Sunday, July 01, 2007

Bell hoping for England recall

First one-day international, Lord's:
England v West Indies (1045 BST)(Live Scores will be available here)
Warwickshire batsman Ian Bell could return to the England team for the first one-day international against West Indies at Lord's on Sunday.

Bell missed the Twenty20 series with a groin injury but could replace Bears team-mate Jonathan Trott if he comes through Saturday's net practice.

Wicket-keeper Matt Prior is fit to play after shaking off a hand injury.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul (sore knee) and Devon Smith (quad strain) have both been passed fit for West Indies.

England coach Peter Moores hopes a change of regime will lead to improved results in the one-day game as his side look ahead to the ICC Trophy next year.

"We're not hiding from the fact that our one-day cricket hasn't been good enough in the past," said Moores.


Not many people can do what Chanderpaul does - block it out in the Tests and smash it around in the Twenty20

West Indies coach David Moore


"We're trying to build a team and find players who we think can handle pressure and can repeat performances time and time again to win tournaments.

"We're trying to identify players who can play in the 2011 World Cup, but we know from World Cups in the past that you also need experience.

"We all know that just putting teams of youngsters out doesn't really work because it takes time and they learn off other players.

"If we think it's right to play somebody who may not get through to that World Cup then we'll play them because they will often pass on great experiences and help the other people they are playing alongside."

Moores added that he would welcome a change of heart from Steve Harmison if he reversed his decision to retire from ODIs.

"Steve as a one-day player has got a huge talent because of the pace he can bowl at and the bounce he can create," said Moores.

"I'm not going to force him to play and we'll see what the future holds. He's made his decision and that's where we are at the moment."
West Indies coach David Moore is also looking for his side to improve their limited-overs record after their failure to qualify for the semi-finals in the World Cup on home soil.

He said: "The Twenty20 game suits us pretty well because we have got some power hitters and some very smart players who can work the ball as well.

"But I think we underperform in the 50-over game and hopefully we can start improving.

"They are very close and are working hard at their game and they are learning from what we have been speaking about in meetings and I am confident these guys can actually execute their plans."

And Moore has urged the young players in his squad to follow the example of Chanderpaul after hailing him as "one of the most versatile cricketers in the world".

Moore said: "We have got a great example in Shivnarine Chanderpaul in our own midst. He is a true professional.

"It shows mental strength because not many people can do what he does - block it out in the Tests and smash it around in the Twenty20.

"Our players need to look at how he prepares. If I was a young cricketer, I'd be looking at how Chanderpaul prepares as a batter and take a leaf out of his book."

England and West Indies will play three matches in the series, with the second at Edgbaston on Wednesday and the third at Trent Bridge next Saturday.

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West Indies wicket-keeper Denesh Ramdin has been reprimanded by the International Cricket Council (ICC) after showing dissent at an umpire's decision during the second Twenty20 international against England at The Oval.

England (from): Collingwood (capt), Anderson, Bell, Broad, Cook, Mascarenhas, Panesar, Pietersen, Plunkett, Prior, Shah, Sidebottom, Trott, Yardy.

West Indies (from): Gayle (capt), Chanderpaul, Bravo, Edwards, Morton, Powell, Ramdin, Rampaul, Richards Jr, Sammy, Samuels, Simmons, Devon Smith, Dwayne Smith.

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