BBL2012: It's Lasith Malinga show as Melbourne Stars win by 10 wickets

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 12, 2012: Despite of inclement weather conditions halting the KFC Big Bash League action at Western Australian Cricket Association Ground in Perth on Wednesday the Melbourne Stars punished the Perth Scorchers by 10 wickets on Duckworth/Lewis Method.

Man of the Match, Lasith Malinga, produced a spell of his lifetime - the second best in the history of Twenty20 cricket - to dismantle the Perth Scorchers who were put into bat after Melbourne Stars skipper Shane Warne won the toss and decided to bat first.

Perth Scorchers were bowled out for mere 69 runs from 15.2 overs with only two of their batsmen scoring in double figures.

The damage was done by pacers who used the short ball to great effect at WACA Ground which is renowned for its assistance to the pacers.

Lasith Malinga was seriously exceptional as he took six wickets for just seven runs from his four overs of which one was maiden over. James Faulkner was also incredible with the new ball as he finished with figures of two for 16 from his four. Clint McKay was the only Stars bowler who was belted for runs as he leaked away 28 runs from his three overs. Skipper Shane Warne also delivered three overs and got one wicket for nine runs but without bowling his mystery Disco Ball.

In reply, Melbourne Stars opening batsmen looked in a hurry as Rob Quiney (1 not out from 1) and Luke Wright (23 not out from 11 – 4 fours, 1 six) took the Perth Scorchers bowlers by the horns and made full use of a drop catch by skipper Simon Katich.

The Melbourne Stars raced to 29 for no loss from just two overs before rain played the spoilsport and halted the game.

However, the Melbourne Stars got full purchase out of their super performance as the match officials reduced the game to five overs a side and when the teams returned to the ground the target for Melbourne Stars was only six runs which they had already passed and all they needed was a ball to be delivered and the game was called an official affair.

This was a strong performance by the Melbourne Stars after they were belted hard in their opening game of the Big Bash League 2012.

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Clarke, Hastings, Hilfenhaus, Hazlewood to miss Big Bash League opener

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) December 5, 2012: The most-anticipated Australian domestic Twenty20 cricket tournament is just a couple of days away but some of the biggest stars will not be part of the initial matches of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

Australian Test skipper Michael Clarke, as well as pacemen Ben Hilfenhaus, John Hastings, and Josh Hazelwood will not be available to their respective BBL franchises for their opening games of the Australian domestic Twenty20 season.

Michael Clarke is once again struggling to get over the back soreness and has been told to stay away from the opening round of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

While Josh Hazlewood, who is knocking at door of Test cricket, is nursing a foot injury and is out at least for a month, Ben Hilfenhas and John Hastings have also been ordered by the Cricket Australia to miss the opening stages of the Twenty20 tournament.

Cricket Australia Executive General Manger of Team Performces, Pat Howard said in a statement issued Wedenesday, "Our medical staff have advised Michael not to play cricket this weekend”.

The Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel is due to announce squad on Thursday for the first Test against Sri Lanka and Michael Clarke, who has been facing back problems due to degenerative discs in his lower back, is expected to be part of the squad.

The first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka is starting from December 14.

Cricket Australia’s Chief Medical Officer, Justin Paoloni said in a statement issued here today, “John Hastings had scans that have ruled out serious injury. He will be reviewed later this week to determine his return to training and playing. He will miss the first Big Bash League game and possibly be unavailable for selection for the first Test versus Sri Lanka in Hobart, depending on how responds to treatment."

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Sydney Sixers end contract with Umar Akmal

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) November 20, 2012: The Sydney Sixers, on Tuesday, terminated contract of Pakistan’s Twenty20 star player Umar Akmal after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowed the hard-hitting batsman to play only one match in the KFC Big Bash League.

However, world’s best off-spinner Saeed Ajmal will still represent the Adelaide Strikers in their opening match of the Australian T20 league.

The Sydney Sixers will commence the BBL campaign on December 8 against Sydney Thunder at the SCG.

The Sydney Sixers came up with the contract termination just a day after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) allowed the middle order aggressor to be part of the KFC Big Bash League 2012.

Stuart Clark, General Manager at Sydney Sixers, told reporters, “While it would have been great to have Umar Akmal here for the start of the BBL season, the short time frame offered is not in the club's best interest and we have decided to see if a suitable replacement is available rather than continue down this path”.

While the local media speculated about Sydney Sixers going after Kevin Pieteresen, Stuart Clark made it clear that the Sixers are not going to sign any foreign player just for the sake of having one in the squad.

He added, “We are confident our strong roster will be able to cover the loss of Umar should we not find a suitable replacement”.

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Saeed Ajmal joins Adelaide Strikers for KFC Big Bash League

By Nadene Smith

SYDNEY, Australia (TheSportsNEXT) November 7, 2012: Pakistan’s best off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has signed up with Adelaide Strikers for the upcoming KFC Big Bash League 2013, the franchise confirmed Wednesday.

Saeed Ajmal is regarded as the world’s best off-spinner and has been a huge success in the shortest format of the game over the years which prompted the Adelaide Strikers to strike a deal with the Pakistani orthodox spinner.

Saeed Ajmal holds 15.4 strike rate in the Twenty20 Internationals and has best figures of four for 19. He has done equally well in the One Day Internationals as he boasts a strike rate of 33.6 with best returns of five for 43.

Saeed Ajmal will replace Kieron Pollard of West Indies and represent the Adelaide Strikers against Perth Scorchers on December 9 before leaving for national duty. He will return later in the tournament if the Adelaider Strikers required him.

The Sydney Strikers camp was ecstatic to have hired services of the world’s best spinner and coach Darren Berry told reporters here, “We know what this guy is capable of, having seen him run through both the Australian and English batsmen a couple of months ago, so to have him on board is a great result for the Strikers”.

Saeed Ajmal was equally excited to be part of the Adelaide Strikers and was waiting for his stint at Adelaide. He told Aussie media, “I am really excited about playing for the Adelaide Strikers and really happy that I will get the chance to show my talent in BBL. I am very keen to meet up with the rest of the boys soon and play my best in the games that I am available, with the hope that Adelaide make the final stages and I can return to help win the competition."

The Adelaide Strikers also announced two more signings including South Australia Redbacks’ wicketkeeper Tim Ludeman and Queensland right-arm spinner Cameron Boyce.

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