Friday, 23 January 2009

IPL PLAYERS' TRANSFERS

Warner, McDonald and Nehra strengthen IPL Delhi Daredevils

New Delhi, January 23: Australia's latest sensation, David Warner, and another upcoming Australian star Andrew MacDonald have been signed up by Delhi Daredevils, it was officially announced at the end of the Trading Window, which closed on January 22.

Daredevils signed up McDonald and Warner as uncapped players, but soon after that both made their international debuts. McDonald featured in Australia's Test match victory at the SCG at the start of this month, whilst Warner made a sensational Twenty20 International debut against South Africa at the MCG last week.

Warner, 22, has since also made his one-day debut. In his T20 debut, he smashed 89 off 43 balls, in a stunning assault against the South African bowling attack. This included six sixes and seven fours.

Warner's debut has caused a sensation in Australia, and the experience is likely to stand him in good stead when he comes to India later in the year to play in the Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League.

Commenting on his upcoming debut for the Delhi Daredevils in the DLF IPL, David Warner said: "I am thrilled to be joining the Delhi Daredevils, and I can't wait to play in the IPL. My international debut has given me a taste of what it is like to score runs in front of a big crowd, and I am looking forward to more of the same in India. Playing alongside top players from all over the world like Virender Sehwag, Glen McGrath and Daniel Vettori is going to be an amazing experience."

A right-hand batsman and right-arm medium fast bowler, McDonald made his Test debut for Australia in the first week of January against South Africa. The 27-year-old player scored 15 in his only innings but took three wickets in the match as Australia won the Test.

Daredevils also got India international Ashish Nehra during the Trading Window. Nehra, who had a successful first season in IPL while playing for Mumbai, came in for Shikhar Dhawan, who moved to Mumbai Indians.

Amrit Mathur, Chief Operating Officer of the Delhi Daredevils, was excited about his new additions. "We are really delighted to have signed David . His debut game for Australia the other day has been sensational and we are hoping he will carry forward this brilliance into season 2 of the DLF IPL. We are also looking forward to having Andrew (McDonald) and Ashish (Nehra) and they will strengthen our side," he said.

The closure of the one-month long trading window on Thursday saw a total of seven players being traded. In addition to the trades, four temporary replacements from the inaugural season were re-signed by their respective franchises and three of cricket's top up-and-coming young players are now set to make their debut in the Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League.

The IPL revealed that in all there were 82 enquiries made for 54 players, with 36 enquiries coming in for the Indian players and 18 for the overseas cricketers who played the inaugural season. In all 17 players were subject to enquiries from more than one franchisee and seven players were traded.

Lalit Modi, Chairman and Commissioner, DLF Indian Premier League commented: "I know that all the Franchises are putting in a lot of work to ensure that their playing squads are even better than last season. The second player's auction at Goa on February 6 will be an opportunity to sign some experienced internationals to complete their playing squads. Following the Goa auction I believe that we will have most of the world's top cricketers registered to play in the DLF IPL."

"I am particularly pleased to see franchises investing in the Gen-Next of World Cricket with the addition of many top young players. One of the most exciting aspects of last season was seeing some of the young players really develop and enhance their reputations – players like Yusuf Pathan, Shaun Marsh and Shikhar Dhawan. I am sure that the likes of David Warner and Ryan Harris will relish the opportunity to play in the IPL, and our crowds will love watching these young guns play some exciting cricket."

The 2009 player auction will take place in Goa on February 6, where Franchises will have the opportunity to purchase current international players to fill the remaining slots for overseas players in their squad. The Season II of the DLF Indian Premier League is set to kick off on April 10, with the final to be played on May 29, 2009.

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