Former Worcestershire and Lancashire batsman Ryan Driver has been named captain of Jersey. He replaces Matthew Hague who retired last year.

After finishing second in the Division 5 tournament in May, including an impressive semi-final victory over the USA, and then winning a dramatic game against Guernsey to seal the ICC European Championships Division 2, the side is in confident mood despite Jersey only becoming an ICC Member back in 2005.

“I think when we started in ICC competitions in Scotland a couple of years, some of our players were in awe of the other teams. We’ve now got rid of that and we now think we can beat anybody,” said Hague. “We definitely think we can go forward in this competition.”

Boosted by the addition of young talents such as Anthony Hawkins-Kay, a fast bowler, and Ben Stevens, a promising spinner, the side has added some fresh faces to the side that performed well on home soil in Division 5, although Ryan Driver will again be a key player.

Hague, who will lead his side in a difficult opening day fixture against Tanzania, who host the tournament, is confident his side can adapt to local conditions. “I don’t know how tough it will be. It will be different and it might be hotter but we definitely have the talent to adjust,” he said. “We’ve played Italy, beaten them twice, but I am guessing Hong Kong, who has been playing against international teams in the Asia Cup – and Afghanistan will be competitive.”

By Tony Munro

Jersey has named four sets of brothers in their squad for their World Cricket League Division 4 campaign in Tanzania next month.

One of those pairs is opener Steve, and medium-pacer, Tony Carlyon, who were unavailable for Jersey's successful European Division 2 tilt on home soil recently.

The other inclusions are left-arm spinner, Ben Stevens, who was named Player of the Tournament at the European under-17 event in Belfast earlier this year, Meeku Patidar and reserve wicket-keeper, Matt Hanley.

They replace Nigel and Ian Crocker, Bradley Vowden, Sam de la Haye and Chris Jones who is unavailable due to a shoulder operation.

Chris Minty, Jersey Cricket Board's director of cricket, said: "It's a young energetic squad who can all field and bat - nine players under 26 - all good for the future." The team will be coached by former Derbyshire batsman, Peter Kirsten.

Jersey squad: Mathew Hague (capt), Tony Carlyon, Steve Carlyon, Jonathan Gough, Peter Gough, Robert Minty, Thomas Minty, Andrew Dewhurst, Sam Dewhurst, Meeku Patidar, Ryan Driver, Anthony Kay, Ben Stevens, Matthew Hanley.

Tony Munro

The two best teams in the recent European Division Two tournament, undefeated Guernsey and Jersey, fittingly met in the final round of matches to decide the title (no final having been scheduled). Guernsey needed nine from three overs with six wickets in hand, yet Stuart Le Prevost, the Guernsey captain, was dismissed at the start of the 48th over. Two late run-outs, and Jersey were jubilant. Cricinfo spoke to the Jersey coach, Peter Kirsten, and Le Prevost, about the final, and the tournament in general

	Peter Kirsten, the former South Africa batsman, and Jersey's coach © Getty Images

Peter Kirsten

How are your nerves after the way Jersey secured the win?

PK: It was a memorable match, emotions ebbing and flowing continuously. I always felt though that if we could dismiss their main batsman even with them cruising at 170 for 3 we would still be in the match as he was beginning to look lazy (already dropped twice) and the Jersey spinners were bowling well. This is exactly what happened - three run-outs ensued due to panic and the spinners were always going to be difficult for new batsmen to handle under pressure. It was still very tight though and our fast bowlers were also able to bowl magnificently at the end. Nerves there were aplenty but our disciplines, belief & work ethic won through in the end.

Which aspect of the team's performance were you especially happy with?

PK: Since my term with Jersey cricket began on April 17 2008, we have trained according to various programs. These have included fitness and preparation, but also the introduction of promising youngsters in various positions, and the mantra of playing as a team and importantly developing a sound relationship with the captain and manager. Many of these aspects we executed well to remain unbeaten in the last six matches and have lost only 1 in the last 12 matches.

In which areas would you like to see Jersey improve for the ICC World Cricket League Division Four tournament?

PK: The Tanzania tournament poses different challenges for Jersey. Firstly it is away from the Channel Islands - playing in Africa is vastly foreign to them - different wickets, climate and so on. However, they will be prepared as mentioned before and a solid, well composed team has been selected. Again some talented youngsters have been included which brings good energy to the squad. Physical fitness, strategy are key areas of our preparation during September.

	Stuart Le Prevost, Guernsey's captain © thisisguernsey.com

Stuart Le Prevost

How has Guernsey found the transition from playing against English domestic opposition such as in the Four Islands tournament, to playing the various Associates? Has it been good for the team's cricket?

SLP: Playing against the Associate members of the ICC has improved our game no end. We definitely up our game when we play better sides so it can only be good for us to keep punching at, and above, our weight rather than playing mediocre club sides on mini tours. I think we take more responsibility in tougher games which we need to transfer into every game at club and Island level.

Which aspect of your team's play during the tournament were you most pleased with?

SLP: I think our batting came good during the tournament (except for 20 minutes at the end of the last game). We had not performed well as a batting unit for the whole of the summer so we were under a bit of pressure in that department going into the tournament so it was pleasing to chase pretty well and also to set decent totals during the week.

Who would you say was your best batsman and bowler and why?

SLP: I think our best bowler was off-spinner Gary Rich. Rarely does he bowl badly and his economy rate is always good which creates pressure and in turn often ends in a decent wicket haul for him too.

Our most consistent batsman was Jeremy Frith. He is at home whether we are setting totals or chasing them down. His quick assessment of what is a good score on certain pitches often puts us exactly where we need to be.

Which player from the other teams most impressed you and why?

SLP: I think Jersey's Ryan Driver impressed me most. His allround game is very good and invariably if he plays well, Jersey play well. His century against us in the recent championship was well paced and he didn't give a chance. He also bows pretty accurately and has bucket hands.

Look out soon for our interview with the Gibraltar captain, Christian Rocca, and France coach, Dave Szumowski

The ICC European Division 2 Championship gets underway on Monday in Guernsey. Six countries - Croatia, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Guernsey and Jersey - will compete for the title, and their finishing positions will determine their potential entry into the proposed expansion of the World Cricket League.

Click here for the full preview.

Jersey retained the Inter-Insular Challenge Trophy with a three-wicket victory over Guernsey at Grainville.

Guernsey, who were elected to Associate status by the ICC in July, lost early wickets after winning the toss and struggled to 119 all out in 46 overs, with Jeremy Frith’s 38 the only innings of substance. Jersey found the going equally difficult, but Ryan driver followed his two wickets with an gritty unbeaten 45 to steer them home.

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"

Following their qualification into Division 4 of the World Cricket League yesterday, Afghanistan marked a memorable week by winning Division 5 of the competition, beating the hosts Jersey in a thrilling two-wicket final.

A fine all-round performance from Hasti Gul guided Afghanistan to the World Cricket League Division 5 title, with a tense two-wicket victory, in a low-scoring thriller against hosts Jersey. Gul hit an unbeaten 29, as Afghanistan slumped to 62 for 8 chasing just 81 for victory, to follow his three wickets.

Jersey were bundled out in less than 40 overs, but didn't give up the chance of claiming a trophy in front of their home crowd without a real fight. Ryan Driver, the former Lancashire and Worcestershire batsman, took four wickets with his medium-pace. However, Gul didn't take a backward step and launched the only two sixes of the match - over long-on and deep square-leg - to take Afghanistan within touching distance.

Click here for the full report.

It may be three long years years away, but the road to the 2011 World Cup begins this week in the unlikely setting of Jersey. More famed for its cattle and potatoes than a venue for cricket tournaments, Jersey plays host to 12 of the world's lesser-known teams in Division 5 of the World Cricket League (WCL), as they battle to climb the ladder to the fourth division and dream of a World Cup place in Asia.

Will Luke previews Division 5 of the World Cricket League which gets underway this week.

Some of Jersey’s top players over the last decade have a chance to demonstrate their skills and ability at a completely new level, on the world stage, when they host Division Five of the World Cricket League later this month.

Jersey’s squad benefits from a number of all-rounders whose fitness and stamina will be tested under the tournament itinerary - a demanding seven games in nine days.

Their principle allrounder, Ryan Driver – formerly of Lancashire and Warwickshire - has fulfilled the four-year ICC qualifying period enabling him to make his long-awaited debut for Jersey. Mat Hague, another allrounder, will welcome Driver’s support while he captains the side.

Tom Minty and Andy Dewhurst provide inspiration for the younger players
on the fringe of the squad, while at the other end of the age spectrum
Meeku Patidar and Bradley Vowden will bring vast experience and – in spite of their seniority - are two of the very finest and fittest fielders in the squad.

James Caunt, the wicketkeeper, also qualifies as supremely fit and is a
welcome new addition to the squad. He has been in Jersey for 12 years
but has now qualified to play for the team in ICC competitions
Sharing wicket-keeping duties is Bobby Minty who also possesses high
levels of natural fitness and is flexible enough to be used as a fielder too.

Jamie Brewster's attacking and powerful batting are a luxury that the
strength of this squad can afford and he can turn a match inside five
overs.

Peter Kirsten – the former South Africa batsman, and now Jersey’s coach - arrives this week and the squad and management are looking forward to his impact – particularly with the fielding.

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.

Guernsey and Jersey are the two new additions to the European Under-15 and Under-17 Division One Championships for 2008. It is the first time more than four teams have battled for the title since the tournament began in 1999.

In 2007 Jersey won the Under-19 and Under-23 Division 2 Championships and were runner-up to Guernsey in the Under-15 Division 2 Championship. Both sides did not lose a single match, other than to one another, in any of the competitions.

The two championships will be the first real test of Guernsey and Jersey since their elevation to ICC Associate status.

"It is a fantastic opportunity for Guernsey's young cricketers to test themselves against the strongest nations in Europe at their own age group," David Piesing, chairman of the Guernsey Cricket Board said. "Young players can only benefit from playing against strong opposition and in the past couple of years these youngsters have acquitted themselves well in friendlies against Scotland and Holland so they will be keen to renew those acquaintances.

"Our Under-15s showed this year that they were a very strong side by winning the Division 2 tournament in La Manga. Five or six of those same players are still in the Under-15s in 2008 while the remainder of that squad will now move to the Under-17s age group.

"We are delighted that ICC Europe has recognised the playing strength of our youth sides in this way and we eagerly look forward to the challenges ahead. It will provide an additional impetus for our youngsters as they enter this winter's coaching programme."

The Under-17 Division One tournament will be held in Belfast over four days in July 2008. Six teams will form two groups of three, with each team playing two 50-over matches over the first three days. Following a coaching day, each team will play-off against its counterpart from the other group to determine the final championship standings.

The Under-15 Division two championship will take place in Jersey, also in July, and will be played to 45-over playing conditions.

Scotland host the Under19- Division One championship in August, with the same playing conditions as the Under-19 World Cup, whilst remaining a four-team competition. And Germany will host the Under-17 Division Two championship in the Northern Rhine region surrounding Düsseldorf.

Dates and precise venues of all events have yet to be finalised.

Guernsey secured their first ever title when they beat Jersey in the final of the European Under-15 Division 2 Championship in La Manga, Spain on Saturday. Click here to read the full story.

Jersey followed up their victory at the European Under-19 Division 2 Championship, with a win over France in the final of the Under-23 tournament in Guernsey on Thursday

Jersey became the 33rd country to be granted Associate membership at the ICC Annual Conference held last week at Lord's.

The decision comes after a successful 12 months for cricket on the island and makes Jersey the 11th European Associate Member joining the likes of Denmark, Ireland and Netherlands.

Cameroon, The Falkland Islands, Peru and Swaziland were awarded Affiliate membership, taking the total number of ICC members up to 101. Jersey was the only country to be granted Associate Membership.

The Falkland Islands were elected with only one dissenting voice. Argentina abstained in the week that marked the 25th anniversary of the end of the Falklands War.

The European Cricket Council has announced a deal with ICC Europe, ECB and Premium TV to make ECBtv available on subscription throughout Europe.

In many areas of Europe there is no access to TV highlights of matches, and this move looks to make coverage accessible to everyone.

"ECB is pleased and excited to be able to offer Europe’s cricket fans access to ECBtv and it is hoped that it will take the game to previously uncharted areas, inspiring people to get involved in this great sport,” Richard Holdsworth, the ICC’s regional development manager, said. "Delivering live video coverage via broadband to European territories has brought people closer to the game than ever before.”

ECBtv shows Test and one-day international matches live to certain territories, as well as match highlights, exclusive interviews, press conferences, coaching master classes and many other features to a global audience. Live streams start at £2.99. Click here for full details.

Jersey will host the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 (WCL Div. 5) tournament in 2008.

The ICC’s decision follows a recent visit to the island by a development team to inspect the country’s suitability for promotion to Associate membership, which will be voted on at the ICC Annual Conference at Lord's in June.

Continue reading "Jersey to host WCL Division Five tournament"

Jersey will host the ICC World Cricket League Division 5 (WCL Div. 5) tournament in 2008, the ICC confirmed on Tuesday.

The decision follows a recent visit to the island by an ICC Development team to inspect the country's suitability for promotion to Associate membership, which will be voted on at the ICC Annual Conference at Lord's in June.

Matthew Kennedy, the ICC's Global development manager, has been “blown away” by the facilities of the Jersey Cricket Board, following a recent inspection of the country with Laurie Peters, a member of the ICC executive committee.

'Our role is to provide a report for the 32 Associate members for them to discuss the information and it is up to them to make the recommendation to the annual conference in June,” he told the Jersey Evening Post. “We have been blown away by the facilities in Jersey, you have some wonderful facilities here and we will be reporting that.

“One of the most important things in cricket development is not just on-field teams but off-field teams too - and you certainly seem to have an off-team with a great band of administrators who have good plans and good strategy,” he said. “The next step for Jersey is the ICC development meeting in Dubai on 6 and 7 May. That meeting comprises one representative from each the five regions - Europe, East Asia Pacific, Africa, the Americas and Asia.”

Read the full story here.

The ICC has announced the regional winners of the ICC Development Program Awards 2006 with Guernsey, Jersey and Ireland coming out on top for the European Region.

Continue reading "Guernsey, Jersey and Ireland big winners for Europe"

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"

Jersey has submitted an application to the ICC to become Europe’s 11th Associate member country.

Continue reading "Jersey bids for ICC Associate memnership"

The announcement that the ICC is to expand the World Cricket League (WCL) to five divisions is great news for European Cricket.

The expansion will see a total of seven Associates and Affiliates from the Europe Region compete in the WCL. New additions Norway and Jersey are set to join the European top five teams who already compete in the competition.

Continue reading "High hopes for European Cricket"

Guernsey and Jersey in the Channel islands are set to host their first international tournaments in 2007. Jersey will host the European Under-19 Championship, while Guernsey is set to host the first European Under-23 Second Division Championship, featuring both Channel Island teams, Italy, and either France or Gibraltar.

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

The European Cricket Council's European Cricket Championships, which are being held in Scotland, are the first to be organised under the auspices of the International Cricket Council’s World Cricket League.

The tournament will feature 13 countries in two divisions playing 30 matches in seven days at 12 west of Scotland grounds, starting on Thursday (August 3).

The Division 1 sides - Scotland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy - will play a round-robin tournament, from which there is no relegation. The three matches involving the first three named teams are deemed by the International Cricket Council as official One-Day Internationals, and will be played at Ayr Cricket Club, where ground facilities have been upgraded with support from South Ayrshire Council.

Scotland’s other two matches will be played at New Anniesland (against Denmark) and Hamilton Crescent (against Italy).

Division 2 consists of eight teams - France, Germany, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hellas (Greece), Israel, Jersey and Norway - who will play in two initial pools of four, followed by crossover semi-finals and four ranking finals - and one team will be promoted to the first division in two years’ time. The facilities at all grounds have been equipped with additional weather protection and other enhancements, thanks to a range of local authority grants and commercial support.

A huge bonus is available for the Division 2 teams, with the winners not only promoted to the European Division 1 in 2008, but also a place in the new ICC World Cricket League Division 5 in 2007-08. This team will receive $20,000 towards preparation of that event, the venue of which is still to be decided.

The MCC are visiting Jersey this weekend:

Victoria College host the MCC on Saturday, at College Field, while the JICC do the entertaining on Sunday at Grainville. On Monday it's back to Grainville again for a fixture against a Jersey Cricket Board XI.

More information can be found at This is Jersey