Our main objective is to get to the semifinals: Mathews

What kind of shape and form is your side in at the moment? 
Well, we had some good preparation in the past couple of months I would say, and most of the boys were in India, and the boys were in Sri Lanka, they had some good preparation through playing some practice games, as well. We are all professionals, and there has been a little bit of doubt; people kept saying that the boys are in India and they haven't had good preparation, but I want to write it off because we are professionals and we need to sort of get prepared for this kind of tournament because it's a huge event for everyone, personally and as a team. So I think we've done our preparation as a team and individually.

Are you worried about the group you're in? It's a very tough group with Australia and England. 
Not really. Yeah, definitely Australia and New Zealand they're quite used to the conditions, especially in England, and with the two new balls, it's going to be tough. But I think our boys are up for the challenge, and if we want to go far in the tournament, I think we've got to beat all the teams that come our way. I think at this point our main objective is to try to get to the semifinals, but I think that's too far ahead. We need to try to take one game at a time and try and win those.

How difficult are these very unpredictable English conditions going to be, it’s always a problem for a side arriving from overseas to come here and play in these conditions?
Definitely. We've been playing in low slow conditions and very hot and humid conditions in the past couple months. I think trying to adjust to the conditions is going to be the main challenge. Yeah, especially early summer is always going to be like this, wet, and it's going to swing and seam. 

So I think that's our main challenges as batters especially, and I think the bowlers have got the firepower. We haven't got the pace, but we know how to go in these conditions, and I think in one group guys like Lasith Malinga, Thisara Perera, have got their firepower. I think we've got a good couple of spinners, as well, and yeah, I think batting, if we can get it right, I think we can go a long way.

As you say, you have the experience and bowlers have been here before and done it before, so you're counting on the likes of Malinga and so on to do it for you this time?
Definitely, guys like Malinga, Kulasekara, they've been our strike bowlers the past couple of years or rather three, four years.  So we bank on them, and also, we're not banking on any individual.  We've got the 15 players we can walk into the team any given day.  So I think if they can try and get the basics right we can go a long way.

You've had a great reputation of winning one day tournaments in the past, World Cups, 20/20. Do you back yourself here? Definitely. If you do the basics right, as I said before, if you've done pretty well in the past World Cups, in the Twenty20s, World Cups, as well, so I think we've got to a stage where we've done pretty well and lasted from there. So I think if we can get this right this time, it would be awesome. 

Your past track record as a team suggests that you've earned the respect of the highest level of world cricket, so any team that would underestimate Sri Lanka, that would be an unwise move?
Well, yes. We've been a pretty good outfit in the as I say, I would say the past few years, but we've been pretty consistent in the past so many years. As I said before, we have played so many finals and semifinals and lost it from there. But as for now, our main objective is to try to get to the semifinals. But yeah, most teams won't be complacent with us, but I think that that's a platform because we need to raise the bar a bit.

A lot of cricket lovers here in the Midlands are disappointed you won't be playing a competitive match here at Edgbaston.  Definitely, we've got three practice games and we've got Pakistan, India and West Indies, and I think that is going to be a good preparation for us as long as the weather stays away. But I think that we are planning to get the maximum out of the three practice games.

Have you been down to Edgbaston to have a look at the revamped facilities?
No, this is my first time we're in Birmingham, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Have many of the other members of your squad have experience of playing here?
Definitely. As far as I know Kumar Sangakkara played for Warwickshire here and he's done pretty well. So we've got the experience in our team and the youngsters, so I think the balance is right in our team because experienced guys play the major role with the youngsters, especially in these conditions and in this type of a tournament. So I think the experience is really vital for our team.

Has Sangakkara mentioned to you the conditions that you will expect down here at Edgbaston? 
Definitely. As I said before, we've got to try and adapt to the situations and the conditions as soon as possible because if we are to perform at this level in the Champions Trophy, we need to be, we can't put our guards down, so we need to try and make the most out of the nine, ten days that we have prior to our first game.

Are you as excited by the ICC Champions Trophy as other cricket fanatics are across the country? Yeah, definitely. In a tournament like this, people come in large numbers to watch the game, and the best eight teams compete. So I think all teams are even, and hopefully we can give some excitement to the fans. 

As you pointed out, some of your senior players are not performing that well, so would you hesitate before dropping them if needed?
Well, firstly I never pointed out that I have any concerns about their performances, and I think they've been world class for us.  It's not even a concern when it comes to a tournament like this because they've been here, they've done it, and I have the confidence in them.  I'm really proud to have these guys in my team because I can get a lot of information and help.  So I'm really happy to have them in the team. 

You've got to the finals of the last two cricket World Cups and the last two World T20s, so a very good record in international tournaments as has been mentioned.  How motivated are you by the Champions Trophy with this tournament coming up obviously involving the eight best sides in the world? 
Definitely, as I said before, we've done pretty well here on the big stage, and it's just that I can't really point out what went wrong in the finals and semifinals, but we are hoping to better the performances which we have done in the past.  But I think now as a team we just want to make the maximum out of the first 10 days and take one game at a time.

I’ve enjoyed leading my side: Rohit Sharma MI skipper talks about maiden, successful captaincy stint in IPLv

Rohit Sharma’s leadership was one of the cornerstones of Mumbai Indians’ successful IPL 2013 campaign. The stylish batsman was handed the captaincy in the early stages of the season, and far from buckling under pressure he managed to make the most of the opportunity on offer.

Along the way, the 26-year-old was ably guided and backed by experienced MI players, coaches and support staff. In an exclusive interview with IPLT20.com, Rohit Sharma speaks of how all the pieces fell in place for the IPL 2013 champions under his leadership.

On the finals and what it meant to him

The way we performed shows the character of the team. It was not an easy victory and I am really happy. I would like to thank each and everyone as we stuck it out. This is for the people of Mumbai who have been coming and supporting us over five years. And, of course, it’s also for the fans of Mumbai Indians across the globe.

On winning with his hometown team

It is simply amazing to win the IPL title with Mumbai, my hometown. I have no words to describe this feeling. I am happy because our owners are really passionate about this game and they wanted us to win. They helped us in all possible ways. I would like to dedicate this victory to them.

On stepping into the role of captain

It was tough when we changed our captain. It was not easy to come in suddenly to do the job. But I have really enjoyed this role since the moment Ricky stepped down and I was handed the captaincy. I knew the responsibility would fall on my shoulders since I was vice captain for two years.

On the backing he received from his seniors

The support from Ricky Ponting from beyond the boundary was superb. And it was not just Ricky Ponting, but everybody else as well. Right from John Wright to our masseur… they were really fantastic. I would like to mention Robin Singh as he has been working day in and day out with all of us. Anil Kumble was brilliant and so was our support staff. We just stuck together as a team, which is really important in this format.

On Sachin Tendulkar finally winning the elusive IPL title

Yes, this was the only trophy he did not have. Now he is happy. You could see how excited he was when we won. That shows what this win means to him.

On MI’s successful run at the Eden Gardens

We have always done well in Kolkata. We have had an outstanding record here over the last six years. Plus, the people of Kolkata are really amazing. They have been supporting us. Even when we play against KKR, we get some support.

On his own form this season

I am happy with my overall form, but I am a little bit disappointed with my performance in the Playoffs. But it happens sometimes. I was focusing on getting my team in shape for this challenge.

Ponting hails MI leadership group Aussie talks of his winning alliance with Wright and Kumble

A few days back, Dinesh Karthik told this website that Ricky Ponting was the best thing to have happened to Mumbai Indians. One thing that all the MI players vouch for is the positivism that the most successful Australian captain has brought into the camp.

He played no more than six matches in IPL 2013, but Ponting’s involvement with the team was unmistakable every time he stepped on the field during a timeout. And in the end, the three-time World Cup winning captain, along with some stellar names in mentoring – John Wright and Anil Kumble – fulfilled a dream that the Mumbai franchise have harboured for the last six years.

As the glittering IPL Trophy went into the MI dressing room, Ponting took time out to talk to IPLT20.com about his role in the team and how he, along with the team coach and mentor, helped MI become the 2013 IPL champions.

In your first year as the Mumbai Indians leader you have won them the Trophy!

It’s been a great experience for me but I can’t take any credit for what the guys have done on the field. We have played some very good cricket throughout the tournament. Yes, we’ve had our high and low points but that’s what T20 cricket is all about. I along with the coaches just kept reinforcing that belief and the positivism in the guys. We just encouraged them to play with freedom and not have any doubts of second thoughts. To the boys’ credit they’ve been able to do that. Sunday’s performance, particularly with the ball, was the best we’ve had in the tournament.

You know a thing or two about winning trophies, having won three World Cups for Australia. But it must be a unique experience for you to win a tournament like this?

Yes! I said at the start of the tournament that coming into an IPL team and trying to bring all the different cultures together can be difficult because the group doesn’t get together until just before the tournament starts. That’s probably the biggest challenge we faced but I, John (Wright) and Anil (Kumble) made sure that we kept working hard towards keeping the team together. We’ve played the tournament like one team and not individuals. We are all really pleased and proud of what we have done and the boys have a good reason to celebrate.

What do Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar talk about in their spare time?

Just about cricket! It’s just really great sitting with him on the bench watching the game unfold. We talk about what we might do in this situation and what we would do if we were captain. Because we have both played so much cricket; we have a lot of understanding of the game and we share that with each other. Obviously I would have preferred to be out playing the game but just to be around this group of people and to be able to achieve something that hasn’t been done by the Mumbai Indians before has been very satisfying.

This is probably the first time you have worked with John Wright. What is the best thing about his coaching style?

He keeps things very simple. He relies on the players and the leaders around the team to make sure the players are well prepared. He doesn’t really talk too much; the team meetings are short, sharp and to the-point. That’s where I have been involved as well; making sure that all the planning is how it should be and all our tactics are in place for each game.

You and Anil Kumble are both leaders with very strong personalities. How has it been working with him?

We have worked together – all three of us, Anil, John and myself. We ensured the players are fully prepared when they step on the field. Anil has done a terrific job. The idea behind having the three of us together was to have a strong leadership group around the team. We’re glad that we could get the players to do what they have done. I’m sure we have done our owners proud.

We took the final as a fresh start: Karthik MI ‘keeper-batsman says not dwelling on Playoffs loss was the key

Mumbai Indians’ successful title run in IPL 2013 was propelled by consistent performers in all three departments of the game. Dinesh Karthik was one such performer, who featured in all 19 games for the franchise and excelled both with bat and behind the wickets.

The 27-year-old, who has been part of the MI squad for a couple of seasons, often came through in the middle order whenever his team was marred by an indifferent start with the bat. Capping off a good season with a league title, courtesy a win over the Chennai Super Kingsseemed like a fitting end to his IPL 2013 campaign.

“It has been a long journey for us. And it feels really good to be on the right side of the final result for the first time,” Karthik said. “The Playoffs loss did not play on our minds. We took it as a fresh game. And we had beaten them twice, so obviously we knew that we could beat them again.”

Karthik also mentioned how MI had to be at their best against a solid outfit like CSK. “They played a real good game against us the last time. So we knew it was going to be a good contest. Playing CSK is always tough,” he said while explaining his team’s approach during the finals.

The ‘keeper-batsman scored a total of 510 runs in IPL 2013 and effected 14 sharp dismissals behind the wicket, thereby marking his best overall season in the league. “My own form has been really good. I am really glad about what I have helped Mumbai Indians achieve this IPL. It feels special and really good,” he said.

He added that the key to his success has been a calm mind. “I have also been working on my technique. My coach has given me a lot of confidence and inputs and I am glad it paid off in the end,” Karthik said.

Karthik stated that along with the 2007 World T20 triumph, the IPL win at the Eden Gardens is something he will ‘cherish for a long time’.

He even praised senior members of the MI set-up for guiding the side over the last couple of months.

“Hats off to Anil Kumble, John Wright, Ricky Ponting and Sachin Tendulkar! They have been a part of this unit and they have been helping all of us throughout this tournament,” he said.

One of the best days of my career: Tare MI batsman rates IPL win alongside winning 2012-13 Ranji title

For a youngster like Aditya Tare, playing under the watchful eyes of some of the most respected coaches itself provides an invaluable opportunity. Add to that the chance to fill in Sachin Tendulkar’s shoes atop the Mumbai Indians order and you have the perfect baptism by fire for an up and coming cricketer.

The 25-year-old showed a lot of promise during the handful of chances he got this year for MI. He even managed to score a remarkable half-century during one of his outings for the franchise. However, he was completely awestruck after his team won their first IPL title.
“Winning the Ranji Trophy and the IPL this year is two of the best days of my career,” said Tare during his post-game chat with IPLT20.com.

Tare also relished the opportunity to replace the Little Master as one-half of MI’s opening pair. “This is a big responsibility and I am glad that the support staff and the captain have put the faith in me to open the innings. I relish this opportunity and I just want to bat to the best of my ability,” he said.

Tare also looks forward to the invaluable advice Tendulkar offers him, both as his Ranji and MI teammate. “He is always talking to me about my game even in the Ranji team. He always shares whatever information he thinks is important to be shared with me,” Tare said.

He added that in a diverse set-up like MI’s, even an experienced leader like Ricky Ponting offers great insight into the game. “He is a great leader even when he is not playing. He has been leading the side well in the dressing room. And I have learnt a lot from both Tendulkar and Ponting this year,” he said

Thanks to his stint with the Mumbai Indians, Tare says he has improved as a cricketer. Given that he has spent the last four years under some of the most brilliant minds in the game, he takes back a lot from his IPL experience. “I have learnt a lot from coaches like Shaun Pollock, John Wright, Robin Singh, Kiran More – he has helped me with my wicket-keeping – and Paras Mhambrey in the IPL.”

This win is for Sachin Tendulkar: Rayudu MI batter credits four years of hard work for title win

Ambati Rayudu has been an understated, yet integral part of the Mumbai Indians line-up over the last few years. The 27-year-old batter has time and again steadied the MI innings and whenever need be, even unleashed big hits to steer his side to a favourable position.

For him to finally get his hands around the IPL Trophy meant a culmination of four seasons of tireless efforts. “This is extraordinary! Four years of hard work. We have come so close before and were really very hungry for it. This is beyond words,” Rayudu told IPLT20.com.

He also pointed out that MI gained a lot of confidence from their first perfect home season. “I think the unbeaten run at home set the tone for the Playoffs,” said Rayudu as he spoke about what boosted the team in the highly-competitive league.

The MI batsman was also thrilled about winning the biggest prize in franchise cricket at one of the sport’s most historic venues. “It is unbelievable how a packed Eden Gardens witnessed us. It is a dream. There is nothing better than this,” he said.

And finally, Rayudu dedicated MI’s maiden IPL title to Sachin Tendulkar, the team’s most iconic player, who has been a pillar for the franchise since the inception of the IPL. “I think he is the one who is the backbone of the team,” Rayudu said.

Glad to strike form in the final: Malinga Veteran MI pacer cherishes maiden IPL title, 100-plus wickets

Over the last few years, Lasith Malinga’s name has been synonymous with theMumbai Indians. The Sri Lankan Slinger has been the sharpest weapon in the MI arsenal with all the timely, unplayable yorkers that he is known to dish out.

However, this year Slinga Malinga had a relatively sedate season as per his own high standards. But come the IPL 2013 final, the veteran pacer did not disappoint. Eager to nudge his side over the line, Malinga gave MI the kind of start they had grown accustomed to in previous seasons.
“Until this match, I did not do anything for the team. So, I am really happy I did something special today in the first over itself,” said Malinga about the two crucial wickets – of Michael Hussey and Suresh Raina – he claimed up front.

According to the pacer, his bowling had somehow not clicked this season until the big game on Sunday. “Nothing much was different today. I had tried to do everything till now but I did not get good results. I always try to do my best, and that is why I feel great that I did something for the team today,” said an ecstatic Malinga.

His excitement was of course resulting from the fact that after coming close in previous years, MI were finally able to strike gold in the IPL. “It is a really good feeling. The thing is that over the past few years we have tried very hard but did not get the cup. But today that we have won it, I am really happy,” he said.

Malinga also made a special mention of all the MI fans, who are known to drown the Wankhede Stadium with rhythmic chants of ‘Malinga,’ ‘Malinga’ every time their curly-haired hero comes on to bowl. “The fans there love cricket. I really like playing in India so much. I have been really happy playing for the Mumbai Indians,” he said.

While Malinga may have blown hot and cold this season, he still managed to become the first bowler in the IPL to cross the 100-wicket mark. “I am really happy that I have played in the IPL for five years. I have 103 wickets now and I am the first bowler in the IPL to get to 100 wickets. Every year I am getting 20-odd wickets and I am just happy about my performance overall,” said Malinga, who got 20 scalps this year as well. 

Team needed me to fire today: Pollard MI all-rounder talks of title clinching knock at Eden Gardens

There is no doubt that Kieron Pollard has been one of the most important players in the Mumbai Indiansset-up this year. The all-rounder has not only shone with bat and sometimes with ball, but he has been a game-changer with his exceptional fielding as well.

From plucking certain sixes in midair on the field to crafting championship-winning innings, Pollard gave his 100 percent in all departments this season.

In an exclusive chat with IPLT20.com, this is what the West Indian all-rounder had to say about his half century against the Chennai Super Kings and winning the coveted IPL title for the first time.

MI have come close before and finally with your help they got their hands around the IPL Trophy

This is a great feeling! I have been playing for the Mumbai Indians for four years and to get this opportunity and to be able to pull it off, it is fantastic. It is something I will cherish forever.

What were you thinking when you went in to bat with MI reeling at 52/4?

Nothing much was going on in my mind when wickets were tumbling. I just wanted to focus on my game. I just wanted to back myself and my ability. I know what the team needed from me at that point in time. These are the games that you have to win for your franchise and thank God it came off and we actually won!

This season, your fielding alone gave MI a leg up in many contests. Have you been focusing on any particular drills?

I have not really been doing anything extra for my fielding. I just feel it is important to give your best each and every time you go on the field. And if you don’t score runs or take wickets, you have the opportunity to make up for it in the field. At least, that is the way I look at it.  I just want to contribute in all three departments. To me, if I don’t contribute in either one of these departments, then I think I have failed.

You have won three finals over the last one year. You seem to be making a habit of winning

It is a fantastic feeling. So far I have been in three finals over the last year. First it was the World T20 finals; then I was in the finals for my Club back home - we (Trinidad & Tobago) won that and qualified for the Champions League (CLT20), before I got here and now the IPL. And that is what I was talking about before this final, that I have been in two winning finals before and I just wanted to keep that record going.

And now in the next few days, we have another important tournament coming up, the Champions Trophy. We (West Indies) are looking forward to that as well. Dwayne Bravo is going to be our captain, and we are really enthusiastic about it and let us see if we (West Indies) can play good cricket and come out on top over there as well.

Speaking of Bravo, you two seem to be enjoying your rivalry?

Yes, of course. I bring out my best against Bravo. He is my good friend, and we have a big rivalry going on. So, when we chat, we talk about how many championships he has won as compared to how many I have. I am neck and neck with him since I have won the IPL now. But he just told me that he has won the Champions Trophy as well. So I told him, ‘Don’t worry both of us can now go and win that!’

Finally, what do you have to say to all the MI fans who consider you a cult hero?

I would like to thank the Mumbai crowd. The support of the Mumbai fans, and fans all over India have been spectacular. This would not be possible without them. And hopefully, each and every time I come back to India, it will be the same great feeling.

I’ve waited six years for this moment: Tendulkar The master lets child in him take over as MI win IPL crown

He cheered every wicket when the Chennai Super Kings were batting. When Mumbai Indians’ win was a ball away, he was the first one to jump off his seat in the dugout and jump onto the field to celebrate with his victorious team-mates.

Even while talking to IPLT20.com after the match, he kept looking at the trophy. Finally, pointing towards it, he said, “I can’t wait to get my hands on that trophy”!

After spending 23 years playing cricket at the highest level, accumulating almost every individual batting record in the sport, being part of world’s No.1 Test team and winning the ODI World Cup, Sachin Tendulkar remains a wide-eyed cricket lover.

The enthusiasm of the 40-year-old is so genuine, it can make some of his awestruck teenage fans look jaded.

Excerpts from our chat with him:

What does this moment mean to you?

I have waited for this for six years and six years is a long time. But it’s never too late. This has been an outstanding season for us; we have thoroughly enjoyed every moment with each other. It’s been really solid. The goal for this season was to win the trophy and I am glad that we have been able to do that.

You were the captain when MI last reached the IPL final in 2010. Was this like déjà vu for you?

It was good to reach the final but this year we made it till the end. Whoever is the captain, it doesn’t matter as long as we lift the trophy. That is what you play for and Sunday was that moment. It’s a different feeling to get your hands on that trophy and I can’t wait to celebrate with the team. We’ve really worked hard for it. After two and a half months of sheer hard work we have been able to win this trophy ours. It’s a wonderful feeling.

With the likes of John Wright, Anil Kumble and Ricky Ponting coming in, did it take a bit of pressure off you as far as mentoring was concerned?

Yes, it helps having such great former players working with the team and guiding them. Even earlier we had some good leaders and this year has been fantastic. As far as my pressure goes, it is always there (smiles). I’m always under pressure to go out and deliver, irrespective of whether I am a captain or just another player. You have your expectations and you want to do your best. You want to deliver at every occasion.


What do two greatest batsmen of their era talk to each other when they play for the same team?

(Laughs). Unfortunately, we didn’t spend much time together batting in the middle and I would have loved to do that. I knew Ricky a bit before the IPL, sitting in the opposition tent. Here we sat in the same tent. We have spent some quality time with each other in the evenings, having casual dinners and during the pre and post-match discussions. It’s really worked well and he is a fantastic guy.

Has he brought that Australian-ness with him in the team?

He has. We have got guys from West Indies, New Zealand and all over the world. Even from India we have guys from all parts of the country. We have been lucky to have developed a strong bonding between different cultures and that brings the best in us.

Shakib stars as Bangladesh squares series

 

Shakib Al Hasan starred with bat and ball for the second time in as many days, and this time his efforts secured victory for Bangladesh in the second Twenty20 International against Zimbabwe to earn a share of the two-match series on Sunday (May 12).

Shakib's allround performance had not been enough on Saturday, when Bangladesh went down by six runs, but on Sunday he shone even brighter to help Bangladesh end the tour with a smile and a 34-run win.

Shakib first hit 40 from 28 deliveries as Bangladesh posted 168 for 7 in 20 overs, and he then claimed the crucial wicket of Brendan Taylor, the Zimbabwe captain, on the way to figures of 4 for 22 in four overs.

Zimbabwe gave only the briefest hint that it would chase down a tricky target when Taylor added 40 in under four overs with Vusi Sibanda, the opener, who made 32.

However after Taylor skied a Shakib delivery and departed for just 15, the rest of his team trudged off at regular intervals on the way to a final total of 134 for 9.

"I don't think we relaxed, I just don't think we executed as well as we did yesterday," said Taylor." The quality players that they do have came out and scored very freely, which is not surprising when the bowlers don't land the ball in the right areas."

Shakib's 82-run partnership with Tamim Iqbal was at the heart of Bangladesh's innings as 99 runs came off the first ten overs, before the innings tapered off in the second half.

Tamim found a semblance of form in hitting 43 from just 30 deliveries, providing the momentum that Bangladesh needed to end a trying tour on a high note.

"After losing three straight games it's been hard work for us to come back so all credit goes to the boys," said Mushfiqur Rahim, the captain.

"Overall I thought it wasn't an ideal tour for us, but there are plenty of areas where we can improve and plenty that we can learn from this tour."

IPL 2013 Standings (13/05/2013)

Final result SLUG 2013 points table-CongratZ UVA

IPL 2013 Standings (07/05/2013)

Vettori, Jayawardena and Sangakkara set to appear in sixth ICC Champions Trophy

Daniel Vettori, Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara are set to join an exclusive club of cricketers to play in six ICC Champions Trophy tournaments after they were named in their respective squads for the elite event to be staged in England and Wales from 6-23 June.

In addition to New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the six other countries have also confirmed their best cricketers in their final line-ups for one of the most prestigious nation versus nation cricket tournaments in which 15 matches will be played over 18 days with no team in a position to lose more than one match.

Vettori played in the 1998, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2009 editions while the Sri Lanka pair has featured in five consecutive events from 2000.

When the three cricketers will take the field for their first matches in the tournament, they will join the group of Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka), Rahul Dravid (India), Ricky Ponting (Australia), Mark Boucher and Jacques Kallis (both South Africa) who have played in all the six tournaments from 1998 to 2009.

Vettori, in 14 matches to date, has captured 16 wickets at an average of 28.5, Jayawardena has scored 574 runs at just over 38 and Sangakkara has aggregated 461 runs at 30.73.

If all goes well and according to the plan for Jayawardena and Sangakkara, then on 17 June at The Oval against Australia, the two will achieve another milestone of becoming the most capped players in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy - 21. The two are currently sitting on 18 matches apiece and have Jayasuriya (20) and Dravid (19) firmly within their sights.

Sri Lanka will be led by world's fourth-ranked all-rounder Angelo Mathews. Apart from Jayawardena and Sangakkara, the 2002 joint-champion have also retained Tillakaratne Dilshan, Lasith Malinga and Nuwan Kulasekara from the side that played in the ICC Champions Trophy 2009 in South Africa.

New Zealand, which won the tournament in Nairobi in 2000, has kept faith in a number of players from the side that reached the final in 2009, including captain Brendon McCullum, Grant Elliott, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Kyle Mills, Ross Taylor and Vettori.

Mills is the joint-second most successful bowler in the ICC Champions Trophy, having taken 22 wickets in 12 matches at just over 19. He trails Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralidaran by just two wickets.

Australia will aim to complete a hat-trick of titles after it won the event in Mumbai in 2006 and then defended the crown three years later at Centurion.

The four-time world champion will be led by Michael Clarke, who returns to the event after missing out four years ago. The squad also includes Mitchell Johnson, Adam Voges and Shane Watson who played in South Africa in 2009. Clarke, Johnson and Watson were also part of the squad that defeated the West Indies by eight wickets in the final at Brabourne Stadium in 2006.

Watson was named player of the final in 2006 for his contribution of two for 11 and 57 not out and three years later in 2009 won the player of the tournament award after aggregating 265 runs at an average of 88.33 and claiming six wickets at 25.16.

World champion India will defend its status as the number-one ranked ODI side in the world at the ICC Champions Trophy. While it will be captained by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, it includes Ravichandran Ashwin, Virat Kohli, and Suresh Raina who were members of the side that won the ICC Cricket World Cup final at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai just over two years ago.

From the side that played in the ICC Champions Trophy 2009, India has retained Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Kohli, Amit Mishra, Raina and Ishant Sharma.

Dhoni's side, besides attempting to retain its top ranking, will also try to match Australia's feat of holding both 50-over titles at the same time. Australia has achieved this rare distinction twice - 2006 and 2009.

Host England has named a very balanced side for the event it last hosted in 2004.

James Anderson, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Eoin Morgan and Graeme Swann have been retained from the squad that reached the semi-final in 2009, while in Alastair Cook, England has a captain who has not only inspired his side to second position on the Reliance ICC ODI Championship table, but he also occupies eighth position on the Reliance ICC Player Rankings for ODI batsmen through his consistent performances with the willow.

Jonathan Trott, however, is the highest-ranked England batsman in fifth position while Ian Bell, who in the only current England player to play in the 2006 tournament, is in 24^th position.

Steven Finn is England's highest-ranked bowler in third position and James Tredwell is inside the top 50 in 46^th spot.

Other than England, Pakistan is the only side in this strong field of eight sides not to have won the ICC Champions Trophy.

The Pakistan side includes Abdur Rehman, Mohamamd Hafeez, Kamran Akmal, Imran Farhat and Shoaib Malik who played in the 2006 tournament in India. Of these players only Kamran and Shoaib managed to retain their places in the side for the 2009 tournament in South Africa. Apart from Kamran and Shoaib, other survivors from the 2009 tournament are captain Misbah-ul-Haq and Saeed Ajmal.

Spin duo of Saeed and Hafeez feature inside the top four in the bowlers' rankings while in the batting table, Misbah sits in 18th position, Hafeez occupies 36^th spot and Nasir Jamshed, who hit back-to-back centuries against India in 2012, holds 40^th spot.

South Africa has named seven players from the side that played in its backyard four years ago. They are captain AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, JP Duminy, Robin Peterson, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn and Lonwabo Tsotsobe.

De Villiers shares the top batting slot with teammate Amla, while Steyn and Morkel share ninth spot in the bowlers' rankings.

South Africa's only ICC title has been in this tournament (then called ICC Knock-Out) when it defeated the West Indies by four wickets in the final in Dhaka in 1998.

The West Indies will be skippered by Dwayne Bravo and includes of a number of players who featured in the side's successes at the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 and the ICC World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012.

Bravo, as well as Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan and Darren Sammy were members of the 2004 squad. Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Gayle, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Marlon Samuels and Dwayne Smith, besides Bravo, were instrumental in helping the West Indies win its first ICC title since 2004 when it defeated host Sri Lanka in Colombo in the final of the ICC World Twenty20 2012.

Gayle is the leading run-getter in the ICC Champions Trophy, having scored 695 runs in 14 matches at an average of 57.91. The Jamaican has also taken 17 wickets at just under 22.

Final squads:

AUSTRALIA - Michael Clarke (captain), George Bailey, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Phillip Hughes, Mitchell Johnson, Clint McKay, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Starc, Adam Voges, Matthew Wade, David Warner and Shane Watson

ENGLAND - Alastair Cook (captain), James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Eoin Morgan, Joe Root, Graeme Swann, James Tredwell,Jonathan Trott and Chris Woakes

INDIA - Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik, Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Murali Vijay

NEW ZEALAND - Brendon McCullum (captain), Trent Boult, Grant Elliott, Andrew Ellis, James Franklin, Martin Guptill, Mitchell McClenaghan, Nathan McCullum, Kyle Mills, Colin Munro, Luke Ronchi, Tim Southee, Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and Kane Williamson

PAKISTAN - Misbah-ul-Haq (captain), Abdur Rehman, Asad Ali, Asad Shafiq, Ehsan Adil, Imran Farhat, Junaid Khan, Kamran Akmal, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Irfan, Nasir Jamshed, Saeed Ajmal, Shoaib Malik, Umar Amin and Wahab Riaz

SOUTH AFRICA - AB de Villiers (captain), Hashim Amla, Farhaan Behardien, JP Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Colin Ingram, Rory Kleinveldt, Ryan McLaren, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Robin Peterson, Aaron Phangiso, Graeme Smith, Dale Steyn and Lonwabo Tsotsobe

SRI LANKA - Angelo Mathews (captain), Dinesh Chandimal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Shaminda Eranga, Rangana Herath, Mahela Jayawardena, Nuwan Kulasekara, Lasith Malinga, Jeevan Mendis, Kushal Perera, Thisara Perera, Kumar Sangakkara, Sachithra Senanayake, Lahiru Thirimanne and Chanaka Welagedara

WEST INDIES - Dwayne Bravo (captain), Tino Best, Darren Bravo, Johnson Charles, Chris Gayle, Jason Holder, Sunil Narine, Kieron Pollard, Denesh Ramdin, Ravi Rampaul, Kemar Roach, Darren Sammy, Marlon Samuels, Ramneresh Sarwan and Devon Smith