Anderson, ranked the world’s third-best bowler in the ICC Test rankings, has enjoyed an exceptional year. The player is a favourite with fans on the Betfair Cricket website.

He took 21 wickets in England’s 4-0 series whitewash over India, on home soil, last summer, and the 29-year-old was also the standout bowler during the winter tours to the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.

Anderson reached the 250-wicket mark in the recent Test series in Sri Lanka, and should move past Brian Statham on the list of England’s all-time wicket-takers in the first Test against West Indies.

“I am flattered to win this award, and would like to thank everyone who voted for me”, said Anderson. “I have been pleased with my performances, over the last year, and was delighted with the way I bowled on the recent tour of Sri Lanka – but I take even greater pleasure from being part of such a successful England team.”

Anderson was rivalled for the award by England teammates Broad and Cook. Opener, Cook, scored 927 Test runs at an average of 84, including a career best 294 against India.

Broad endured a tough time against Sri Lanka, last summer, but bounced back with a fine all-round display in the victory over India. He bowled admirably in unhelpful conditions, during the winter.

While Broad missed the cricketer of the year gong, he did win the fans’ moment of the year award for his hat trick against India, in last summer’s Trent Bridge Test.

Meanwhile, Charlotte Edwards won the women’s award at the ceremony at Lord’s. The England captain averaged over 50 with the bat and led her team to a clean sweep of series wins at home and abroad.

For more information on England’s cricketers, visit http://betting.betfair.com/cricket/.

Anderson is Cricketer of the Year is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

Equally famous for his on-pitch efforts, Shane has been a lot in the press for off-pitch activities. One of those scandals was the newspaper column remark made about Sri Lankan captain Arjuna Ranatunga.
With a great cricket career, Shane also become spoke persons for Victoria Bitter and at one point he was also a expert commentator for the Nine Network.

Shane played first-class cricket from 1992 up until 2008 to pursue other interests besides cricket, but he actually joined the the Rajasthan Royals for a while and the team, as well as Shane, did great and after that there was a huge fan base that wanted Shane back in the first-class scene.

The off-pitch activites

After retiring from cricket, Shane moved on to play poker for the website 888. In true Shane Warne spirit, he’s doing great playing poker and have managed to become the captain of the 888 in the WSOP, which is one of the biggest events in poker and he played the main event. If you want to keep track of that event yourself, check it out through this guide to poker to find the updates.

A True Legend – Shane Warne is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

Trott has been arguably England’s most in form batsman over the past 12 months, and reached 74 as England recorded a 253-run victory over a Hyderabad CA XI on Wednesday at the same venue they will take on India on Friday.

Jonny Bairstow was in sparkling form as he hit 104 from just 54 balls to put forward a compelling case to be included in the England team that take to the field on Friday, most likely at the expense on Ian Bell.

Alastair Cook and Craig Keiswetter also passed 50 as England reached 367-4 to set an imposing total for the hosts to chase.

Scott Borthwick was the pick of the bowlers as he picked up 5/31 as HCA were bowled out for 114 to record an emphatic victory.

The South African-born batsman has been encouraged by England’s performances in the warm up matches for the five game series as they picked up their second win in as many games.

“We don’t really see them as warm-up games,” said England’s number three.

“We try to play them as if they were ODIs – so that come the real thing, we’re not surprised by different eventualities.

“It was very pleasing to be able to post that big score, then bowl them out for such a small total.

“But we know it will be a little bit different come the weekend.” He added.

Trott has also been impressed by the competition for places, and believes England now have a variety of players capable of winning high and low scoring games, pointing to the two very different manner of victories so far in their warm up schedule.

“It’s been very good,” Trott commented.

“We’ve worked really hard in the nets, and the two games. They were very different scoring games, and it’s good to be able to win both.

“Whatever eventuality comes up in our first ODI, I’m pretty confident we can defend both sorts of targets.”

While on the tour of India, the England players may choose to visit pokerstars uk to fill up their spare time in between matches.

Trott aims for fast start is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

Cook and coach Andy Flower must choose eleven players from a strong 15-man squad for the first of five ODI matches and it is unclear which way they might go.

Yorkshire youngster Jonny Bairstow put his name forward for a place with an unbeaten 104 in a recent warm-up game, while fellow new boy Scott Borthwick also impressed with his spin, taking five wickets in the same match.

Should these two get the nod, more experienced players such as Ian Bell could miss out and there enlies the problem for Cook.

However, he believes it is a sign that this England team is on the up and welcoems the tough decisions he is being forced to make.

He said: “It’s a great headache to have isn’t it? Let’s be honest, it’s one you always want to have, to be able to leave out good players, it shows a good side. And certainly when we get a few more players back from injury as well, you’re then thinking ‘which players do you leave out?”

“It becomes very tough but that as an overall thing for an England side, and certainly being the captain of the side, it’s such an encouraging place to be in.”

“We’ve always said you need a big squad, people to be able to fit in, fit out, injuries happen and to cover all bases.”

“We’re certainly getting there at the moment, just with this squad of players. So it’s very encouraging signs; it doesn’t count for anything but it’s nice to have those selection headaches.”

Many will agree that it is difficult to leave out Bairstow after his recent showings though and it would perhaps be a step backwards if Bell was selected ahead of him.

Of course Bell is a world-class batsman, but he hasn’t always done it in 50-over cricket and it England are thinking about 2015, they need to get the likes of Bairstow involved as soon as possible. Especially when it looks as if he will be a very positive addition to the team.

So, even those playing online baccarat will tell you that Bairstow has a good chance of playing. As for Borthwick, that could be a little more difficult with Graeme Swann and Samit Patel – who England are desperate to give a run in the side – already in the side as spinners.

Cook also needs to decide on the make up of the rest of his bowling line-up. Senior man James Anderson is being rested for this series, meaning that Tim Bresnan will more than likely lead the attack.

It is then a case of picking from Stuart Meaker, Jade Dernbach, Steven Finn and Chris Woakes for the final two seamers in the side.

Whatever Cook and Flower go for, it is going to be a young and exciting England team looking to prove their worth in the sub-continent.

Cook happy with selection headache is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

The 29-year-old paceman has always struggled for consistency and he has been under scrutiny from Aussie fans for years, especially in recent months as he only managed three wickets at an average of 52.17 in the games with Sri Lanka. Those placing cricket bets will know he needs to improve if he is going to help his side to victory.

Johnson is going to play an ever more important role after it was revealed fast bowler Brett Lee is to miss the trip to South Africa after undergoing surgery for appendicitis.

He is now out to repay the faith in him after failing to get wickets last time out despite claiming he bowled “pretty well and pretty consistently”.

“My pace was up. So it’s just getting those wickets on board. If I bowled like I did in Sri Lanka in South Africa, I think I’m going to get wickets over there,” predicts Johnson.

Australia face South Africa in two twenty20 matches, three one-day games and also two Tests in what promises to be an exciting battle between two top cricketing nations. Those following the cricket betting promotions will be keeping a close eye on the games.

Cricket Australia have so far not stated whether or not they will call up a replacement for the paceman Lee ahead of the first match with South Africa starting on Thursday.

Whatever happens it is going to be a crucial tour for Johnson as he needs to show the critics he warrants a place in the Australia side.

Johnson needs to prove talent to Aussie doubters is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

England will compete in five One Day International matches and a single Twenty20 contest against the team they dominated during the English summer.

The uncapped Meaker was an unexpected name in the squad list and has been rewarded for the potential he has shown over the last few months.

At 22-years-old, he has raw pace and it yet another exciting fast bowler for England to consider in the future. It will certainly be interesting to see how he does in India.

Elsewhere, Kevin Pietersen returns to the side having been rested for the most recent ODI series, while James Anderson will not travel.

There were also places for Jonny Bairstow, Scott Borthwick, Chris Woakes, although the injured Ben Stokes misses out.

Jos Buttler and Alex Haleswill join the squad ahead of the Twenty20 match in Kolkata after the five ODI matches.

Meaker was the player everyone was talking about though and upon hearing the news, he said: “I wasn’t expecting it so soon. It was definitely in my sights in the near future, it just happened to come sooner than I thought.

“I’ve been given a chance to show what I have got. I’ll work very hard when I’m out there and hopefully they will see that hard work and it will give them confidence to potentially give me a game.

“It’s a very proud day for me. This has been something I’ve been looking forward to since playing for Surrey as a young man.”

Led by Alastair Cook, England’s ODI side will fly out on 3 October head of the first match on the 14th October. Twenty20 captain Stuart Broad will join the party if fit, but if he doesn’t make it, Graeme Swann will continue to perform as Twenty20 skipper.

By Thomas Rooney – Editor of CricketFanCast - Head their now for some excellent Cricket Videos.

Meaker called up to England squad is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

The two match T20 series against the West Indies was seen as the perfect way to crown a memorable summer for the national side and after a convincing win in the first game on Friday Swann and his side were expected to once again steam roller the second-string Caribbean side. Those looking at the betting would have been shocked by the way things went.

Swann’s side started well and reduced the tourists to a rather feeble 113 for five but collapsed in their own innings and ended with their lowest total in their T20 history. Fans of sports betting will be expecting the side to bounce back.

Swann was understandably livid with the performance and believes then side must improve if they’re to have any chance of retaining their world title.
“Let’s face it, to not chase 113 in international cricket is unacceptable” he told reporters. “The West Indies bowled and fielded well, but nowhere near well enough to bowl a team out for 88.

“It’s a mixture of things: a bit of pressure, a bit of inexperience and a bit of ineptitude and it all added up to a horror show.”

“It’s good fielding mixed with a bit of panic. Four run outs is crazy when you’re chasing such a small total on such a big field.”

Swann laments England loss is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

One-day skipper Alistair Cook had previously stated his desire to lead the team, as well as talented all-rounder Tim Bresnan. However, Cook has been left out of the squad having not featured in the T20 line-up for the shortest form of the game while Bresnan has some consolation having retained his place in the team. Those looking at the betting will be wondering if the right decision has been made.

Kevin Pietersen has also been excluded from the squad as the selectors continue to rest their star man while Yorkshire youngster Jonathan Bairstow and Hampshire spinner Danny Briggs could be handed their full international debuts.

However, there is a return for James Anderson while another spinner Scott Borthwick has also been included within the party.

National selector Geoff Miller feels the squad as the perfect blend of youth and experience and believes it is important to continue to use the Twenty20 format to give the youngsters a chance to prove themselves on the international scene. People following the mobile betting need to take this into account.

Miller said: “We have once again selected a blend of experienced international performers, along with exciting young players with a great deal of talent.

“We have had a successful summer to date and will be looking to continue our form during the Twenty20 series against West Indies and finish the summer with two strong performances.

Swann to captain England T20 side is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

The 25-year-old Dublin-born batsman is one of the main batting stars of the England team across all formats of the game and his big-hitting style has earned him quite a reputation throughout world cricket.

He has recently had to go under the knife on a right shoulder injury and he has had a recovery period of 12 weeks predicted by ECB chief medical officer Dr Nick Peirce. Anyone looking at the cricket odds will be wondering if he can bounce back.

This means Morgan is out of the tour of India in October but hopefully he will be able to return in time for England’s trip to the UAE to take on Pakistan in January.
Morgan joins Stuart Broad in being ruled out of the return one-day series with India and that will allow some of the fringe players to stake their place for a starting shirt in future tours.

After securing their dominance of the Test game, England will now be looking to show their class in one-day and Twenty20 international games but it will be made a tougher prospect without those two stars and the cricket betting promotions reflect this.

Dr Peirce confirmed Morgan must undergo a “rehabilitation programme” for 12 weeks with a view of facing Pakistan.

“We have managed the injury to date with a conservative program but Eoin has now reached the stage where surgery is most appropriate progression of his treatment,” he added.

“The recovery period is anticipated to see him return to full fitness ahead of England’s tour of the UAE commencing in January.”

With Broad also ruled out of the Twenty20 games against the West Indies, England’s one-day captain Alistair Cook has said he wants to wear the skippers armband in those games, if selected among the squad.

Morgan targets January tour return is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.

While the Essex man has racked up 61 ODI caps so far in his career, Bopara has never been able to feel like a permanent fixture in the side. Mixed form and niggling injuries seem to curtail his time in the England side and now the battle will be on for the 26-year-old to prove he is ready to perform consistently at the highest level.

The batsman made a quick-fire 24 from 20 deliveries in England’s seven wicket victory in Tuesday’s shortened match and will be hoping to keep his place for the remaining three games of the series. Bopara is well aware of just what an opportunity he has in the remainder of this series and is determined to do himself justice. People keeping track of the cricket betting news will know he faces a crucial couple of games.

“I’d like to play and fight for that spot. It’s a great chance to make it into the first XI and then perform and cement a place in the side.”

“It’s a great chance, with guys resting and a few injuries about. There is a great opportunity to cement my place, and take it game by game.”

Ravi looks to cement his spot is a blog post from the Cricket Fanatic - a blog dedicated to thoughts and opinions of Cricket News.