• CWC news round-up

    Darren Bravo will miss West Indies’ third World Cup match against Zimbabwe in Canberra on Tuesday and remains in doubt for Friday’s match against South Africa with a low-grade hamstring tear.

    The top order batsman was forced to retire hurt on 49 during West Indies’ win over Pakistan in Christchurch on Saturday after tweaking his left hamstring, reports Reuters.

    The team remained hopeful he might be fit for the match in Sydney against the Proteas, an important match for both teams’ campaigns.

    ‘He is day-to-day at this stage,’ a team spokesman said.

    ‘We will make a call later in the week.’

    The 26-year-old is likely to be replaced by reserve batsman Jonathan Carter for the match against Zimbabwe in Canberra.

    West Indies thrashed Pakistan in Christchurch on Saturday to put their World Cup back on track after being stunned by Ireland in their opening match.

    BANGLADESH SEND PLAYER HOME

    Bangladesh pace bowler Al-Amin Hossain will be sent home after breaking a team curfew in Brisbane on February 19.

    Team manager Khaled Mahmud confirmed to ESPNcricinfo that the ACSU (Anti-Corruption and Security Unit) informed the Bangladesh team management of Al-Amin staying outside the team hotel after the 10pm deadline. The Bangladesh Cricket Board will conduct its own inquiry into the breach after receiving the manager’s report at the end of the team’s World Cup campaign.

    ‘Normally if a player has to stay outside after 10pm, he has to take the management’s permission,’ Mahmud said.

    ‘We were not aware that Al-Amin left the hotel after that time, and were later informed by the ACSU of his transgression. He will be sent home as soon as possible.’

    Mahmud denied that Al-Amin’s suspension had any links with corruption.

    TENDULKAR HAPPY WITH QUALITY OF CRICKET

    ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 Ambassador Sachin Tendulkar has predicted that the tournament will get more competitive as it progresses.

    Talking to the ICC on the sidelines of India versus South Africa match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Sunday, the maestro advised the sides and the players to find and maintain the right balance so that they remain fresh and ready for the big matches and yet maintain any momentum they have established early in the tournament.

    ‘It’s been exciting. You’ve already seen a couple of surprises. The teams have played competitive cricket,’ Tendulkar said.

    ‘The standard has been good, and that is what people want to witness. I feel as the tournament progresses it’s going to produce some fantastic cricket and we’re looking forward to it.

    ‘I think to have the same successful combination going all the way is going to be the key and to find that balance between staying fresh and not overburdening yourself with additional practice sessions. You just need to find that right balance.

    ‘If somebody’s not playing well, then obviously that guy needs to go out and hit as many balls as possible in the nets or bowl as many balls as possible. But if everything is going well, then it’s important to have that energy and peak at the right time.’