Lions sent home

20/02/13

Naughty Boys, England Lions, Matt Coles and Ben Stokes have been sent home to England from Australia, with their tails between their legs for "disciplinary reasons".

The ECB posted:

England Lions management today confirmed that Kent pace bowler Matt Coles and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes will be sent home from the current tour of Australia, following disciplinary hearings for unprofessional conduct.

The pair had contravened their conduct obligations previously during the tour and had been issued with written warnings.

ECB Performance Director David Parsons said: “On a very challenging tour to Australia, both Matt and Ben have ignored the instructions given to them around their match preparation and recovery and, following previous warnings, it is regrettable that it has been necessary to terminate their involvement in the tour.

“Both are very talented individuals and it is hoped that, with the support of the ECB and their respective counties, they will take positive steps to give themselves the very best chance of fulfilling their potential.

“There will be no replacement players called up to the squad as a result of this matter.”

Coles said: “I am very sorry about what has happened in Australia and I believe I have learnt my lesson. I have apologised to the players and coaches involved, so would now like to move forward from this by looking ahead to the start of the county season at Kent.”
Stokes added: “I would like to apologise for the way in which I acted. I am determined to bounce back from this situation and I regret my actions off the field. I look forward to getting back to my county to start pre-season preparations.”

The ECB will be making no further comment.

New Scoreboard

A glimpse of the new scoreboard at Trent Bridge - picture from a Mad Badger?????

12/02

New Zealand got off to a flyer in the second rubber - 76/1 from 9. Sheepish Martin Guptill 47 and even with the inevitable fall of wickets the sixes kept flying - NZ Ending their innings 192/6 Brendon McCullum 74.

Too many early wickets ensured England never got started in their chase and they ended well beaten - Jos Buttler made 55.

Outlaws win

England Outlaws won the first of the T20 series against New Zealand at Eden Park.
Alex Hales and Michael Lumb successfully set an ideal platform for Luke Wright, Eoin Morgan and Co to exploit - England topping 200 with 214/7. New Zealand, thanks to Skipper Broad's 4 wickets were never in the race as England Outlaws won by a comfortable 40 run margin.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/new-zealand-v-england-2013/engine/current/match/569237.html?CMP=chrome