International Cricket Council: Bouncer crackdown unlikely

There has been widespread sympathy for Sean Abbott © kareem

The chief executive of the International Cricket Council (ICC) said on Sunday that it was 'unlikely' rules on the bowling of bouncers would be tightened despite the tragic death of Phillip Hughes.

Australia batsman, Hughes, died on Thursday, two days after he was struck on the neck and knocked unconscious by a bouncer from Sean Abbott while batting for South Australia against New South Wales in a Sheffield Shield match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Apart from fighting sports such as boxing, cricket remains one of the few games where aiming at the head is considered a legitimate tactic.

Currently, bowlers are allowed to deliver two bouncers per over in Tests and ODIs, and one per over in T20Is, with similar rules applying in senior domestic cricket.

David Richardson, the ICC chief executive, said it was too soon to say if there would be a clamp down on bouncers but that his first thought was that the current restrictions would remain in place.

"We need to try and keep our perspective," Richardson told BBC Radio Five.

When asked about changes to bouncer regulations, he replied: "It's a bit early to determine, but my initial reaction is that it's unlikely. People have died by being struck on the heart before. I don't think cricket needs to overreact, but do what we can," the former South Africa wicket-keeper added.

Meanwhile, Australia great, Adam Gilchrist, defended the use of bouncers, telling the BBC he regarded them as "part and parcel of the challenge between bat and ball".

The former wicket-keeper-batsman instead suggested that changing the design of the standard batting helmet -- which Hughes was wearing at the time of his fatal accident -- so that it covered more of the neck area, would be a more practical change worth considering.

"I guess we could extend the helmet a little bit further down the back of the neck," Gilchrist said.

"We've always thought it is maybe the temple, the cheekbones, the skull itself that we needed to protect -- and that still remains -- but now we are going to look at any ways of curtailing blows to the neck."

As well as tributes to Hughes, there has also been widespread sympathy within cricket for Abbott.

"It's going to be something that haunts him every day for the rest of his life," said former England fast bowler Bob Willis.

"It's not something that you can put out of your mind," added Willis, who felled helmet-less Pakistan tailender Iqbal Qasim with a bouncer in a Test at Edgbaston in 1978 in an incident that did not prove fatal.

"It's a burden that he [Abbott] is going to have to bear," the ex-England captain concluded.

Hughes' funeral will take place on Wednesday in his hometown of Macksville in northern New South Wales, with the first Test between Australia and India in Brisbane, due to start Thursday, postponed. No new start date for the Australia-India series opener has yet been announced.

Allan Donald: Bouncers shouldn't be banned

Donald also hoped that horrific won't force the authorities to outlaw the bouncer © kareem

South African pace legend, Allan Donald, has called on cricket bosses not to consider banning bouncers, as they revisit safety in the sport in the wake of the tragic death of Australian cricketer, Phillip Hughes.

Donald, who is now the Proteas bowling coach, told the The Star that the incident was 'freakish' and should not lead to cricket authorities taking drastic action.

"I hope it doesn't take this horrific incident to make the sport's bosses think that the only way to make the sport safe is to outlaw the bouncer," Donald said.

"It would make for no contest, if bouncers were ruled out of the game."

Hughes died in the hospital two days after being struck by a bouncer delivered by Sean Abbott in a Sheffield Shield match in Australia.

"As a fast bowler, you use your bouncer to intimidate, to send a message to the batsman, to make him think twice and to test various skills," Donald added.

"I understand that many people outside of cricket will look at this and questions about safety will be asked, but we must not overreact."

Donald himself has been at both ends of bouncers during his time at the crease.

In 2001, he was hit by two bouncers from Andre Nel in a match in Benoni which put him in hospital for a weekend. However, he recovered to become one of South Africa's best fast bowlers ever. During the 1996 World Cup, Donald bowled a bouncer that struck United Arab Emirates captain, Sultan Zarawani, on his head, while he had no helmet on.

"When I struck him, I thought I had killed him. [The ball] made just the most horrible thud when it hit him," Donald said. "I was just so shocked by his response -- he just put his floppy [hat] back on and continued batting."

Donald also believed that there could not be much more advancement on the protection offered by helmets.

"The helmets they have these days are magnificent, I'm not really sure how they can make them any better," he said.

Michael Clarke pens emotional birthday column for Phil Hughes

Michael Clarke and Phil Hughes shared a lovely camaraderie off the field. © kareem

On what would have been his 26th birthday on Sunday, November 30th, Australia captain Michael Clarke paid a stirring tribute to Phil Hughes, who passed away after suffering a neck injury during a Sheffield Shield match against New South Wales at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), last Tuesday.

In an emotional column in 'Sunday Telegraph' , Clarke recounted his experience of playing with his 'little brother' as he stood at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday night, the place where Hughes had played his last shot. "As I stood in the centre of the SCG on Thursday night, at the spot where my little brother played his last shot, I struggled to comprehend how this tragedy could happen to one of life's true characters and gentlemen," Clarke wrote.

Hughes had a mixed international career for Australia, with more highs than lows, but Clarke chose to shed more light on the personal rather than the professional life of Hughes. "I want to use the occasion of this, his 26th birthday, to shine a bit more light onto Phillip the man he was and the life he led which will help explain the extraordinary outpouring of support from inside, and outside, the world cricket family," Clarke wrote.

Saying that his achievements on the field were secondary, Clarke went on to praise the departed batsman for his unflinching loyalty towards his family and friends. "Loyal to a fault, eternally optimistic, kind-hearted, wicked sense of humour, a child like verve for life I really could go on and on. Sitting with his parents Greg and Virginia, sister Megan and brother Jason over the past few days it struck me that above all, he was a family man," Clarke revealed.

Recounting Hughes' work ethic and honest values, Clarke said the batsman's upbringing was one of the biggest reasons for his admirable qualities. "He was a country boy at heart, with honest values and a work ethic second to none. And it is easy to tell where those qualities come from. His parents are salt of the earth Aussies, who have handled the past several days with a dignity and grace I could only admire," Clarke wrote.

The Australian skipper remembered Hughes as an uncomplicated teenager when he first met him. Hughes came down to Sydney from Macksville to play for Western Suburbs, the club that Clarke also played for. "I met him as a boy of 17, when he came down to Sydney from Macksville to play for my club Western Suburbs. I was drawn to him instantly, falling for his cheeky grin and love of life Phillip truly was uncomplicated what you saw was what you got," Clarke recalled.

Clarke said on one of Hughes' biggest qualities was the never complaining nature - not even when he was left out of the Australian team. "Whenever Hughesy suffered adversity if he was replaced in the team or if he wasn't scoring as many runs as he wanted he never dropped his head, never once complained," Clarke said.

"If he had a tough conversation with a selector he would nod, agree he needed to work harder, grin because he felt bad for the person delivering the message and then get on with it. You knew deep down he was shattered because playing cricket for his country meant everything to him," he added.

Hughes had an unorthodox batting style but it was also one that gave him plenty of runs. At 25, he had already made 26 first class tons and Clarke was doubly sure that he was well on his way towards the 27th on that ill-fated day. "He may not have had textbook technique show me someone who does but what this man could do is score runs for fun.

"At only 25 years of age he had 26 centuries to his name in first class cricket, and I have no doubt he would have made it 27 last Tuesday. What an amazing talent," Clarke wrote.

The Australian skipper also shared some personal traits of Hughes - a fun loving person but at the same time, could make others around him laugh as well. "I remember the last time we batted together: We would meet in the middle of the pitch and I would be asking him whether the ball was moving in the air or off the deck.

"All he could do was talk about his cattle. What that man didn't know about cows wasn't worth knowing. He was a world champion at expressing the smallest facts about Black Angus in particular."

Clarke completed his column with a military poem which he heard from a mate, who referred it to Phil a few days ago, which, he said, perfectly summed up the situation. "One crowded hour of glorious life is worth an age without a name."

"I don't have a blood brother, but I am very proud to have called Phillip my brother. I am a better man for having known him. Vale Hugh Dog. I will miss you forever, but I will not forget. Happy birthday bro," Clarke concluded.

India-Australia first Test postponed; Phil Hughes funeral on Wednesday

Cricket Australia have confirmed that the first Test between Australia and India scheduled to take place at The Gabba, Brisbane on December 4 has been postponed. Other details surrounding the Test are yet to be determined with priority being given to Philip Hughes' funeral which is set to take place on December 3.

The funeral is set to take place in Hughes' home town of Macksville on Wednesday. Cricket Australia have been in touch with the Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) and the Indian Test team, who have been supportive of the move given the nature of the circumstances.

"These are extraordinary circumstances and we simply couldn't or wouldn't expect our players to be emotionally ready," said James Sutherland, CEO of Cricket Australia.

"Their welfare is our absolute priority. They are grieving and to expect that they could play a high-pressured, five-day Test match the following day is out of the question.

"We appreciate the incredible understanding and support of the Board of Control for Cricket in India. It has been nothing short of outstanding during these difficult times," said Sutherland in a statement released by Cricket Australia.

The rescheduled dates and other logistics have yet to be worked upon by Cricket Australia.

"We just ask the cricket community for some patience as we work through a range of scenarios in full consultation with the players, the Indian Board, the ICC and our broadcasters," added Sutherland, "We know that there are many people who have purchased tickets to the Test match who will be wondering what happens next? Once the situation has been resolved, we will advise them as a priority. Fans should simply hold onto their tickets until further notice."

Phil Hughes family wants Australia-India Test to go ahead

Phil Hughes with father Greg on his Test debut 

Phillip Hughes' family would like next week's first Test match between India and Australia to go ahead, according to South Australian Cricket Association (SACA) chief executive Keith Bradshaw.

Speaking at a press conference in Adelaide, Bradshaw said that the Hughes family had expressed their wishes for the Test match to be played, though he felt that it was ultimately a matter for the players playing the Test to decide.

"In regard to the Test match, (I can) only (speak) in terms of what I've heard, which is that the Hughes family are keen for that to go ahead," he said. "Obviously that's going to be a question for the players and we must be mindful for the players and respect the players' feelings at this time as they come to try and deal with this tragic loss."

The current round of the Sheffield Shield games have been called off as a mark of respect. The SACA have also made the decision that no South Australian grade cricket will be played this weekend. "There is just so much emotion and distress here at the moment, so grade cricket will not be going ahead this weekend," he added. "Cricket, everything else is just secondary at the moment to caring for our players, the family, and all those people that have been involved." Bradshaw said.

Bradshaw also added that their (SACA) attention would now turn to the welfare of Hughes' former team-mates as well as his family. "Our attention now turns, of course, to the care and the love of Phillip's family, but also to our staff, to the players here in South Australia and around the country, the Australian cricket team and of course the New South Wales team." he said.

Bradshaw signed off with a glowing tribute to Hughes. "Phillip was loved by us all. He was a remarkable talent and he was a remarkable person. Last night, through the tears and through the emotion, there were many stories that emerged of Phillip's feats on the field, and those stand for themselves and have been reported.

"There are also many stories about his love for cricket, and I would like to mention his remarkable performance too, off the field; in the short time that he was with us here in South Australia, he attended hundreds of clinics where he coached many of our children.

"He loved doing that, he had a real passion for that, and I have to say that the children loved him too. They looked up to him, and he was their hero, and he will live on in their minds, as he will in ours, forever," he concluded.

India vs Australia 1st Test in doubt as players grieve

A portrait of Australian cricketer Phillip Hughes 

Updated graphic shows Phillip Hughes' fatal injury 

Australia's shattered top players gathered at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to comfort each other and consider how to move forward after the death of Phillip Hughes. The first Test between India and Australia is scheduled to take place at the Gabba next week but there are growing concerns if the game will take place amidst the tragic circumstances. However, no decision has been made yet.

The cricket world was plunged into mourning when the talented left-hander died on Thursday after being knocked unconscious by a ball in a domestic Sheffield Shield game in Sydney this week, sparking an outpouring of sympathy and support. The entire Test team was summoned to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) and emotions were raw.

"I suppose the starting point is they are grieving, and they've lost someone that is incredibly close to them," Cricket Australia (CA) chief executive James Sutherland told a media conference.

"I think there is enough that we understand about grieving processes to know that it's really important to give people time, and people will respond in different ways to what they're going through.

"Six or seven days is not a long time, but right now with where we all are, it seems like a million miles away," he added, referring to the opening Test in Brisbane which is due to start next Thursday.

There are growing fears that the game will be called off with the players in no fit state. It remains unclear when Hughes' funeral will take place. Four of those named in the Test squad -- David Warner, Brad Haddin, Shane Watson and Nathan Lyon -- were on the field when Hughes collapsed after being hit at the base of the skull by a Sean Abbott delivery.

Captain Michael Clarke was a close friend of the stylish left-hander and was at his bedside almost continuously, supporting the player's family.

"I know everyone wants to know about cricket and when it goes on and what's happening," said Sutherland. "We all love cricket and no one loved cricket more than Phillip. Cricket will go on and it will go on when we're ready."

India's tour game against a Cricket Australia XI due to start in Adelaide on Friday has already been cancelled.

Australian high performance manager Pat Howard said health professionals including team doctor Peter Brukner and John Orchard, who kept Hughes alive before ambulances arrived on Tuesday, were with the players to help them cope.

"What we're focused on is today, we've brought the whole team in, the Australian Test team are here, and today is about grieving, about dealing with the questions," he said.

"I think in regards to anything that we do, we need to make sure the players are in a position where they can make strong choices and that's not now, it's not this time."

Doctors said Hughes died after his vertebral artery split when hit by the ball, leading to massive bleeding into his brain. It was a freak injury with only 100 cases ever reported and only one known incident as a result of a cricket ball.

phillip Hughes's Profile

Phillip Hughes Australia • 25 years old

Phillip Joel Hughes Born on November 30, 1988 at Macksville, New South Wales Left Handed Batsman Teams played for Australia, Australia A, Middlesex, New South Wales, Cricket Australia Chairmans XI, Sydney Thunder, Worcestershire, South Australia, Adelaide Strikers, Mumbai, Australians Phillip Hughes has had some tremendous highs and despairing lows in a short span of time. It came at a very young age too. He was drafted into the Test team for the tour of South Africa after Hayden's... Full profile

Batting stats   M Inn Runs HS Avg SR NO 100 50 4s 6s Tests 26 49 1535 160 32.66 53.56 2 3 7 199 11 ODI 25 24 826 138 35.91 75.09 1 2 4 91 5 T20I 1 1 6 6 6 75 0 0 0 1 0 CL 6 6 202 83 40.4 108.02 1 0 2 22 3 Bowling stats   M Inn B Runs Wkts BBI BBM Econ Avg SR 5W 10W Tests 26 0 0 0 0 - / - - / - 0 0 0 0 0 ODI 25 0 0 0 0 - / - - / - 0 0 0 0 0 T20I 1 0 0 0 0 - / - - / - 0 0 0 0 0 CL 6 0 0 0 0 - / - - / - 0 0 0 0 0

ICC Rankings

Batting Current Rank Career Best TEST 71  (6 down) 30 ODI 61  (7 down) 42	Bowling Current Rank Career Best TEST --           - ODI --           -
-- indicates player not in top 100Rank changes shown are of the last 30 days

Career

TEST	v South Africa, Feb 26, 2009, The Wanderers Stadium    Scorecard
Last	v England, 2013-07-18, Lord's    Scorecard
ODI	v Sri Lanka, Jan 11, 2013, Melbourne Cricket Ground    Scorecard
Last	v Pakistan, 2014-10-12, Sheikh Zayed Stadium    Scorecard
T20I	v Pakistan, Oct 05, 2014, Dubai International Cricket Stadium    Scorecard
Last	v Pakistan, 2014-10-05, Dubai International Cricket Stadium    Scorecard
CL	v Eagles, Oct 09, 2009, Feroz Shah Kotla    Scorecard
Last	v Trinidad and Tobago, 2009-10-23, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium    Scorecard

Profile

Phillip Hughes has had some tremendous highs and despairing lows in a short span of time. It came at a very young age too. He was drafted into the Test team for the tour of South Africa after Hayden's retirement. He was all of twenty when he made a nervous duck in his debut against South Africa in 2009 at Johannesburg. He got over his initial fears soon and made 75 in the second innings. This was followed by a century in each innings in the next game at Durban and Hughes shot into fame overnight. He had become the youngest player ever to achieve this feat. 

These performances earned him a spot in the 2009 tour of England for the Ashes. He failed to live up to the expectations in the first two games and was informed that he would be dropped for the next Test. His lack of maturity came to the fore when he went public of his axing on Twitter even before an official announcement was made. This earned him some scathing criticism from the media but he took it in his stride and moved forward. 

Shane Watson and Simon Katich formed a formidable opening pair for Australia but Hughes remained as the first choice replacement for either. In one such game as a replacement for the injured Watson, against New Zealand in 2010, he smashed 86 of just 75 balls to help Australia chase down a total of 105. He was recalled once more into the squad for the fifth Ashes Test in 2011 when Katich was injured. He failed to make a substantial contribution then but is still highest in the pecking order after the axing of Simon Katich. He was given a good run that year but could make only one fifty and soon found himself out of the side. He was then recalled a year later and did fairly well at home against Sri Lanka. The selectors gave him a good run in the tour to India but he failed in all four Test matches. He also played the first two Test matches of the 2013 Ashes series but was axed out of the side since then. 

The left-hander began his ODI career with a bang smashing the Sri Lankan bowlers at Melbourne enroute to a fine hundred. Though he managed to get only single digit scores in the next three games, he registered his highest ODI score in the final game of the series. This meant that he cemented his place for the upcoming ODIs against West Indies and he did fairly well across 5 games. He travelled with the side for the Champions Trophy and also to India for a 7-match series but wasn't consistent enough to hold on to his place. 

In the Big Bash League, Hughes represented the Sydney Thunder and Adelaide Strikers. 

In a cruel twist of fate, Hughes suffered a sickening blow on his head after being struck by a Sean Abbott bouncer in a Sheffield Shield game. He was taken to the hospital after collapsing face-first. Hughes had to undergo an emergency surgery before being placed in an induced coma. However, he failed to regain consciousness and passed away on November 27 2014, aged 25. 

Tillakaratne Dilshan, Thisara Perera fined for code of conduct breach

Tillakaratne Dilshan was fined 25% of his match fee for excessive appealing. 

Sri Lanka players Tillakaratne Dilshan and Thisara Perera have been fined 25% and 20% of their match fee respectively as the duo was found guilty of Level 1 breach of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first One-Day International against England in Colombo on Wednesday.

Both players admitted the charges and accepted the sanctions imposed by David Boon of the Emirates International Panel of ICC Match Referees without the need to convene a disciplinary hearing.

Dilshan was sanctioned with a reprimand and a fine of 25% of his match fee after admitting to a breach of Article 2.1.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates toExcessive appealing during an International match.

In turn, Perera was sanctioned with a reprimand and a fine of 20% of his match fee after admitting to a breach of Article 2.1.8 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to Where the facts of the alleged incident are not adequately or clearly covered by any of the above offences, conduct that either : (a) is contrary to the spirit of the game; or (b) brings the game into disrepute.

The charges were leveled by on-field umpires Simon Fry and Ruchira Palliyaguruge, third umpire Steve Davis and fourth umpire Raveendra Wimalasiri, all from the Emirates International Panel of ICC Umpires.

All Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand and a maximum penalty of 50 per cent of a players match fee.

Phil Hughes' untimely death: Cricket Australia Media Release

James Sutherland, Cricket Australia CEO, speaks to the media at St Vincent's Hospital.

Cricket Australia Chief Executive Officer James Sutherland has expressed the game's devastation at the passing of Phillip Hughes today aged 25.

"The word tragedy gets used far too often in sport but this freak accident is now a real-life tragedy. Just shy of his 26th birthday, Phillip has been taken from us far too young," Sutherland said.

"It's an understatement to say that we are completely devastated. Our grief runs deep and the impact of Phillip's loss is enormous but nothing compares to the loss felt by those closest to him. Phillip was a cherished son, brother, friend and team mate. In these darkest of hours cricket puts its collective arms around the Hughes family. To his parents Virginia and Greg and siblings Megan and Jason we offer our love and endless support."

"As a cricketer, Phillip was an incredibly talented and dearly loved member of the Australian, South Australian and Adelaide Strikers squads and a former NSW representative. He also played county cricket in England and IPL in India. Without doubt he was a rising star whose best cricket was still ahead of him.

"Hughesy, Huey or Hue-Dog as he was known to many of his mates was much-loved. You only have to sift through the thousands of messages of support, prayers and well wishes for Phillip from cricketers and supporters the world over to understand the affection felt towards him.

"He will forever be remembered as one of the elite few to have worn the Baggy Green cap cap 408 to be precise. He was a hero to kids around the nation, particularly those in the region around his home town of Macksville in New South Wales that he did so proud in his 26 Test matches a tally that looked certain to grow, but now sadly never will.

"The National Selectors had certainly identified him as having a long-term future in the game. It was only a few days ago when announcing the first Test team for the forthcoming Indian series that National Selector Rod Marsh said, He's a helluva good batsman. He is a very, very good young player who has got 26 first-class hundreds.'

"We all vividly remember his explosive entrance to Test cricket. In 2009, in only his second Test and at the tender age of 20, Phillip blasted back-to-back centuries against South Africa and only last year showed his class again when he became the first Australian batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a century on debut.

"But it was Phillip as a person that we will miss most. He was a classic example of his country upbringing humble, understated and hard working. When the chips were down or he had a setback he simply got on with the job and worked harder. He set a wonderful example to any young person seeking to make their way in life.

"I'd like to take this opportunity to send our deepest sympathies to Phillip's teammates at a national, state and grade level as well as the wider New South Wales and South Australian cricket communities.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the Phillip's teammates and opponents, the Australian cricket's medical staff and those at St Vincent's hospital in Sydney for the care they showed him. And as I said earlier our hearts go out to the Hughes family right now. Phillip Joel Hughes played 26 Test matches for his country. He will be sadly missed and forever remembered."

Phillip Joel Hughes

Born: November 30, 1988 Macksville (NSW)

Left hand opening batsman

Mat Inns NO Runs Ave HS SR 50 100 Cts

Tests 26 49 2 1535 32.66 160 53.55 7 3 15

ODIs 25 24 1 826 35.91 138* 75.09 4 2 5

T20Is 1 1 - 6 6.00 6 75.00 - - -

First-class 114 209 15 9023 46.51 243* 57.11 46 26 72

List A 91 89 12 3639 47.25 202* 77.90 23 8 30

Twenty20 34 34 8 1110 42.69 87* 117.21 10 - 16

Career achievements

Receives Baggy Green cap 408 to make his Test debut against South Africa in 2009 aged 20

In his second Test, becomes the youngest cricketer to score back-to-back centuries (115 and 160) in one Test (v South Africa in Durban, 2009)

Becomes the first Australian batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score a century on debut (112 v Sri Lanka, MCG on 11 January 2013)

2009 Bradman Young Cricketer of the Year

2013 Australian Domestic Player of the Year

The first Australian batsman to score a double hundred in List A games.

Suresh Raina: Top 5 knocks

Let's face it. Every team would want a Suresh Raina. Besides being an explosive batsman (in the limited overs format), a brilliant fielder and a capable part-time bowler, Raina remains a total team man. He is often spotted running to the bowler or to the square-leg fielder, from his position at cover, to offer words of encouragement or to give his teammate a pat on the back. His infectious energy on the field is capable of lifting the morale of the entire team. On his 28th birthday, we take a look at five of Raina's best innings.

100(106) v England, Sofia Gardens, Cardiff 2014

Suresh Raina's century at Cardiff boosted the Indian team's deflated body language 

Sunil Gavaskar called it one of the best One-Day International Innings by an Indian batsman outside the sub-continent. The impact of the innings went beyond the context of the match. India had endured a miserable time in the preceding Test series against England and the team was mentally down at the beginning of the ODI series. And, at 129 for 4 in the 30th over, things hadn't begun particularly well in the new format either. Raina counter-attacked. His boundary laden innings took India past 300. Riding on the innings, India went on to win the match and subsequently, the series.

78(136) v England, Lord's, London 2011

Suresh Raina's off-side play in the second innings of the Lord's Test deserved much praise.

Raina's Test career hasn't exactly taken off despite a century on debut at the Singhalese Sports Club in Colombo because of technical frailties against the swinging red ball. However, his innings in the second innings of the Lord's Test match in 2011 promised much. With wickets falling around him, Raina produced a defiant 78. His assured off-side play during the innings drew much praise. Should Raina get a chance in the Australia Tests, the memory of having played this innings in bowler-friendly conditions should give him a lot of confidence.

101(60) v South Africa, Beausejour Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia 2010

Suresh Raina smashed a 59-ball century as India defeated South Africa in the T20 WC 

Raina lit up the 2010 T20 WC with an explosive innings against a South African attack comprising Dale Steyn, the Morkel brothers, Rory Kleinveldt and Jacques Kallis. Raina walked in at No. 3 in the very first over and by the time he was dismissed in the 20th over, he had scored more than half of India's total of 186. His innings of 101 contained 9 fours and 5 sixes, his second fifty coming in just 17 deliveries. South Africa got close, but Raina's innings proved to be the difference. Raina is a member of an elite list of cricketers to have scored an international century in all three formats.

87(25) v Kings XI Punjab, Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, 2014

Raina scored the second fastest fifty in IPL history as CSK almost pulled off an improbable win 

Only a run-out could eventually stop Suresh Raina on a warm Mumbai evening. Chasing 227 against Kings XI Punjab, for a place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) final, Raina sent more than a passing shover down the opposition. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) got exactly 100 runs in six powerplay overs. 87 off those were scored by Raina. To put the innings in perspective, the previous highest team score at the end of the powerplay was 86! When a hesitation in taking a single ended his innings, the target was reduced to a very gettable 126 off 14 overs which the Chennai middle order somehow managed to botch. Nevertheless, the innings from IPL's top run-getter ranks among the very best.

109(62) v Kolkata Knight Riders, Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore, 2014

Suresh Raina completed his third T20 century as CSK walked to their second Champions League title with an over and a half to spare 

Suresh Raina has always been the go-to man for Chennai Super Kings. He holds the distinction of having not missed even a single game for the IPL franchise. On this night in Bangalore, Raina made light of a target of 181 to take CSK to their second CLT20 title. Again, walking in at the fall of an early wicket, Raina exemplified nimble footwoork as he continuously stepped out to the spinners and hit straight over their heads. Team-mate Brendon McCullum termed this Raina innings, 'World Class'.