IPL newsfile: Hussey will be missed by Chennai, says Fleming
A round-up of IPL news from April 18
ESPNcricinfo staff
18-Apr-2014
Hussey will be missed; Nehra an important cog - Fleming
Chennai come into this year's tournament without a few of their regulars. No Albie Morkel, no M Vijay, no S Badrinath. Perhaps the most prominent name missing, though, is that of Michael Hussey, who consistently anchored many Chennai innings' from his opener's slot previously. Coach Stephen Fleming admitted that Hussey's exit was a minus. "Mike will be missed. These are the things you have to go through when you're looking to pick a new side. You have to let go of some of the players you'd want," Fleming said ahead of the game against Punjab. One of the additions to the side is veteran India pacer Ashish Nehra, and he was brought in to shepherd the younger local seamers, Fleming said. "We want him to lead the Indian pacers we have - the likes of Mohit Sharma and Ishwar Pandey. I think experienced Indian players are crucial and Ashish's knowledge in these conditions will be vital."
Chennai come into this year's tournament without a few of their regulars. No Albie Morkel, no M Vijay, no S Badrinath. Perhaps the most prominent name missing, though, is that of Michael Hussey, who consistently anchored many Chennai innings' from his opener's slot previously. Coach Stephen Fleming admitted that Hussey's exit was a minus. "Mike will be missed. These are the things you have to go through when you're looking to pick a new side. You have to let go of some of the players you'd want," Fleming said ahead of the game against Punjab. One of the additions to the side is veteran India pacer Ashish Nehra, and he was brought in to shepherd the younger local seamers, Fleming said. "We want him to lead the Indian pacers we have - the likes of Mohit Sharma and Ishwar Pandey. I think experienced Indian players are crucial and Ashish's knowledge in these conditions will be vital."
Punjab look good to win it - Miller
Following the reshuffle of the squads, the big-hitting David Miller, one of two players retained by Punjab this year, is backing his side to deliver. The new squad looks solid, Miller told PTI, ahead of their opener against Chennai. "It is exciting to have a different group of players. Overall, the squad looks more than capable to win the title. We have been training hard from the past four-five days and are getting to know each other. I have been discussing a lot of cricket with Sehwag and Bailey too comes across as a man of wisdom." So is there a new shot "killer Miller" is working on to unleash on bowlers in the league? "Well I am actually working on my forward defence," he joked.
Following the reshuffle of the squads, the big-hitting David Miller, one of two players retained by Punjab this year, is backing his side to deliver. The new squad looks solid, Miller told PTI, ahead of their opener against Chennai. "It is exciting to have a different group of players. Overall, the squad looks more than capable to win the title. We have been training hard from the past four-five days and are getting to know each other. I have been discussing a lot of cricket with Sehwag and Bailey too comes across as a man of wisdom." So is there a new shot "killer Miller" is working on to unleash on bowlers in the league? "Well I am actually working on my forward defence," he joked.
Hope to dedicate an innings to my son - Yusuf
Yusuf Pathan had returned home soon after his side's convincing win against Mumbai in the tournament opener, as his wife had delivered their first child. Speaking from home, to Mid-Day, Yusuf expressed much excitement: "I am short of words to express myself after being blessed with a son. Fatherhood is completely different from anything I have experienced till date. I'm sure he [the baby] will bring great joy to everyone. I will celebrate this with my team-mates once I'm back and hopefully dedicate an innings to my son." Maybe less joy at the baby's arrival for the bowlers then?
Yusuf Pathan had returned home soon after his side's convincing win against Mumbai in the tournament opener, as his wife had delivered their first child. Speaking from home, to Mid-Day, Yusuf expressed much excitement: "I am short of words to express myself after being blessed with a son. Fatherhood is completely different from anything I have experienced till date. I'm sure he [the baby] will bring great joy to everyone. I will celebrate this with my team-mates once I'm back and hopefully dedicate an innings to my son." Maybe less joy at the baby's arrival for the bowlers then?
Relief to have Warner in my side - Steyn
Dale Steyn is relieved to be on the same team as David Warner in this tournament; he has not forgotten South Africa's Test series against Australia from earlier this year. "From a South African perspective I must say it's a relief to have David Warner in my team rather than playing against me after the way he tormented us in the Test series earlier this year," Steyn wrote in the Time of India. "Three hundreds and over 500 runs… I hope he's just as greedy over the next seven weeks." Said in lighter tone or not, who could blame Steyn? It is hard to forget a batsman scoring 543 runs at 90.50 - including three tons and two fifties - in six innings against your team in a hurry.
Dale Steyn is relieved to be on the same team as David Warner in this tournament; he has not forgotten South Africa's Test series against Australia from earlier this year. "From a South African perspective I must say it's a relief to have David Warner in my team rather than playing against me after the way he tormented us in the Test series earlier this year," Steyn wrote in the Time of India. "Three hundreds and over 500 runs… I hope he's just as greedy over the next seven weeks." Said in lighter tone or not, who could blame Steyn? It is hard to forget a batsman scoring 543 runs at 90.50 - including three tons and two fifties - in six innings against your team in a hurry.