No new blood in USA squad

The chairman of the United States Cricket Association selection committee, Akthar "Chik" Masood Syed, does not anticipate any changes to the national squad for their ICC Champions' Trophy campaign in September in England - even though his captain, Richard Staple, has called for an infusion of youth in the pace-bowling department.

"I don't see any changes at this time," said Masood. "The selectors put together the best possible team. We look at players because of their ability not their age ... I don't believe in a young player replacing a senior, experienced player simply because he is young. I personally don't believe in changing a team if you are winning."

Masood added that an injection of younger talent had taken place during the ICC Six Nations campaign last month. "It is important to realise we replaced five members of the team that won the Americas Cup with players aged under 27."

Meanwhile, Masood and Staple both clarified the reasons for Amer Afzaluddin's exclusion from the starting line-up in Sharjah. "Amer did not get the chance to play because both of the openers performed very well in every match," said Masood. "I believe if Amer was an allrounder he might have played in place of Jignesh Desai or Ajaz Ali."

Staple added that the pre-tournament injury to their first-choice wicketkeeper, Wasim Khan, was an additional factor. "Amer was originally slated to open," he said, "but when Wasim withdrew a place had to be found for Mark Johnson, who opens."