The Argentine Cricket Association have begun recruiting a new coach to replace Hamish Barton, who has left to join Cricket New Zealand.

In a press release, the board says:

The successful candidate will have two major challenges within the next twelve months, the World Cricket League Division 4 tournament, and an ICC Americas Division 1 championship. In addition to coaching the senior men’s national squad, the position will also include managing Argentina’s high performance program, which also includes working with the senior fringe players, the best players in the U23, U19 and U15 age brackets, as well as the senior women’s team.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence in October of 2009, and must be available for at least one year. An attractive salary and benefits package will be offered, including accommodation.

Applications are invited, and should include application letter, full CV, plus at least two contactable references. Short-listed candidates will be notified and may need to be available for an interview. Any enquiries and/or full applications should be sent to the following email address:

admin@cricketargentina.com

The closing day is Friday July 17.

Following the superb beach cricket festival tournament which the Argentina team put up a spirited performance, the focus of the ICC Americas centenary celebrations shifted to Argentina. There cannot be that many fixtures in world cricket as historic as the annual three-day North v South match played in Argentina, and the 110th version of this timeless match was another great occasion.

Continue reading "Argentina host to a perennial classic"

Argentina took part in a very successful and enjoyable beach cricket tournament in Vina del Mar, Chile, finishing in fourth place in the six team international event, behind winners India, runners-up England, and Australia. Two Chilean teams also took part. Played on the sand in a sports arena metres from the Pacific surf, this second beach cricket event organized by Chile was also a ICC Centenary event.

The Argentina team was captained by Rodrigo Scioscia, with the rest of the team made up of members of the Argentina national women's squad, the Flamingos, namely Catalina Greloni, Cecilia Birnie, Delfina Canton, Brandy Auld and Belen Casas. As he was qualified as eligible, ICC Americas RDO Grant Dugmore also turned out for the team. A memorable event and a fantastic time spent in good company in a great part of the world - many thanks to the Chilean Cricket Association and especially Patricio Caamano for their wonderful organization and hospitality.

As a vehicle in order to further develop girls and women’s cricket in Argentina, as well as for preparation towards their participation in the Americas Women's Championship in May later this year, the Argentina national team, the Flamingos, have been taking part in the senior Second Division Championship, a 30-over competition. In the eight team league, the Flamingos are currently placed 6th after four rounds, but scored an important first victory recently and remain confident of notching up more in their remaining three games. The players have also expressed how positive the experience has been so far, and exercise that is obviously proving very beneficial. The team for the Americas tournament will be announced later in March.

Argentina Women comfortably beat their Brazilian counterparts in a three-match Twenty20 series in Buenos Aires.

The considerably more experienced Argentinian squad won both the first day’s matches comfortably enough and made sure of the trophy, but the Brazilians showed in their enthusiasm and desire to learn that it would not be long before they were able to compete with the other Associates’ and Affiliates’ women’s sides in the region.

The visit returns one made by Argentina to Brasilia in 2007, soon after the formation of the Brazilian women’s team.

International umpire Karran Bayney, who had been officiating in the World Cricket League Division 3 tournament, said after the matches that he was impressed both by the spirit in which the games had been played and the improvement in the visitors’ performance as the day went on.

Rod Lyall has the full report at CricketEurope.

Argentina cruised to a seven-wicket win over Brazil with eight overs to spare in a women’s Twenty20 international in Buenos Aires.

Brazil were restricted to 76 for 9, with 17 wides the biggest contributor to their score. Brazil made things hard for themselves with five of their top six falling to run-outs.

Argentina were never in trouble, but Brazil’s bowlers were as they shipped 28 wides, Reinehr leading the way with eight in one ten-ball period.

Papua New Guinea won their third match in a row, defeating Uganda by 26 runs at Belgrano while Afghanistan beat the hosts, Argentina, on the third day of the World Cricket League. Hong Kong handed Cayman Islands its third straight defeat, too. Click here for the round-up.

There was a soggy end to the tour of Argentina by Bermuda’s development side, but a 12-run victory over an Argentina President’s XI at the Hurlingham Club was enough to ensure they won the Baimax Cup by three games to one.

Heavy rain meant there was never really any hope of play starting in the fifth game at the Belgrano Athletic Club but the series was decided the day before as fifties from Irving Romaine and Glenn Blakeney sealed the win despite Argentina posting 269 for 9, their best score of the rubber.

The schedule for the ICC World Cricket League Division 3 which takes place in Argentina next month has been announced. The two finalists will progress to the ICC World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa in April.

Click here for the complete schedule

Results went according to the script on the second day of the ICC Americas Division 1 tournament as USA, Bermuda and Canada registered comfortable victories

At Brian Piccolo Park another fine innings from Hamish Barton steered Argentina to a respectable 200 for 9 against USA, but that was put into perspective by Sushil Nadkarni, who struck his second century in two days. Nadkarni hit 109 off 116 balls as USA cantered home with 12 overs to spare. Argentina's day didn't improve when Barton picked up an ankle injury and he is in doubt for the next match against Cayman Islands.

"We played well against determined opposition and did the job we set out to do," Imran Khan, the USA manager, said. "While our batting - and especially Sushil - is looking good, we have work to do on being more disciplined in the field, and especially not gifting the opposition with bowling extras."

Canada had a less stressful match than yesterday, when they almost slipped up against Argentina, easing to a 206-run victory against Cayman Islands. At Central Broward Regional Park, they racked up an impressive 298 for 9. Opener Sandeep Jyoti top-scored with a stylish 88 off 129 balls, while further half-centuries came from Zubin Surkari and Qaiser Ali.

Cayman Islands' chase began poorly when they lost a wicket first ball and the innings never recovered, eventually folding for 92 in under 33 overs. Khurram Chohan took 3 for 34 and Zahid Hussain claimed 3 for 11

"We set ourselves goals today and I believe we achieved almost all of them," Canada captain, Umar Bhatti, said. "The team performed tremendously well today, all three departments were up to scratch, and it was a huge improvement from yesterday."

On the main stadium field at Central Broward Regional Park, Bermuda were predictably too strong for Suriname and notched a commanding 224-run win. Lionel Cann's 97-ball 101 led Bermuda to 290 for 3 and he was helped by Stephen Outerbridge's 62, plus a half century from captain Irving Romaine.

In reply, left-arm spinner Delyone Borden proved too much the Suriname batsmen, taking 6 for 17 from his 10 overs as the minnows were bundled out for 66, having been skittled for 60 in their opening match.

Bermuda's coach, Gus Logie, was pleased with how his team are progressing. "Today was all about building on yesterday's effort, and we did that strongly," he said. "It was also good to continue building confidence for the tough games ahead. We are constantly looking for self-improvement and today we got that, also our attitude and approach towards the game was very business-like, which was important."

The ICC Americas Division One tournament will be staged in Florida from November 24 to December 1, with the new Broward County stadium hosting some of the matches.

Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Suriname and USA will take part.

In the last competition in 2006 in Canada, Bermuda beat USA in the final.

Tony Munro

Argentina player-coach Hamish Barton expects an improved showing at next month's Americas Championship in Florida thanks to the experience gained from the World Cricket League.

"We have played a lot more international cricket through the WCL and the players have
gained invaluable experience so we are looking to be a lot more competitive this time around," Barton said.

And last year's WCL Division 3 tournament in Darwin would have been hugely beneficial to Argentine confidence not just because they were finalists, losing to Uganda. They beat the Cayman Islands in the semi-finals, their first ever win over their regional foes, who they face at the Americas Championship on November 27. The tournament runs from November 25 to November 30.

Argentina will field two debutants in Florida - Barton, who is from New Zealand, and David Mauro, an allrounder. Mauro spent last season as coach of the Chilean national team and although originally from Argentina, played in New Zealand in 2006-07.

Argentina: Esteban MacDermott (capt) (Lomas Athletic), Alejandro Ferguson (vice-captain) (Belgrano Athletic), Hamish Barton (player/coach) (Hurlingham), Agustin Casime (St Albans), Pablo Ferguson (Belgrano Athletic), Donny Forrester (Belgrano Athletic), Tommy Francis (St Albans), Diego Lord (Lomas Athletic), David Mauro (Lomas Athletic), Esteban Nino (Belgrano Athletic), Lucas Paterlini (St Albans), Pablo Ryan (Lomas Athletic), Gary Savage (Hurlingham), Martin Siri (Lomas Athletic); Team Manager - Derek Culley, Fitness trainer/Physio - Martin Sacchetti.

The Americas Region Division I is now confirmed to take place in Florida, November 24
December 1. Five matches will be played in the new stadium built for cricket in Broward County.
–
Six countries, Argentina, Bermuda, Canada, Cayman Islands, Suriname and the USA will
compete for the title. For Suriname, an affiliate, it will be their first appearance in Division I. The team earned the right to compete having won Division 2.

The highlight of a quiet month for Argentina was the Third Multimar Junior Winter Cup which was played on the first weekend of July. The full details are from the ICC Americas Newsflash:

Unfortunately the weather once again played a major part as the day’s play was brought to an early end. The tournament was once again kindly hosted by St. George’s College. There were four teams from Lomas A.C, Belgrano A.C, St. Alban’s and St.George’s that took part in the event, with each team playing two matches.

All matches were based on 15 overs per side. It was encouraging to note the improvement of many of the players, thanks to these Winter Cups and the coaching clinics held over the past three months. Unfortunately the rain came towards the end of another successful day with both matches still to complete their final innings. The day was completed with some drinks and food for the kids and the group watching a DVD on international cricket. Once again, another successful day and looking good for a busy three months before the 2008/09 season kicks off.

Catalina Greloni, Delfina Canton, Veronica Vasquez and Cecilia Birnie took part in the Cricket Coaching Academy held in Trinidad and Tobago. The players gained valuable experience during the course of the two weeks and no doubt will apply this to their game in the seasons to come. The Argentine Cricket Association would like to thank Ann Browne-John and her team for the excellent work done at the Academy and for all that they are doing to develop the game in the Americas region.

The Argentine Cricket Association has recently formed the first ever Argentine Cricket Officials
Association (ACOA) which is being driving by the ACA’s High Performance Manager Hamish Barton, who is acting as Chairman of the ACOA Committee. The committee consists of two local umpires (Malcolm Gibson and David Gibson) and two local scorers (Brandy Auld and Vicky Gibson).

The ACOA Mission Statement is - to establish a governing body that, in conjunction with the High Performance Manager of the Argentine Cricket Association, administers the development of umpiring and scoring (officiating) in Argentina and provides opportunities for people to become
officials through the necessary tools, promotion, accreditation, remuneration and career pathways.

Hamish Barton (National Coach/High Performance Manager) recently returned to New Zealand for three weeks to start the New Zealand Cricket Level 3 coaching qualification. This is the highest cricket coaching accreditation in New Zealand and is run over two years with coaches required to complete 10 modules (5 per year).

The AOC touring team commenced their world tour with a short stop over in Buenos Aires where they played two matches against local composite teams. Their first match was played against the ACA Presidents XI.

AOC won the toss and elected to bat first, making a respectable 200 for 7 in their allotted 40 overs. The ACA Presidents made a strong start but fell one run short of their target.

In the second match, played on a wet and cold day, the Buenos Aires XI won the toss and elected to field first. The AOC got off to a good start and ended with 198/8. The BA XI got off to a disastrous start, losing their first 2 wickets with the score on 5 runs. G. Savage (30) and
T. Francis (16) restored some order, but they were all out for 160 giving the visitors a victory by 38 runs.

The AOC departed for Canada where they will continue their world tour before heading off to
New York, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, England, Nepal and India.

Argentina’s Catalina Greloni, Delfina Canton, Veronica Vasquez and Cecilia Birnie took part in the Cricket Coaching Academy held in Trinidad and Tobago. The players gained valuable experience during the course of the two weeks. An Argentina spokesperson said: “The Argentine Cricket Association would like to thank Ann Browne-John and her team for the excellent work done at the Academy and for all that they are doing to develop the game in the Americas region.”

This news first appeared in the ICC Americas Newsflash

Next week's ICC annual get-together promises to have more than its fair share of politicking, posturing and controversy. But, unless there is a major about-turn, it should also be a watershed for the Associates and Affiliates.

In 2009, income from the ICC's six-year media deal with ESPN-Star, worth over US$1 billion, kicks in, and while the game's big boys will still keep the lion's share, the rest will see substantial increases in their incomes.

Continue reading "Future bright beyond the Test world"

The Hurlingham Hawks created history in the final weekend of the 2007-08 season as they claimed the Triple Crown (First Division Championship/Robin Stuart Shield/NEC Cup). They overcame a late challenge from the St.Albans Sharks to claim their third title of the season, the First Division NEC Cup.

In the third and fourth play off at St.George’s College, Lomas Eagles beat Belgrano Cavaliers by 32 runs in a low-scoring match.

The following awards were made in the prize giving at the end of both matches:

Final
Man of the Match – Gary Savage; Best Bowler - Gary Savage; Best Batsman – Dougal Ferguson.

Third/Fourth play off
Man of the Match – David Mauro & Paul Ryan; Best Bowler – Hernan Fennell; Best Batsman – Mike Ryan

This article first appeared in an ICC Americas newsletter

Eleven women players from Argentina, Bermuda and Canada will depart for Trinidad this month as part of an ICC Americas development programme. The academy will take place at the Sir Frank Worrell Development Centre in Trinidad and Tobago from May 18-29. The program will be run by Ann Browne-John – the ICC Women’s Committee Representative, former West Indies Captain and Level 2 WICB Coach – who is assisted by former international players and qualified coaches Stephanie Power and Jasmine Sammy. The girls will have 10 days of intensive training, education, game situations and will be trying out for the WICB tournament to be held in Jamaica in July.

The annual three-day match, the highlight of Argentine cricket which has been played for many years, was rained out on two consecutive weekends so the captains decided to play a 50-over friendly game.

Continue reading "Argentina's North v South match"

The Mad Dogs team from New York toured Argentina for 10 days in February and played a total of five matches. The series was very even with local teams St. Albans, Lomas and Argentine Colts recording victories. The visitors won two matches against the ACA President’s X1 and Belgrano.

History was made by the four major first division clubs as they played their first ever in full coloured clothing. The NEC Trophy introduced for the first season had a semi final line up of Belgrano Cavaliers vs. Hurlingham Hawks and St.Albans Sharks vs. Lomas Eagles.

In the first match played at Virrey del Pino, Hurlingham Hawks proved too strong for the Belgrano Cavaliers as they crushed the home side by 201 runs.

In the other semi-final, St.Albans Sharks proved too strong for Lomas Eagles who batted first and could only manage 160 all out in 31 overs. St. Albans Sharks made a solid start and cruised to a six wicket victory to set up a final against the Hurlingham Hawks which is scheduled for April 13.

The number of people actively participating in cricket outside the Test-playing countries increased 17% in 2007, according to the ICC.

The research, carried out by the ICC's development program, was collated from 33 Associate and 58 Affiliate members. It showed that there were 338,051 male and female players in those countries in 2007, an increase of 49,158 on the previous year. Since 2002, when there were 144,047 participants, there has been a 135% rise.

Click here for the full story.

MCC finished their tour of Argentina with a win against the national side. Although they failed to bowl Argentina out twice, they won by virtue of a first-innings lead. MCC batted almost all the first day of the two-day game in scoring 378 for 9, built on fifties from Peter Trego, Martin George and Martin O’Reilly. Argentina batted slowly on the second day in making 223, but they had Paul Ferguson’s 60 to thank for bailing them out from 78 for 7. They reached 63 for 1 in their follow on.

MCC 378 for 9 (Trego 65, George 54, O’Reilly 53) beat Argentina 223 (Ferguson 60, Trego 5-76) and 63 for 1 on first innings.

The MCC’s good start to their tour of Argentina came to an end with defeat at the hands of the Argentina President’s XI, who overcame a stiff target of 282 with six overs to spare. Click here for a full report.

Argentina President’s XI 282 for 7 (Jrigoyen 82, Burman 81) beat MCC 281 for 6 (King 113) by three wickets

	© MCC

MCC 207 for 6 (Walker 47, Laidler 35) beat Argentina Colts 107 (Brooksbank 3-26) by 100 runs

MCC 260 for 8 (King 93, Forrester 3-39, Paterlini 3-46) beat Argentina 244 (Barton 71, Walker 4-44, , Bulpitt 3-28) by 16 runs

MCC 268 for 8 (Walker 54, Bedford 50 MacDermott 3-48) beat Argentina 253 (Forrester 86, Bulpitt 4-22) by 15 runs

The MCC are undertaking a two-week tour of Argentina during which they will play seven games including three one-day games and a two-day game against the Argentine national side, plus matches against an Argentina Colts XI and an Argentina Presidents Cricket XI.

"I am delighted to have been asked to captain this tour, which once again sees MCC face the Argentine national side." Somerset's PeterTrego, who will lead the side, said. "This will be a fantastic opportunity for me to get good match experience in different conditions ahead of a busy county season.

"We take with us two promising players from the MCC University Centres of Cricketing excellence, Loughborough's Richard King and Oxford's Will Mottram, who are combining their cricketing and academic ambitions with the help of MCC's funding of the UCCEs."

MCC squad P D Trego (capt), G S Brooksbank, G Bulpitt, W M George, S Gibson, R King, M Laidler, W J Mottram, M G O'Reilly, R E Walker, B R Wigley, R F Wycherley, R J Woods. P Bedford (Manager).

UAE underlined their ambition to take part in the 2011 World Cup by winning the World Cricket League Division Two tournament in Namibia, defeating Oman in the final. Denmark and Namibia also booked their place in the 2009 Qualifer, but Uganda and Argentina finished in the bottom two and were relegated back to Division Three.

Click here for Cricinfo’s full coverage of the tournament.

The 2007-08 Argentine cricket season kicked off in the last weekend of October with the Saturday Championships (Second Division tournament). This year’s Saturday Championship league includes nine teams.

The month of November will see the continuation of the Saturday Championships along with the First division Twenty20 League (six teams). It is also an action packed month for the juniors with the School U-15 and open leagues and the first ever ADE Trios Festival. There will also be a number of Kanga festivals held.

Argentina will also host a combined South American team (consisting of four players from Chile and Brazil respectively). The South American team will play a four match series (including two Twenty20 games) against the Argentina national team in preparation for the forthcoming ICC WCL Division 2 tournament, due to be held in Windhoek, Namibia from November 24 to December 2.

The Argentina National team are finalising their preparation for the ICC WCL Division 2 tournament. The team will depart Buenos Aires on November 17 and will spend five days based in Potchefstroom (South Africa) where they will play two warm up matches kindly hosted by North West cricket. The schedule for the ICC WCL Division 2 tournament is as follows:

Nov.24 – Argentina vs Oman

Nov. 25 – Argentina vs Namibia

Nov.27 – Argentina vs UAE

Nov.28 – Argentina vs Uganda

Nov.30 – Argentina vs Denmark

Courtesy ICC Americas

	Trinidad and Tobago's explosive talent, Amanda Samaroo © ICC

Canada’s women have given their country some joy, with victory in the first ICC Americas Women’s Championship, held in Canada. They overhauled Bermuda by five wickets in the deciding victory.

Bermuda, though, have the consolation of a place at the World Cup qualifiers in Lahore in November. Argentina sank to three defeats in three, but will take some positives – and have two players competing for a place in the ICC Americas XI who take on Trinidad & Tobago Under-17 on Friday.

T&T have been the outstanding side of this tournament – their latest victory a huge victory against Argentina – but they were not eligible for the title. Nevertheless, it has been excellent experience for them. And they appear to have a rising star in their ranks – the batsman Amanda Samaroo, whose highlight was a superb unbeaten 128, off only 125 balls.

Click here for more.

Openers Ruvindu Gunasekera and Terryn Fray stroked centuries of contrasting styles and offspinner Pratik Patel captured a remarkable 7 for 3 as Canada and Bermuda maintained their winning streak in the five-team round-robin Americas Under-19 World Cup Qualifier in Toronto on Wednesday.

Canada and Bermuda lived up to their pre-tournament favourites' tag by scoring convincing victories in their Americas Under-19 Qualifiers in Toronto on Tuesday. Canada beat Argentina by nine wickets while Bermuda won their second match in a row by beating Cayman Islands by seven wickets.

Click here for the full report ...

Bermuda and the Cayman Islands notched victories on the opening day of the Americas Under-19 Qualifiers, as Bermuda eased past the Bahamas by 195 runs while the Cayman Islands powered to a ten-wicket win over Argentina.

Click here for the full report ...

Canada face a stiff challenge from Bermuda in their bid to return to the Under-19 World Cup when the five-team round-robin Americas U-19 Qualifier begins at Mapleleaf CC, King City in Toronto on Monday (August 13).

Argentina, Caymans Islands and debutants Bahamas are the other teams taking part in the week-long competition. The winner will join the ICC’s 10 Full Members, hosts Malaysia, Papua New Guinea and Ireland (who recently qualified from the East-Asia Pacific and European Regions respectively) at the 16-team U-19 World Cup to be played in Malaysia next February. Canada missed the 2006 event in Sri Lanka but participated in the 2002 and 2004 tournaments.

Continue reading "Hosts Canada start as firm favourites"

Leave your thoughts and feedback of Uganda's win in the comments below

Uganda celebrate their victory © ICC

At one stage Uganda, the hot favourites, had slumped to 79 for 7, after being asked to bat, with Argentina captain Esteban MacDermott, who was later adjudged player of the tournament, taking three wickets. However Frank Nsubuga, who made 55 from 38 balls, and Laurence Sematimba added a vital 80 for the eight wicket. Sematimba and Patrick Ochan, 56 from 34 balls, then posted 82 for the ninth wicket as Uganda reached 241 for 8. Nsubuga outstanding all-round day continued, taking 4 for 27 as Argentina were bowled out for 150 in the 47th over.

Click here for a full report

Leave your thoughts

Uganda and Argentina have been promoted to Division Two of the World Cricket League following their march into the final of Division Three in Darwin. Division Two, in Namibia, gets underway in November.

1st semi-final

Esteban MacDermott, the Argentina captain, produced a match-winning performance when he captured 4 for 20 to bowl out the Cayman Islands for 102 in the 40th over. Steve Gordon, who scored a century in the opening game against Tanzania, top-scored with 38 but only Saheed Mohamed (29) and Keniel Irving (19) reached double figures. Argentina's chase began poorly, stumbling to 58 for 4, but Alejandro Ferguson saw them through to the final with a composed 25.

"The boys could have easily lost focus or confidence after the one-wicket defeat against Italy," MacDermott said, "but they remained committed and stayed on track because they trusted their instincts. This is the reward for their dedication and continuous hard work.

"The credit for our promotion to Division 2 not only goes to the team but to the entire support staff and all those who backed us all the way. Our performance in the tournament shows how rapidly cricket is growing in our country where soccer remains the first-choice sport."

2nd semi-final

Plate semi-finals

Argentina and Papua New Guinea (PNG) complete the semi-final line-up of the World Cricket League Division 3 after recording impressive victories on the last day of the group matches in Darwin. Argentina take on Cayman Islands in the semi-finals tomorrow, while PNG meet Uganda.

Group A

PNG beat Italy by eight wickets, but it was their superior net run-rate which edged them into the semi-finals, after both teams were tied following two wins each. PNG, who suffered a shock five-wicket defeat against Argentina on Tuesday, had to beat the Italians by a convincing margin to earn a berth in the last four. They did just that, dismissing Italy for 134 before cruising to their target in the 34th over. Arua Uda top-scored with 58 from 92 balls.

Group B

Tanzania tasted its first win of the tournament, overpowering Hong Kong by five wickets. Hong Kong made 161, with Rahul Sharma notching 43 while Bhavesh Govind took 3 for 31. Tanzania cruised home with Abhik Patwa and Rishen Patel putting on 77 for the opening stand, edging over the line in the 47th over.

Eight of cricket’s emerging nations will be hoping to take one step towards qualification for the 2011 World Cup when the World Cricket League Division 3 gets underway this Sunday (May 27) in Darwin.

The top two teams from this event will join UAE, Namibia, Denmark and Oman
in Windhoek, Namibia at the ICC World Cricket League Division 2 November. The top four teams from the event in Namibia will automatically qualify for the ICC World Cup Qualifier in the UAE in 2009, while the two remaining teams will have a second chance to qualify for the UAE tournament at the World Cricket League Division 3 in early 2009.

Click here for the full team-by-team preview.

It won't get many column inches in the mainstream cricket press, but the World Cricket League, which started in Nairobi yesterday and continues into next week, features the best of the rest, the six sides just under the ten Test-playing countries. For the two finalists, the rewards are bountiful - a place among the big boys in the inaugural Twenty20 World Championship in South Africa this September, along with $250,000. For countries used to surviving on annual handouts from the ICC of less than $200,000, that's big money.

Continue reading "A long way from home"

According to CricketEurope, the ICC will expand the World Cricket League to five divisions:

The leading five European nations have already won places in the first three divisions: World Cup qualifiers Ireland, The Netherlands and Scotland in Division 1 (which will take place in Kenya in January-February next year), Denmark in Division 2 (planned for Namibia in November 2007), and Italy in Division 3 (planned to take place in the USA in summer 2007).

But with an eight-team Division 5 tournament now planned for the first half of 2008, five places in which are assigned to the next ranked country in each region, Norway are guaranteed a slot, along with Afghanistan, Argentina, Botswana and the Cook Islands.

The three remaining places will be allocated by the ICC Development Committee when it meets in December, and those allocations will be based on the rankings of the next group of countries. This means that Jersey, runners-up to Norway in this year’s European Second Division tournament, and possibly even Germany, who finished third, will be competing with The Bahamas, Panama, Nepal, Singapore, Mozambique, Zambia and Japan for those last three positions.

Read the full story at cricketeurope.net

Bermuda won the World Cricket League Americas Division 1 Championship for the first time. Canada has two previous wins and the USA won once. Bermuda took the title thank's to Canada's ten-wicket win over the USA last Saturday. The Cayman Islands beat Argentina on Saturday and this ensured they qualify for the Global Division 3 section of the World Cricket League in 2007.

Bermuda and Canada had already qualified for the Global World Cricket League (WCL) Division 1 as a result of their rankings in the 2005 ICC Trophy in Ireland. WCL Division 1 is in Kenya in January 2007. The USA will be in WCL Global Division 3.

Bermuda ended the Americas championship with three wins and one no-result for a total of 14 points. USA were second (two wins, one loss, one no result for 10 points). Canada came third edging out Cayman Islands on net run-rate (difference betwen rate of a team scoring runs when batting, and conceding runs when bowling). Both teams had two wins and two losses. Argentina came last with five losses.

The player of the tournament was US captain Steve Massiah, who also won the batting award for his 283 runs in 4 matches. Ronald Ebanks (Cayman) took the bowling award for 10 wickets. Bermuda took the fielding prizes with Stephen Outerbridge (fielder) and Kwame Tucker (wicketkeeper) getting the honours. Regular Bermuda wicketkeeper Dean Minors had to return home due to an illness in the family.

The United States cruised to a comfortable seven-wicket win over Argentina on the third day of the Americas Championship at Maple Leaf CC in Toronto, Canada, and in doing so set up a potential championship decider with Bermuda on Friday.

Continue reading "USA set up Bermuda showdown"

	Bermuda's Lionel Cann slams one of his five sixes during his undefeated 139 © Eddie Norfolk

Continue reading "Canada sink to a new low"

MCC and the ICC have each donated $2500 to Argentinia Cricket who will use the proceeds to develop a turf pitch at St George's College. Read the full story at Cricinfo.

Rod kindly wrote in to remind us (and you) of MCC's tour of Argentina which gets underway soon. Here's the info:

January 28th, One-dayer v North XI at Virrey del Pino
January 29th, One-dayer v South XI at Corimayo
January 31st, One-dayer v ACA President's XI at Hurlingham
February 2nd, One-dayer v Argentina at Hurlingham
February 4th, One-dayer v Argentina at Corimayo
February 5th, One-dayer v Argentina at Virrey del Pino

All games will start at 11.00, and the MCC team will stay at the "Hotel Emperador". This is the 1st time the MCC have toured Argentina since 2001.

In addition, the Argentinean season will resume on January 28th, with a MaxChallenge game between the Lomas Eagles and the St. Alban's Sharks at Longchamps, while the Belgrano Cavalliers will play the Hurlingham Hawks at Virrey del Pino on January 29th.

Incidentally, Argentina beat MCC in their inaugral first-class match, way back in 1912. If you have any information, snippets - or just want to get in touch, don't hesitate to email me and Martin. We've also enabled comments on the blog for you to leave your thoughts.