Little threat to Samuels' bowling

Updated December 24, 2012 21:03:32

Not even another umpire's report can prevent controversial West Indian Marlon Samuels bowling his fast-paced off-spinners in Australia this season.

Cricket Australia's testing process doesn't have the speed or clout to curtail Samuels even if he is found to have an illegal action.

Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann is currently in hot water for questioning Samuels' bowling after he continued to fire down a string of quicker balls for the Melbourne Renegades in the Big Bash on the weekend.

Samuels' suspect action has reportedly been officially mentioned by at least one concerned umpire during the BBL as he's helped the Renegades to the top of the table with four straight wins.

Two more mentions from different umpires, or an even stronger report which can bypass the mentions process, would send Samuels for laboratory testing on his action.

A Cricket Australia official confirmed testing - checking to see whether elbow extension went beyond the 15 degrees allowed - needed to occur within 21 days of the third mention or report.

The written results can then take up to 14 days to be received.

All that time, Samuels would be allowed to continue bowling.

With the BBL final scheduled for January 19, the 31-year-old all-rounder would still be free to bowl for the Renegades.

As CA's 'doubtful bowling action procedure' only applies to Australia's domestic competition, Samuels would also be allowed to bolster the Windies attack in their five one-day internationals and one T20 match against Australia in February.

It's a situation similar to the World Twenty20 this year when he was free to bowl despite being banned from bowling in the IPL six months earlier.

That ban prompted a frustrated Lehmann to speak out last Saturday night after Samuels was bowling his quicker ball up to 120km/h.

"I just want something done. He couldn't bowl in the IPL last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL," said the Heat coach, who will face a code of conduct hearing next month.

"If he's deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that. But from my point of view, from 20 years of cricket, I've got a problem with 120km/h off no (run-up) steps."

The Jamaican was previously suspended from bowling and underwent remedial work on his action following a report in a Test match in 2007-08.

AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, twenty20, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 24, 2012 21:03:32

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Samuels bowling action queried in BBL

Updated December 23, 2012 11:04:12

The Melbourne Renegades' Big Bash League-topping form has hit controversy, with Brisbane Heat coach Darren Lehmann questioning the bowling action of star West Indian import Marlon Samuels.

Samuels produced a tight spell as the Renegades won their fourth straight game against the Heat at Docklands on Saturday night.

Read the story: Renegades win with late hitting

But Lehmann queried how an offspin bowler who jogs in off a couple of steps can legally produce faster balls of about 120kmh.

"I've spoken to the umpires about it," Lehmann said.

"I just want something done.

"He couldn't bowl in the IPL (Indian Premier League) last year, yet he can bowl in the BBL.

"We've got to seriously look at what we're doing. Are we here to play cricket properly or what?

"If he's deemed legal, I'm totally understanding of that.

"But from my point of view from 20 years' cricket, I've got a problem with 120kmh off no steps."

Cricket Australia says umpires are reviewing Samuel's bowling in last night's match.

The umpires did not raise concerns during the match, but a CA spokesman says Samuels' bowling will be reviewed as well as Lehmann's criticism of the bowler.

Samuels was suspended from bowling in the IPL earlier this year after being reported for a suspect action.

Lehmann doubted the West Indian would be suspended from bowling in the BBL but wanted Samuels's action to at least be reviewed.

"I'm sure they'll go through the process but it doesn't help us now, does it?" he said.

"And it doesn't help any of the teams that have played the Renegades so far.

"So that's certainly a query I've got and they've got to have a look at it."

Renegades coach Simon Helmot defended Samuels' action when asked if he was confident it was legitimate.

"Absolutely," Helmot said, adding he was disappointed with Lehmann's comments.

"That's up to umpires to decide on legitimacy of actions," he said.

"It's disappointing to have some comment made like that and we'll take it up with Cricket Australia tomorrow."

Tight bowling from Samuels and Sri Lankan spinner Muttiah Muralitharan helped restrict the Heat to a modest total of 7 for 133 batting first.

The home side ground its way to 3 for 88 from 16 overs in reply, before expensive late overs from Heat import pacemen Kemar Roach and Thisara Perera allowed the Renegades to surge home with five balls to spare.

The Heat now have just one win from four games.

ABC/AAP

Tags: twenty20, cricket, sport, melbourne-3000, vic, brisbane-4000, qld, australia

First posted December 23, 2012 08:30:38

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Starc, Hilfenhaus in bowling showdown

Updated November 21, 2012 07:15:18

Michael Clarke could make his decision on whether to replace Ben Hilfenhaus with left-armer Mitchell Starc for the second Test against South Africa after training on Wednesday.

Incumbent Hilfenhaus is desperately trying to hold onto his place in the attack for the Adelaide match starting on Thursday, after a lacklustre effort in Brisbane.

Starc is favoured to come into the side for his fifth cap, but former skipper Ricky Ponting said Clarke had a tough call to make after Hilfenhaus made a late bid for a reprieve after amping up his efforts in the nets on Tuesday.

"Talking to the coaches, they are a lot happier with his work (Tuesday) than (on Monday)," said Ponting.

"They thought he bowled better and that's a good sign for us."

Starc's swing could come in handy against Proteas skipper Graeme Smith who has traditionally struggled against left-armers - namely Indian seamer Zaheer Khan.

The 22-year-old Starc said he had not spoken to Clarke about Smith's weakness, but felt he was in a better position to make an impact at Test level than he was when he debuted last summer in Brisbane.

"We had it swinging around in the nets (on Monday) so hopefully we can bring that out into the game, and hopefully get the ball to reverse a bit, where it's more abrasive on the dryer track," Starc said.

"(Australian coach) Mickey Arthur has said right from the get-go, there's a plan for everyone.

"He's been quite honest. He's spoken to me a lot about coming in around the team ... they have kept me informed and it's been pretty successful over the past 12 months.

"I feel I have improved my game and learnt so much being around the Australian team, then gone away and been left alone a bit as well, to my own devices."

Ponting said Starc was a special talent and predicts big things.

"I have been impressed with Mitchell and his development in all forms of the game over the past 12 months," he said.

"What he has done for Australia in one-day cricket over the past few months has been pretty spectacular and we are just hoping he keeps developing that way as far as his red ball cricket is concerned.

"When you have somebody who can bowl at his pace and a left-armer like that who can swing the ball back ... they're a very dangerous proposition for any batsman and a nice acquisition for any team to have."

Clarke could also decide on Wednesday on Shane Watson's availability as he recovers from a calf strain.

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, adelaide-5000, sa, australia

First posted November 21, 2012 07:13:24

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Siddle warns of bowling fireworks

Updated October 08, 2012 20:29:59

Meat is off the menu for converted vegetarian Peter Siddle but the wicket-hungry paceman is ready to tuck into a large serve of South African batsmen in next month's potentially explosive Gabba Test.

The Proteas return to the Gabba for the first time in 49 years armed with the fastest bowler on the planet, Dale Steyn, heading their scary pace battery and world cricket's most feared all-rounder Jacques Kallis (12,600 runs and 280 wickets) still terrorising top-shelf bowling attacks at age 37.

Siddle, who has fond memories of the pacey Brisbane ground where he snared a magical Ashes hat-trick against England in 2010, warned Australia would deliver some fireworks of its own in the November 9-14 showdown, the first of three Tests between the first- and third-ranked countries in world cricket.

"It's obviously our home turf and we (bowlers) want to show them who's boss in that sense," declared a leaner Siddle, who has turned vegetarian to help lose weight to accommodate a slightly modified bowling action.

"It's the force we (bowlers) can have when blokes come in and out of the side.

"Mitch Starc came in, Patrick Cummins earlier on, James Pattinson along with Ryan Harris, Hilfy (Hilfenhaus) and myself.

"If we can get firing again this summer and really give it to them we can really push to be that number one bowling attack in the world.

Siddle, who has reportedly given up alcohol for six months, says things could get "very aggressive" between the bowlers.

"The last two series against South Africa it has got pretty fired up. The bowlers do tend to go at each other pretty fiercely and I don't that that will change," he said.

"We like to have a crack at them and they like to have a crack."

Siddle and swing bowler Ben Hilfenhaus are strongly fancied to lead Australia's bowling with input from young guns James Pattinson, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

"We all know about the workload issues and the injuries we've had in the past so it'll be good to be able to keep the bowling line-up fresh, strong and fiery for a big 18 months coming up," he said.

Siddle, who posted a career-high 87 runs in Victoria's 10-wicket Shield win against Western Australia last weekend, said the grit and experience of seasoned hands Ricky Ponting and David Hussey would be vital against such an intimidating pace attack.

"They worked well the last few years under the constant pressure of what going to happen to their careers," he said.

"Punter (Ponting) showed last summer under all the media pressure and speculation that he can perform and Hussey is in great form."

Siddle will use this week's Shield clash with defending champion Queensland to fine-tune his action for the Test.

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, australia

First posted October 08, 2012 20:29:59

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Australia names Ali de Winter as bowling coach

Updated August 03, 2012 17:37:19

Former Tasmania paceman Ali de Winter was Friday named as Australia's new bowling coach, replacing Craig McDermott who quit in May citing the conflicting demands of constant touring with family life.

Cricket Australia team performance general manager Pat Howard said de Winter beat a wide field of international candidates, including Pakistan pace great Waqar Younis.

"We feel Ali has skills that will complement those of Mickey Arthur, Justin Langer and Steve Rixon and is well equipped to pick up on Craig McDermott's previous good work," Howard said, referring to the Australian coaching staff.

Currently head coach of the Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash League side and assistant coach of Tasmania, de Winter said he intended to keep things simple with Australia's fast bowlers.

"I don't think it is too complicated - it's about having a strong work ethic, building good relationships and doing things like attacking the top of off-stump in Test cricket," he said.

"I am particularly excited to get this chance, particularly now as Australia has such a deep pool of fast bowling talent with 10-12 young bowlers featuring at the moment."

AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia

First posted August 03, 2012 17:37:19

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McDermott quits as pace bowling coach

Updated May 11, 2012 14:08:04

Craig McDermott has resigned as Australia's pace bowling coach, citing the demands of upcoming cricket tours as a reason for his decision.

The former Australian quick bowler was named a year ago as the replacement for Troy Cooley, after beating off competition from the likes of Jason Gillespie, Andy Bichel and former South African speedster Allan Donald.

As a bowler, McDermott took 291 wickets for Australia in 71 Tests.

In a Cricket Australia release, the Queenslander said that it had been a very difficult decision to leave his position and said he had "thoroughly enjoyed" the job.

"However the team's schedule is a particularly busy one and after looking at the upcoming touring demands, I felt this to be the right decision from a personal and professional point of view,'' McDermott said.

"The progression of particular players and the improvement of depth in Australian bowling stocks has been the result of much hard work from both sides and is something I am particularly proud of."

Australia has a busy upcoming schedule, with an Australian one-day tour of the British Isles in June and July, a one-day series and one-off Twenty20 international against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates in August, and the Twenty20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in September.

McDermott said he would continue to provide input to Cricket Australia's Centre of Excellence in Brisbane but wanted to continue his coaching career in a role that allowed greater flexibility. He did not rule out being involved with the Australian team in the future.

He thanked Australian Test captain Michael Clarke and coach Mickey Arthur and wished them and the team well.

Arthur paid tribute to McDermott's contribution to Australian cricket.

"Craig has done an outstanding job since taking over the role and without doubt will be very difficult to replace," Arthur said.

"As the Australian public and cricket world has seen, Craig has taken our fast bowlers to another level and his skills and experience will be sorely missed around the group.

Arthur said the team understood and respected McDermott's decision and hoped he could be involved with the team at some point in the future.

Tags: sport, cricket, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

First posted May 11, 2012 14:08:04

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India bowling attack is weak, says Warne

Updated December 20, 2011 06:57:49

In what must be music to the ears of under pressure veterans Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey, Shane Warne has predicted good times for Australia's batsmen against a "weak" Indian attack in their four-Test series.

The 37-year-old Ponting and Hussey, 36, look set to line up in the Boxing Day Test but their long term future remains unclear after they again stumbled in the drawn series against New Zealand.

However, it was the Indian bowling attack - or lack thereof - that was in Warne's sights when asked to assess the coming series.

"England just beat them 4-0," he said in Brisbane on Monday.

"They have got some wonderful batting and all that sort of stuff but I think their bowling is a bit weak.

"And if Zaheer Khan or Ishant Sharma goes down with injury then it should be a good time for the Australian batters."

It is believed India will call in a cover player for injured fast bowler Sharma (ankle) after he was ruled out of the three-day match against a Chairman's XI that began in Canberra on Monday.

Injuries have also kept Australian selectors honest - Shane Watson and Ryan Harris are expected to return Boxing Day but Shaun Marsh is still recovering from a back complaint.

Warne said the packed international schedule was to blame for many injuries.

"The bottom line is that they have to play too much cricket - there is too much expected of an international cricketer," he said.

"And we are playing two Test series to cram everything in.

"It is ridiculous. To me that is not right.

"Let the players recover, so they can be the best players they can be."

Warne was not as scathing about his cricketing comeback in Australia.

He finished with 0 for 19 off two overs in his first Big Bash League Twenty20 game for Melbourne Stars as David Warner's unbeaten ton steered the Sydney Thunder to a six-wicket win last Saturday night.

Warne will back up against the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Tuesday night.

"I thought I bowled alright, I just got whacked by Warner," Warne said.

"I thought it was a wonderful innings."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, brisbane-4000, melbourne-3000, vic, qld, australia, india

First posted December 19, 2011 20:42:25

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Australia may rue Test bowling selection

Updated December 11, 2011 07:23:30

One look at the green deck on offer in Hobart convinced Australian selectors to keep a three-pronged pace attack for the second trans-Tasman Test.

Two days into the Hobart Test, they could be forgiven for kicking themselves.

Fate stepped in to ensure New Zealand used four quicks on the Bellerive green top - spinner Dan Vettori pulled out half an hour before the match with a hamstring strain.

Yet it has proven an accidental masterstroke after Chris Martin, Tim Southee, Doug Bracewell and the man who benefited from Vettori's last minute withdrawal - debutant Trent Boult - routed Australia for a record low 136 on Saturday.

On day three New Zealand will resume at 3 for 139 in its second dig with an overall lead of 153.

And with the flattening wicket no longer resembling the green monster that ensured two innings were over within 97 overs, Australia's bowlers will need to toil hard.

Martin - who celebrated his 37th birthday on Saturday with 3 for 46 - conceded an all-seam attack worked best on the changing Bellerive wicket.

"I think the advantage is definitely having seam up bowlers," he said.

"Taking Dan (Vettori) out of the equation was not something that was really going to happen (on purpose).

"But Trent (Boult) has taken his chance and enjoyed his first two days of Test cricket."

Indeed all Kiwi quicks were smiling - Martin, Bracewell (3 for 20), Boult (3 for 29) and Southee (1-32) all chimed in with key wickets as Australia was out for its lowest Test score on home soil against the Black Caps.

It was also its third lowest overall against New Zealand in 52 Tests.

One can only wonder how things could have turned out if Australia had given into temptation of playing a fourth seamer and handed allrounder Dan Christian his Test debut in Hobart.

But asked if Australia was one bowler short in Hobart, speedster Peter Siddle said: "Not at all.

"We only bowled 40-odd overs in the first innings - I think all the bowlers have plenty of overs in them."

AAP

Tags: cricket, sport, hobart-7000, tas, australia, new-zealand

First posted December 11, 2011 07:23:30

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McDermott returns to fray as bowling coach

Posted May 12, 2011 12:53:00

Former Test quick Craig McDermott is to be the Australian cricket team's new bowling coach.

McDermott, who took 291 wickets at 28.63 in 71 Tests, replaces Troy Cooley in the role after Cooley became the Centre of Excellence head coach following last summer's Ashes campaign.

The 46-year-old Queenslander was considered a front-runner for the job after taking on a mentoring role with Australia's quicks during the recent one-day tour of Bangladesh.

Cricket Australia (CA) has called a press conference to announce the appointment at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

McDermott is believed to have come out on top of a CA shortlist of 14 for the job, a list that included South African quick Allan Donald.

McDermott takes over at a promising time for Australia's fast-bowling stocks with youngsters such as Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Peter George and Pat Cummins all coming through the ranks at state level.

Current Test bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are also all relatively young.

McDermott, who retired from international cricket in 1996, will take over the role immediately.

- AAP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia, qld, brisbane-4000

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McDermott new Aussie bowling coach

Updated May 12, 2011 14:22:00

Former Test paceman Craig McDermott has beaten a strong international field to become the Australian team's new bowling coach, Cricket Australia said on Thursday.

McDermott, 46, who took 291 wickets at 28.63 in 71 Tests between 1984 and 1996, replaces Troy Cooley in the role after Cooley became the Centre of Excellence head coach following last summer's failed Ashes campaign against England.

"His impressive record as an international player, during which he successfully overcame a number of setbacks, combined with his recent record at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence and with the Australia team in Bangladesh, all impressed us that he was the outstanding candidate for this role," CA general manager Michael Brown said.

"He will provide valuable support to the new Test captain Michael Clarke, coach Tim Nielsen and the playing group."

McDermott takes over at a promising time for Australian fast-bowling with youngsters Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Peter George and Pat Cummins all coming through the ranks at state level.

Test bowlers Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson and Ben Hilfenhaus are also all relatively young.

Brown and Nielsen interviewed a number of Australian and overseas candidates for the 12-month appointment.

"We've got some challenging tours ahead in the coming months but I'm excited at the opportunity to be part of the group that helps get Australia back to number one in all forms of cricket," McDermott said in a statement.

CA also announced that former Test opener Justin Langer has been re-appointed as team assistant coach to head coach Tim Nielsen for another 12 months.

"Justin's record as a player and then over the last 18 months, as coach, leader and mentor within the Australia team coaching group, speaks for itself and we are all delighted he has agreed to continue his outstanding work with the Australia team," Brown said.

Langer, 40, said he was thrilled with the renewed opportunity with the team and to further his development as a coach.

- AFP

Tags: sport, cricket, australia

First posted May 12, 2011 13:53:00

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Watson destroys Tigers bowling attack

Published:Monday, April 11, 2011 7:49 AEST

Shane Watson plays a shot during the second match of the one-day international series between Bangladesh and Australia at The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on April 11, 2011. Australia won the match by nine wickets as Watson scored an unbeaten 185 off 96 balls.

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