules that they have made.

                  A NEW BALL FROM EACH END

                              In modern era the final 5 overs of an innings are giving runs at a rate of 12+, thanks to this rule of new ball from each end with which a bowler cannot reverse swing the art invented to restrict flow of runs in death, not able to spin in middle overs as the ball hasn't lost it's luster. The only good reason beside this rule is a bowler can keep the ball which is less damaged in his memory if he has achieved some thing with it. Which do happen once in a blue moon.

   MIN OF 5 FIELDERS INSIDE DURING THE NON PP

                            Can any captain bring an ideal field set during the non power plays without restricting the ideas of the bowlers. Hell no might the answer. 4 defenders can't even defend a goal in a foot ball game how come you expect  4 fielders to block the entire boundary ropes in cricket. Mistime a pull and u will end up with a boundary if it has taken the top  edge and fly towards the third man as u rarely find a deep third man.

         FREE HIT AFTER BOWLING A LEG NOBALL

                          

                          A bowler will feel guilty of bowling a no ball and he finds pepper on the wound by looking at the umpire signalling a free hit. Bowler bowling a no ball adds extra run to score card and a free hit of the very next ball which can be trashed any way with the batsmen's will. Is there any negative point if the batsmen has edged a delivery or is the batsmen given out for edging a ball.Why always does a bowler need to suffer.

            

  
                         

IS INDIA FINDING IT TOUGH TO FACE QUALITY SPIN??? REASONS EXPLAINED

                                       

                            1991 is the year when i was on to this earth. Started watching cricket at the age of 10. Those were the days when i not even knew what a googly means, what exactly is doosra, forget about the variations i didn't even  knew the difference between leg n off spin. All that i knew was when ever an Indian batsman is facing a bowler who takes a few steps to deliver a ball (spinner) it is not going to yield him a wicket. That is the confidence I had after watching many matches were a spinner finds it very difficult to pick a wicket against India. But now, time have changed a lot were Indians are not even able to face a part time spinner. There may be many reasons(quality of spinners in our country, T20, no turning tracks in domestic games etc) here are my picks which lead to down fall of Indian batsmen against spin.

                        Lack of quality spinners in the side, back in those days there were spinners in the Indian outfits who have dominated the game with there show. There was  lot of competition among themselves to fill the spin quota which was best among the best where as now a days the competition was best among the worst. If there aren't any quality spinners in your country you will have to play against second grade spinners in domestic competitions, which will make you the best against second grade but worst against first grade

                             Though there are some premier spinners in the ranks they will never turn up to ranji trophy citing there own personal reasons or international schedule. they do play ranji matches only to find a place in the international squad. As a result the upcoming batsmen don't get chance to face a good spinner and they will be on the lower end compared to their seniors

                      Laying green tracks during domestic competitions and a crumbling wicket during international fixtures will not aid the batsmen. As they haven't played a spinner on a turner in domestic series all of a sudden facing an international standard spinner in the international cricket. Different countries do have different types of wickets which will be the same for the domestic and international matches. where as India is the only country to have different tracks for domestic and international

      

                            Taking the things for granted by boasting of their past records. A lot of pressure will be created by the pacers and suddenly in comes a part time spinner whom Indians would like to take for granted as they are traditionally good against them and try to milk out as many runs as possible and ends up giving wicket to him. Then other batsmen feel cautious about the so called part timer who turned out to be a hero. That ends up handing him a fifer

             

                       To over come all these challenges there should be turning tops in domestic competition and all the premier spinners to take part in domestic matches               

                        

              

5 Players who need to justify their World Cup selection

1.    Stuart Binny(India):

Stuart Binny's selection in India's 15-man World Cup squad had raised a lot of eyebrows. The 30-year-old Karnataka all-rounder had made his ODI debut against New Zealand in January 2014. Apart from a 6/4 against Bangladesh - the best ever ODI bowling figures by an Indian - he has not exactly set the stage on fire.

 Representing Karnataka in the domestic circuit, Binny ended the 2012 -2013 season with 612 runs at an average of 47.07. He also had 19 wickets to his name. Binny had to miss a few matches in the 2013-14 season as a result of his national commitments. In the matches he played, he averaged 40 with the bat, scoring 321 in 6 matches, besides picking up 11 wickets.

Stuart Binny

 But in the recent concluded ODI tri-series, Binny suddenly became Dhoni’s go-to man. The Indian skipper had so much faith in the all-rounder that he gave him the new ball in last two ODIs that India played against England. Binny was the star in the first ODI against England, where he was not only the highest run-scorer, but also the lone only wicket taker. In the second ODI, he rattled England’s middle-order and picked three crucial wickets of Joe Root, Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara. Not to forget, in both the matches, his economy rate was less than four runs per over.

While there would be many who would still be unhappy with him playing ODI cricket, the 30-year-old could play a crucial role for India in ICC’s pinnacle event, proving them wrong.

2.    Harris Sohail(Pakistan)::

With only 11 matches to his name Harris Sohail has made it to the Pakistani World cup squad. Haris Sohail is a 26 year old promising young talented batsmen and probably the future of Pakistan

The Left-handed middle-order batsman has scored 309 runs at an average of 34 with the highest score of 85*. He has a decent record in the first class career averaging in the mid 37. He is yet to score a List-A 100. His best score in the 50 over format is 99.

Harris Sohail

Relatively new to international cricket, he also bowls a bit of left-arm spin and made it to the World Cup squad with his all-round performace in the ODI series against New Zealand in the United Arab Emirates in December. With Mohammad Hafeez banned from bowling in Int. cricket, Pakistan may use his part timers.

This will be a great opportunity for the young lad to prove his selection right.

3.    Mitchell Marsh:

Mitchell Marsh has done pretty well in whatever cricket he has played till date. He has shown a lot of maturity in his small career. He has an impressive debut against Pakistan in UAE. He has showed his maturity with 47 and 87 in his second test in Abu Dhabi.

Marsh was one of few players to emerge with great credit from the triangular series in Zimbabwe, where the Australians lost to the hosts for the first time since 1993 and were beaten again by South Africa in the final. Marsh played several innings of note, most memorably taking to the high-class offerings of Dale Steyn and also trialling at No. 3 in the batting order. The Zimbabwe trip gave him a lot of confidence.

Mitchell Marsh

He also played a crucial knock in the recently concluded Carlton Mid triangular series final against England, which was won by Australia. Despite losing some early wickets Mitch shared a century stand with Glenn Maxwell to help his side posting a respectable target.

4.    Shikar Dhawan:

Stylish Moustache  batsman Shikhar Dhawan has not been in the best of form of late Down Under, which is now a major concern for Team India. The left-hander seems to be stuck at the crease too often without any footwork. And if that doesn’t sound convincing enough, the recent concluded tri-series in Australia has been Dhawan lowest point in his career scoring just 48 runs in four innings

Shikar Dhawan has continuously failed to impress in the Australian tour. India will be hoping Shikar to fire at the top of the order which didn’t happened at all in Australia.

The tour of Australia has been a big struggle for Dhawan. He has managed only one half-century that too down the order. However, the opener showed some signs of getting his form back in the last innings. His innings of 38 against England was a rare decent knock on that tour.

Shikar Dhawan

Interestingly Shikar has done very well in Champions trophy, where he scored 363 runs in 5 matches with a mammoth average of 90.75 and scored at a tremendous pace. He scored two centuries in that series, one against South Africa and one against West Indies. Dhawan scored a 94 ball 114 at Cardiff in the opener of the Champions trophy held in England.This can inspire him a lot to do well in the upcoming ICC Pinnacle event  

Indian fans will be hoping him to repeat the same feat and it is also the last opportunity for Shikar to prove his mettle and secure his place in the side

5.    Younus Khan

The 37 year old Pakistani veteran player Younis khan had a dream series against Australia, where he scored tons of runs in the series. In the process he became the first batsman since New Zealand's Glenn Turner, in 1974, to score hundreds in both innings against Australia. Returning to the Pakistan ODI team has not been a cake walk for him. 

                Having played his part in the series victory, Younis said he wished to be a part of the Pakistan squad for the upcoming 2015 World Cup, to be jointly co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The middle-order batsman was unceremoniously sacked from the ODI team for the Australia matches with the team management indicating that the 37-year old batsman was no more in the frame for selection to the shorter format of the game.

Younis Khan

After challenging Pakistan’s selectors in September to find a better replacement after his exclusion from the one-day series against Australia, Khan let his bat do the talking over the past five Test matches throughout October and November. The veteran right-handed batsman hit 717 runs over five Tests against Australia and New Zealand which earned him place in the world cup squad.

It may be the last world cup for Younis khan, he will be aiming to finish this on a high note 

Dhoni prime example of disciplined cricketer

In the age of cricket where on-field verbal spats between opposition players are an everyday affair, Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni is the prime example of a disciplined player who has played the sport in the right spirit, feels former India opener Aakash Chopra.

The recent series between India and Australia saw numerous altercations between the players, pushing the spirit of cricket to another low.

Dhoni prime example of disciplined cricketer

“Dhoni remains quite silent on the field. He lets his performance speak for him. His behaviour on the cricket field has been exemplary,” Chopra said at the News24 cricket conclave here Monday.

“In the age of cricket where we see many on-field altercations, here is a cricketer who is hardly involved in any verbal spat. He is a prime example of a proper disciplined cricketer.”

Supporting Chopra’s opinion, former South African batsman Jonty Rhodes said the Indian captain, who retired from the longest version of the game in December last year, also doesn’t speak much with his bowlers.

“He hardly speaks to his bowlers on the field. The main thing is he has plans for each and every bowler. His bat speaks for him and his plan as a captain also speaks for him. So, he doesn’t need to chatter behind the wickets,” said Rhodes, who is known for his fielding skills during his heydays.

India lack experience but have fighting spirit: Kapil Dev

New Delhi, Feb 2 – Former India captain Kapil Dev, on Monday, said that although the country’s World Cup squad lacks experience, they can fill the void with their energy and commitment.

India lack experience but have fighting spirit: Kapil Dev

The Indian selectors excluded veterans Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Sehwag, Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra and Gautam Gambhir from the squad that will defend the World Cup title in Australia and New Zealand later this month.

“If you see the 2011 World Cup winning squad, there are a lot of big names missing. They lack experience as compared to the 2011 squad,” Kapil, who led India to their first World Cup triumph in 1983, said at the News24 cricket conclave.

“However, this team has the energy and enthusiasm. They have the fighting spirit. That will hopefully take them ahead.”

The legendary all-rounder also added that it’s not experience but commitment that will decide the winners of the World Cup.

“Every time you go onto the field, you strive to do better. During a match, commitment makes the difference,” Kapil

Ajinkya Rahane - Man of all seasons

Rahane has impressed all with his ability to adapt to different conditions. (Reuters Photo)

  Some time in the 90s, a team of enthusiastic cricketers had travelled to            Azad Maidan from a faraway suburb called Dombivilli to play a cricket            match.

 The opener of this team was an eight-year-old boy. The first ball of the match was a quick bouncer which crashed into the helmet of this tiny batsman, who subsequently fell down and started crying.

Just as his seniors thought it was a mistake to make him face a bowler who was thrice his age and size, the boy wiped his tears, put his helmet back on, and said: 'I'm ready." The bowler, a waiter in a nearby restaurant, told the boy he would be better off facing the old ball. He responded by smashing his next five balls for fours. It took five balls for the boy to change the bowler's opinion about him for good.

For most part of his cricketing life, Ajinkya Rahane has only done that. For a man who seemed to be a bundle of nerves on his Test debut, he is almost the backbone of the team at present. Whether he opens or bats at No. 3, his form will be the key for India.

There is an obvious reason why he has been India's best batsman on any kind of wicket in the past year or so. "He possesses a sound technique, backed by excellent footwork," says his mentor, Pravin Amre. However, technique alone doesn't help this man counter the fastest of bowlers with ease. There is solid steel inside.

Perhaps it was inculcated very early in his life, when he learnt karate (his parents felt that cricket and karate would help the boy mix more freely with his friends.) to the extent that he became a black belt in it.

Life, at no stage, has been a bed of roses for Rahane. Hailing from a strictly middle-class family, which owned a small apartment in a congested suburb, cricket wasn't easy to pursue.



"Given our financial constraints, it was an expensive sport to afford for us. We owe much to Arvind Kadam, who gave him a chance to play for his club and provided him all the help he needed at that stage," says Ajinkya's father Madhukar Rahane, a former BEST employee.

Later, Rahane's mental toughness was challenged to the limit again as he was kept out in the cold despite scoring heaps of runs in domestic cricket. A star batting line-up meant that he had to be a 'water boy' for 14 consecutive Tests. Almost all those who played with him in the meanwhile, went on to play for India. He was frustrated, But Rahane just didn't give up. Patience is his biggest virtue.

For Rahane, cricket is everything. "If I have to schedule an ad shoot for him, it cannot be at the cost of his practice, even if it is the off-season. I can 'sell' him more, but I have to respect his thought process. He is a kind of guy who won't run after money. He sees the bigger picture. There are three things he wants to be known for - being ethical, consistent and competitive. He is very choosy. He may reject all five brands that I offer him. He doesn't want to endorse liquor brands, but is always keen for a social cause," says his manager Atul Srivastava.

While he is an intense character on the field, friends say that off it, he is a totally different guy. He cracks jokes, reads books and listens to music. He does like to party, but with only with really close friends. He was training two days before marriage, so his wife knows where his first love is.

"He is a very good dancer, mimic and a superb actor. He is very good in front of the camera. Someday, I will discuss with him about how to show these qualities of his to the world!" says Srivastava.

(An article of TOI)

Proteas have made peace with the word 'Chokers' - Graeme Smith

The former South Africa captain believes the current South Africa squad will have a new tag of ‘the history-makers’ associated with them.

The word ‘choke’ is a term that has various connotations and also found significance within the sporting world. The history of professional sport is littered with teams and individuals that have failed to win a specific match or tournament in which they were heavily favoured, or thrown away a considerable lead or advantage to, ultimately, lose.

This term has shadowed the Proteas for the best part of two decades in the context of the ICC Cricket World Cup. It was spoken about when I made my debut and still about upon my retirement 12 years later.

Graeme Smith

A popular adage in sports is to stress that the history annals only record the statistics of the respective match or tournament, and not the comments around it. However, that would be doing an injustice to the six games in which the Proteas were knocked out of the ICC Cricket World Cups in which they have competed.

The history of the Proteas in the ICC Cricket World Cups is recorded in cricket folklore, not for the losses themselves, but for the context of the losses. There is a certain degree of pride that can be taken as a result of the fact that for 19 years the Proteas was able to maintain a consistent standard around, leading up to, and during the respective ICC Cricket World Cups that ensured they were always amongst the tournament favourites.

It is in turn for this very reason that the losses were always magnified due to the fact that these normally went against the form book and bucked the trend that the team had set.

For three of these losses, I was either on the field or in the changing-room, and for the other three I can still recall exactly where I was as well when they occurred.

Every one of these losses has been dissected and analysed in order to try and ensure that there is no repeat. But no plan in cricket is ever foolproof. I personally poured over our exits in the three tournaments in which I played wondering how the end result could have turned out differently.

Furthermore, I was engrossed in the tournaments of 1992, 1996 and 1999 and deliberated for ages over the manner of our respective exits even though I was still a teenager and had no direct influence over the path the team would follow thereafter. Ultimately, you learn to accept the outcome, move on and look to the future as player and a fan.

It is always challenging to seek and take elements of optimism, encouragement, construction and progression from a loss and especially one in a tournament. However, sometimes the only comfort from a poor result is the knowledge that the hard lessons that have to be learned will only improve yourself and the team.

The emotion post the disappointment is always painful but it is important to acknowledge it and be present in it. Once the reaction subsides it is imperative to find space and gain perspective. This is not a process that can be rushed but it has to be found in order to obtain the necessary closure. One needs to look inwards as an individual and team in order to absorb the experience and heed that lesson.

I cannot deny that the Proteas have exited the ICC Cricket World Cups in bizarre circumstances (Sydney 1992, Birmingham 1999 and Durban 2003) but they have also been outplayed on the day in others (Karachi 1996, St. Lucia 2007 and Dhaka 2011).

At each of these ICC Cricket World Cups, the Proteas showed good form during the event. However, I cannot categorically say that we were without doubt the best team or would absolutely have gone on to win any of the tournaments if we had got through our knock-out game. We can only surmise as to what would have been.

Regardless of whether or not the chokers tag is justified, it is a label that the current Proteas side has to live with in preparation for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. They have made peace with it given their history, but are resolute in their belief that they are on the verge of shedding this tag once and for all.

I know that the current squad are good enough to win this year’s tournament and have I expect that they will go deep. I am hoping that come 29 March 2015, this team will have a new tag of ‘the history-makers’. 

---

Source - ICC

Joe Burns not keen in playing IPL

Australia batsman Joe Burns said Friday that he is not keen on playing in the lucrative Indian Premier League (IPL) and instead wants to focus on the longer format of the game.

"Test cricket is my priority and I am not too keen to go to the IPL," Burns was quoted as saying by Cricket Australia.

He said playing Twenty20 cricket in India is “very different” from what he wants to do as a cricketer -- which is to play as much Test cricket as possible.

“I enjoy playing the longer form of the game and I want to try to make myself as good as I can at long-form cricket. My main aim is to play as much Test cricket as possible," said the 25-year-old.

"If I had nominated for the IPL and got picked up by a franchise, it would have been my first time going over there. But trying to learn to play T20 cricket in Indian conditions is very different to what I want to be doing after that.”

Burns has played in two Tests so far, both against India, and has scored 146 runs with a highest of 66.

IPL auction will be in Bengaluru on Feb 16

The players' auction for the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will be held in Bengaluru Feb 16.

Several leading cricketers from across the world will be up for grabs. The auction will begin at 9.30 a.m. and will be conducted by professional English auctioneer Richard Madley, who has conducted each of the previous IPL player auctions.

“The 2015 IPL Player Auction will mark the beginning of the countdown to the eighth season of one of the most popular sporting events on the planet. The auction promises to be eventful,” IPL governing council chairman Ranjib Biswal said in a statement Friday.

"The franchises have returned to the drawing board, reworked plans and devised new strategies, over the previous few months. They will have the opportunity to bid for some of the biggest names in the game."

Dwayne Bravo quits from test cricket.

West Indies all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has announced his retirement from Test cricket with immediate effect after last having played a Test for West Indies in December 2010, against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. 

"Over the years, with the greatest enthusiasm, I have done my best with the deep awareness that I am ultimately representing the people of the game," Bravo said. 

"I recognise that this is a difficult time for all of us. Our people of the region have seen and enjoyed great cricketing days but we will not return to glory until we agree to go forward with our love for the game and the respect of the administrators, players and the public."

The Trinidadian’s decision has come in the wake of his exclusion from West Indies’ 15-man squad for the World Cup, which is being seen as a ramification of him leading West Indies’ pull-out of their tour of India midway through the series back in October. He will, however, continue to play ODIs and T20s for the West Indies.

Playing in an era where West Indies has had a huge dearth of talent has resulted in Bravo’s career seeing a fair share of disappointments amidst a few sporadic highs, but the 31-year-old insisted that he’ll look back at his time with the team with fondness.

"I have experienced the exhilarating joy of victory and the devastating pain of defeat. The joyous memories will remind me of what we are capable of achieving. I want to be part of that mission," Bravo added.

Bravo, who made his Test debut against England at Lord’s in 2004, finishes up with 2200 runs at an underwhelming average of 31.42 and 86 wickets at 39.83 from his 40 Tests.

Matches	40
Innings	71
Runs	2200
HS	113
Bat Avg	31.42
100	3
50	13
wickets	86
Bowl Avg	39.83
BBI	Jun-55

Mohammad Amir set to play again

Dubai, Jan 29 (IANS) The International Cricket Council (ICC) Thursday allowed Pakistani pacer Mohammed Amir to return to domestic cricket, cutting short a five-year ban following his role in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010.

ICC's Anti-Corruption and Security Unit (ACSU) gave the go ahead to Amir following the ICC Board's meeting here.

Mohammad AMir

"ACSU chairman Ronnie Flanagan, with the prior approval of the ICC Board and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has exercised his discretion to allow Mohammad Amir to return to domestic cricket played under the auspices of PCB with immediate effect," said an ICC statement.

Amir’s ban was scheduled to expire Sep 2 but Flanagan exercised the powers vested in him after he was satisfied that Amir had cooperated with ACSU by fully disclosing his role "in the matters that led to his disqualification, admitting his guilt, showing remorse and cooperating with ACSU’s ongoing investigations and by recording messages for the ACSU education sessions".

The 22-year-old Amir was banned for five years after he was found to be involved in a spot fixing scandal during Pakistan's tour of England in 2010.

Windies series loss compounded by over-rate fine

Centurion, Jan 30 (IANS) The West Indies have been slapped with a fine by the International Cricket Council for maintaining a slow over-rate during their loss to South Africa in the fifth and final One-Day International (ODI).

Match referee Chris Broad Thursday found the Caribbean side two overs short of their target at the cut-off time for the innings at SuperSport Park Wednesday. While the players were slapped with a 20 percent fine of their match fee, new captain Jason Holder will have to part with 40 percent, reports CMC.

According to ICC regulations, players are fined 10 percent of their match fee for every over their side fails to bowl in the allotted time. The captain is fined double.

West Indies went down by 131 runs in the game which was reduced to 42 overs per side because of rain which delayed the start. South Africa won the series 4-1.

Hogg set to sign contract with KKR

Australia's Chinaman bowler Brad Hogg, who will turn 44 next week, is set to sign a contract with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the next Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The Australian Thursday said he has had a word with KKR head coach Trevor Bayliss who told him that the team is looking forward to working with him.

"I was talking to Trevor Bayliss. They’re looking to get me over there. It looks like I’m going to the IPL as well. Hopefully, I get another season or two in the Big Bash League (BBL) here with the Perth Scorchers,” Hogg was quoted as saying by foxsports.com.au.

On retirement he said: “There’s no reason at all. As a bowling group with the Perth Scorchers it’s been fantastic this year, I’ve been really enjoying it all so I don’t have any thoughts about retiring."

Hogg has previously played for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and has taken 10 wickets from the same number of matches at an average of 28.40.

Miller replaces Narine in Windies World Cup squad

St. John's (Antigua), Jan 30 (IANS) Seasoned left-arm spinner Nikita Miller has replaced Sunil Narine in the West Indies ICC Cricket World Cup squad.

The 32-year-old Jamaican has not played for the West Indies in nearly a year but has the experience of 45 One-Day Internationals (ODIs), where he has taken 40 wickets, reports CMC.

Nikitha Miller

In the recent Super50 regional tournament, Miller took six wickets at an average of 15, as Jamaica went out in the semi-finals.

Narine was named in the World Cup squad earlier this month but pulled out Tuesday, citing the need to continue work on his bowling.

The champion off-spinner has been doing remedial work on his bowling ever since being reported for having a suspected illegal action during the Champions League Twenty20 in September last year.

The West Indies are currently en route from South Africa to the World Cup, which is set to bowl off in Australia and New Zealand Feb 14.

They have been installed in Group B which includes Ireland, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, South Africa, India and the United Arab Emirates.

Dhoni blames batsmen for loss to England

Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed the batsmen for Friday's loss against England in the virtual semi-final of the tri-series here.

England booked a berth in the final of the One-Day International (ODI) series against Australia, courtesy a three-wicket win over India at the WACA.

"When we started batting, I thought we did decent with the new ball and a bit more runs initially would have helped. Good bowling and poor selection of shots led to the low score and 40-50 more runs would have helped," Dhoni said.

Aussie skipper Clarke registers 50 in comeback match

Australia's ICC Cricket World Cup skipper Michael Clarke has registered a half-century in his comeback match in Sydney Grade cricket.

Playing for Western Suburbs against Gordon Saturday, Clarke was listed at No.3 in the batting order and walked to the crease after the loss of an early wicket. 

He was 26 not out at lunch and brought up his 50 with a single to fine leg midway during the second session. 

He was dismissed a short time later for 51 from 128 balls, caught at shortish mid-on off the bowling of off-spinner Josh Poysden. 

His innings featured two fours and a six and more importantly lasted almost three hours on a Chatswood Oval pitch. 

"So far so good," Clarke said at lunch. 

"It's obviously great to be back out there playing. There's certainly a bit of rust in the system, as you would have seen, so it's nice to be back out there in the middle."

The match is Clarke's first since he underwent hamstring surgery in December. The 33-year-old is trying to prove his fitness ahead of Australia's second match of the ICC Cricket World Cup Feb 21. 

Clarke will fly to Brisbane Sunday evening and is hopeful that if he recovers well from this match, he will represent a Cricket Australia XI in a World Cup warm-up match against Bangladesh at Allan Border Field Thursday. 

While thrilled to be back playing, Clarke remained cautious and said the match was just another step on the road to the World Cup. 

"I'm certainly ahead of where the surgeon and the Australian medical staff thought I would be at the six-and-a-half week stage," he said. 

"The fact that I'm back out on the field playing is a really positive sign, but there's still a long way to go before I can walk out in an international (match) and play for Australia."

Sean Abbott receives Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award

Pacer Sean Abbott was conferred the 2015 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year award at the Allan Border Medal presentation ceremony by Cricket Australia here on Tuesday.

Abbott bowled the bouncer that hit Phillip Hughes on November 25, ultimately resulting in his death two days later. But he got widespread support from the cricketing fraternity which helped him overcome the tragic death of Hughes.

He has since made a successful return to cricket and was impressive in Australia's premier domestic Twenty20 (T20) competition – the Big Bash League (BBL).

Abbott, who made his senior Australian debut last October against Pakistan in a One-Day series, garnered 42 percent of the votes from fellow players to emerge as the winner.

"I feel privileged to receive such an award, especially after a couple of good seasons in a row on the field and some tough off seasons pushing myself to continually improve," Abbott was quoted as saying by the Cricket Australia website on Tuesday.

Sean Abott receives young cricketer of the year

The 22-year-old added that the prize was a reward for his hard work and that he was hopeful of a place in the Australian squad in the future.

"I feel that this is a reward for a lot of good work and finally putting some consistent good performances together," added Abbott.

"I am looking to improve my cricket every day and to keep putting good performances on the board for the New South Wales Blues and the Sydney Sixers and if I continue to perform consistently well, hopefully contribute to the Australian cricket team down the track."