Australia knocked out of T20 World Cup

Ponting and his men received a crushing blow on Monday night as Sri Lanka beat them by 6 wickets, knocking the Aussies out of the Twenty20 World Cup. A captain’s innings by Kumar Sangakkara (55 not out) and Tillakaratne Dilshan quickfire 53 knocked Australia out of the ICC World Twenty20 at Trent Bridge on Monday night.

The unthinkable has happened – the mighty Australians have been knocked out of the Twenty20 World Cup tournament in England after losing to Sri Lanka in the group stages.Facing an embarrassing first round exit, the Aussies lined up against the Lankans to stay alive in this World Cup.

After Warner’s first over exit, skipper Ricky Ponting and Shane Watson steadied the ship keeping the scoring rate at above a healthy run a ball.

But the introduction of spin did the Aussies in. Wily Ajantha Mendis claimed 3 including Ponting, while debutant Udana picked 2 as the Australian innings crumbled to the Lankan spin.

With 94 runs in 15 overs the Aussies had their back against the wall. But in came Mitchell Johnson to do the rescue act – 2 sixes and 2 boundaries in his 13 ball-28 helped Australia post 159.

In the Lankan innings even as Jayasuriya fell early, the classy Dilshan took the attack to Australia cracking a quick fire 50 to guide the chase.

While Skipper Sangakkara was enjoying his new role; staying unbeaten at 55 not out the stylish southpaw led his side to victory.

Dinesh Kartik replaces injured Virender Sehwag

Wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Kartik has been selected as a replacement for the injured Virender Sehwag. Virender Sehwag has been ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup due to shoulder injury. The Tamil-Nadu wicketkeeper- batsman will join the Indian T20 squad in England shortly. Karthik has played 6 T20 matches, scored 67 runs at an average of 16.75. However, he had a better outing in the IPL.

Sehwag who has missed both the warm-up matches as well as India’s first match against Bangladesh due to the injury will need surgery on his shoulder.Sehwag will return to India after seeking medical opinion in England after which Sehwag is likely to go to South Africa for further surgery.

Virender Sehwag ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup

Indian opener Virender Sehwag ruled out of the Twenty20 World Cup which is underway in England due to a shoulder injury. Sehwag has missed both the warm-up matches as well as India’s first match against Bangladesh due to the injury. Sources said that he experienced pain in his shoulder while practicing in the nets. Sources also said that Sehwag would undergo shoulder surgery in South Africa after being advised for it.

Bhajji says we will bring back the cup home

Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has promised Indian fans that the Men in Blue will bring the Twenty20 World Cup home. It is a fight for glory as the World champs begin their conquest of defending the crown, and Bhajji has promised to win back the cup in style.

The turbanator has been on a roll in the recently concluded Indian Premier League and will prove to be skipper Dhoni’s trump card in the English conditions. Bhajji has promised and it is time to deliver the goods as Dhoni’s men embark on their journey to bring back the cup.