Nothing seems to faze this West Indies side: Clive Lloyd

October 13, 2012

Clive_Lloyd

Former West Indies skipper Clive Lloyd tells Deba Prasad Dhar that Windies have six of the 15 best strikers in world cricket.

It’s been a long title drought for the West Indies. What does winning the World T20 mean?
Winning this tournament was a lift that the team needed. For all those people hoping that the West Indies cricket would rise again, let’s hope this is turning point.


What were your realistic expectations from the team before the tournament?
I expected them to do well. We are one of the most explosive sides around. Out of the 15 big hitters in the world, six belong to our team. They are all phenomenal strikers. It gives them impetus on the field. They know they can go out there and dominate. That’s what they must do in the longer version too. Apart from Chris Gayle, we have Samuels (Marlon) who’s growing in confidence in both Tests and ODIs. We have a couple of good spinners and decent fast bowlers, basically an attack that can dislodge any opponent. We’re close to being quite a balanced side.


The core of the team is the same. What has changed?
They are gelling together. They seem to be quite happy when they go out there. Nothing seems to faze them. And they’re showing purpose. You have got to give credit to the captain (Darren Sammy), for he hasgot them playing as a unit. Don’t forget he has been under pressure too. In the long run, we’ll find out how good he is. So far he has done marvellously well.


How do you think Marlon Samuels has come along?
From the England series onwards he has done well. You can see that he’s concentrating a lot more and making his wicket difficult to get. You realise he’s not going to gift it. He is batting in a position where you need to be solid. And Samuels is solid.


Much was expected from the West Indies after their Champions Trophy win in 2004. Yet, they didn’t progress as well as they would have liked...
This looks a much better squad than the one in 2004. They have been together for quite a while now...like playing in the IPL. They seem to be strong-willed.


But is winning a T20 title truly an indication of how good a side is?
It isn’t really, but the win suggests that we can be a good ODI outfit. This is the start, the impetus that we needed to excel in the longer version.


Are Samuel Badree and Sunil Narine ready to operate in tandem?
Well, I hope so. I’m sure that’s what the thinking will be in the future. At least we have two spinners who are able to confuse the batters. In the longer format, we’ll know how good they are. In the one-day game, I don’t think too many people will attack them and be successful. Reminds me of our times. We had Inshan Ali, he was a left-armer. We had Imtiaz Ali, although he was a leg-spinner. And then Dinanath Ramnarine (the leg-spinner who became part of the the West Indies Players Association).


Chris Gayle’s showing in the World Cup...a kind of an apt reply to those keen on his ouster?
Chris just wanted to be back. He looks a really happy soul. Once he is happy, I’m happy. He creates that force and sort of generates the warmth needed for team spirit. I don’t think he’s giving the establishment any problems. They had one little spat. But he’s really a decent fellow to work with.


Given Gayle’s strike-rate (at times close to 200), how can he be so consistent?
If you watched his knock against Australia, he paces his innings to a nicety. He’s strong and has good eyes. He treats even the quicks with disdain. They are scared of bowling to him.


What areas must be addressed if the Windies are to be a force to reckon with, at least in ODIs?
First, they will have to identify who are their ideal ODI players and who are the Test cricketers. Someone like Kieron Pollard can do the kind of job Andrew Symonds did for Australia. Pollard is explosive and can be a handful down the order. We have enough bowlers to choose from — both pace and spin. Now is the time to move on to the next level.


Realistically, what can this team achieve?
They can do as much as they like. They are young and have everything before them. They can make this a golden period.


Perhaps, being one of the top three ODI teams to start with?
Why, I’m hoping they’ll be No 1 shortly.



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News Network
June 20,2020

Jun 20: Bengaluru FC (BFC) have signed Brazilian striker Cleiton Silva for a one-year deal, the ISL club said in a statement on Saturday.

As per the agreement, BFC have the option of extending Silva's contract for another year.

The 33-year-old, who started his career with Brazilian side Madureira, moved to Thailand where he spent the better part of the decade playing for Muangthong United and Suphanburi, apart from stints in Mexico and China.

Silva, who also operates on the wing, became the first foreign player to reach the 100-goal mark in Thailand and finished top scorer of the Thai League 1 for two seasons. He also tops the charts of the all-time leading scorers of the League.

His biggest success came at Muangthong where he racked up 57 goals in 79 appearances and won three major trophies in as many seasons at the club.

The Brazilian, who was in talks with the Blues last season before the deal didn't materialise, said he was glad to have finally made the move.

"I've signed with Bengaluru FC because I want to be a champion and this is a club that is always after titles. I have that opportunity once again at BFC. I want to make the club and its fans happy. I have been following the club for some time now because we were in talks a while ago. And I liked what I saw. I am looking forward to making my way to Bengaluru and am excited to meet my new teammates, the fans and embrace the city," said Silva.

Silva, thus, became BFC's first new foreign signing of the season after the club had handed extended deals with Juanan Gonzalez, Dimas Delgado and Erik Paartalu.

Bengaluru FC coach Carles Cuadrat said Silva's addition was an important one, given his penchant for scoring.

"Cleiton has a proven track record when it comes to scoring and this is an area we needed to strengthen on the squad. The goals aside, he even has an eye for a quality final pass and we're looking forward to working with him," he said.

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News Network
June 3,2020

Colorado, Jun 3: Formula One boss Chase Carey has said that races will go ahead even if a driver tests positive for coronavirus.

His remarks come as organisers revealed a revised 2020 calendar and the schedule for the first eight races was put in the public domain.

"An individual having been found with a positive infection will not lead to a cancellation of a race. We encourage teams to have procedures in place so if an individual has to be put in quarantine, we have the ability to quarantine them at a hotel and to replace that individual," the official website of Formula One quoted Carey as saying.

"Some things we'd have to talk through and work through. The array of 'what ifs' are too wide to play out every one of them, but a team not being able to race would not cancel the race. I do not think I could sit here and lay out the consequences," he said.

Carey added the organisers will be having the necessary procedures in place so that the race does not get cancelled if a driver ends up testing positive for coronavirus.

"But we will have a procedure in place that finding infection will not lead to a cancellation. If a driver has an infection, teams have reserve drivers available," Carey said.

"We would not be going forward if we were not highly confident we have necessary procedures and expertise and capabilities to provide a safe environment and manage whatever issues arrive," he added.

The Formula One 2020 season will be beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix in July.

F1 currently expects the opening races to be closed events but hopes that fans will be able to attend again when it is safe to do so.

The season will kick off with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring on July 5, followed a week later by a second race on the same track.

The Hungarian Grand Prix will follow a week after that, before a break. There will be then two back to back races at Silverstone, followed by the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona.

The Belgian Grand Prix will follow that, with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza a week later on September 6.

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News Network
June 15,2020

Melbourne, Jun 15: Star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja is the best fielder in the game right now, according to Australian batting star Steve Smith, who also rated KL Rahul as the most impressive among the younger crop.

Smith, who answered questions sent in by his fans on Instagram on Sunday, also said the Indian Premier League is his favourite tournament to play in.

Jadeja known for his quick and sharp fielding tactics has earned praise from several former players and respect from the current stars and Smith is no different.

Asked who the best fielder in the current lot of players Smith simply replied stating it was Jadeja.

When quizzed about which Indian player has impressed him the most, the Australian batting mainstay said: "KL Rahul. Very good player!"

Rahul, who has played 36 Tests, 32 ODIs and 42 T20Is for Indian, has become a regular member of the national team in white-ball cricket. Besides showcasing his skills with the willow, Rahul also bears the responsibility of being the wicketkeeper in the limited overs format.

Asked Mahnedra Singh Dhoni, Smith responded saying the former Indian skipper is a "Legend! Mr Cool". While he called the current captain Virat Kohli a "freak" when it comes to batting ability.

The Rajasthan Royals batsman, who rated his first innings his 144 at Birmingham in the first Ashes Test last year as his favourite Test knock till date, said the Indian Premier League (IPL) is his favourite tournament.

"Tough to beat the IPL. Playing with and against the best players from around the world."

India is scheduled to travel to Australian for a full series later the year and the 31-year-old said : "Can''t wait. Going to be awesome."

Asked about his opinion on India batting great Rahul Dravid, Smith said "what a lovely gentleman and seriously good player."

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