Hansra to lead Canada in 2015 World Cup Qualifier

Jimmy Hansra has been appointed captain of the Canada team for the 2015 World Cup Qualifier, which begins on January 13, 2014 in New Zealand. Hansra will succeed Ashish Bagai as the Canada captain after the latter announced his retirement last week.

Hansra had earlier succeeded Bagai as captain after the 2011 World Cup, but stepped down in February 2012, stating that he wanted to focus on his batting. Hansra had captained Canada in a few ICC Intercontinental Cup matches earlier this year.

"There is no doubt that our performances have been below par for the last couple years, but as professionals we must take that challenge and believe that things can be changed around for good," Hansra said. "You are only as good as your next performance and I am confident that this group is hungry and ready for New Zealand. I urge everyone to put all the differences aside and together as a nation, together as a team, go out there to fight for our respect and future."

Canada will be looking to qualify for their fifth World Cup but will have to overcome a poor run of form in recent matches. They finished last in the World Cricket League Championships, winning just one of 14 games. In the recent World Twenty20 Qualifier in the UAE, the side finished 12th out of 16 teams, after winning only two group games.

Hansra has played 22 ODIs for Canada, scoring 419 runs at an average of 26.18. In eight T20Is, Hansra has scored 82 runs at 13.66.