Australia hold on to draw against West Indies

A match saving sixth wicket partnership between Michael Clarke and Brad Haddin earned Australia a draw in the second test against the West Indies at Adelaide. Read more

Anderson misses tour match

England pace bowler James Anderson will miss the two-day warm up match against South African Airways XI due to a knee injury. Read more

Graham Onions included in England squad

Durham’s uncapped seam bowler, Graham Onions, has been included in the England squad for the first Test match against the West Indies next week. 

Onions, 26, who was called in to the One Day International squad  in 2006 but never used, has taken 162 first-class wickets in 56 matches including a best of 8/101.

The 26 year old was a key member of Durhams championship winning side last year and is the latest in an ever growing line of Durham players, from the region, to represent England, following Steve Harmison, Paul Collingwood, Liam Plunkett and Phil Mustard. 

Other surprise changes, in new coach Andy Flower’s first squad, include the bringing in of another uncapped player, Tim Bresnan and the axeing of Ian Bell, Michael Vaughan and Steve Harmison.

Ravi Bopara will take up the number three role with Owais Shah left out of the squad following his poor recent series in the West Indies. 

With bowlers Andrew Flintoff and Ryan Sidebottom both unfit, Harmison was expected to keep his place although the selectors have decided to give a chance to Onions and Bresnan ahead of the Ashes later in the summer. 

Selector Geoff Miller said: “This is very exciting for the two young fast bowlers to be included in the squad for a Lord’s Test match and sends a message to all county players that if they put in consistently good performances they will get recognised.” 

Onions, celebrated his call up by taking 6/31 in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship match against Somerset including the wicket of former England batsmen, Marcus Trescothick. 

Onions said: “Every day I go onto the field and learn, it’s going to be a very steep learning curve.  With the likes of Pietersen and Strauss and new coach Andy Flower, it’s a great time and it’s going to be exciting.  I’ve worked hard in the winter and it’s something I can’t wait to get on with.

One of the first things that came into my mind is that it would be great to play at Lord’s for England.  I’ve played there three or four times for Durham and the MCC so to play at Lord’s for England would be the pinnacle.”

Durham sign David Warner for Twenty20 Cup

Australian batsmen David Warner will join Durham as their overseas player for the 2009 Twenty20 Cup.

Warner will fulfil the role until June before Shivnarine Chanderpaul returns to the Riverside after finishing his International commitments.

The Australian opener shot to fame recently becoming the first man since 1877 to represent Australia at International level without any prior first-class experience.

On his debut in a Twenty20 against South Africa, he opened the batting scoring a blistering 84 runs off 43 balls, including seven fours and six sixes.

Warner said: “I’ve heard great things about Durham and am delighted to be joining them later this year.

“The team has done really well recently and I want to be able to play a major role in making sure that success continues.”

“I enjoy playing Twenty20 cricket and to be brought in especially to play in the UK’s domestic competition is a real honour and challenge, I can’t wait.”

The 22-year-old featured in six ODIs for the Aussies before finding himself dropped during the series against New Zealand, after scoring only 106 runs in six innings.

Before joining up with Durham, Warner will feature in the second season of the IPL where he will represent the Delhi Daredevils alongside Durham and England allrounder Paul Collingwood.

During the competition he will use a two-sided bat which allows him to play a reverse sweep without changing his grip.

David Harker Durham Chief Executive said: “After reaching the Twenty20 Cup finals day last year we are determined to continue adding quality players to the squad to ensure the continued progress of Durham County Cricket Club in all competitions.”

Cricket caught up in fraud fiasco

English cricket bosses have broken off dealings with Sir Allen Stanford after the Texan billionaire was charged with fraud. Read more

McCoy looks for 3000 winners

Tony McCoy’s quest to reach 3000 career winners is still on going after the cold snap hit the racing schedule heavy this week.

McCoy reached 2998 winners with victory on Jonjo O’Neill’s trained Stradbrook at Wincanton on January 29th. Read more