World Cup Cocktail

Shane Watson says he has nobody to blame but himself for the poor run that resulted in his dumping from Australia's one-day team for the first time in seven years.

Watson accepts he has had "plenty of opportunities" and knows his World Cup fate is now out of his control, but is confident he can make an impact if given another chance.

"We'll see how it goes. I know I haven't scored enough runs," Watson said on Thursday. "But in the end all I can do is do everything I can to make sure I'm ready to go if any opportunity arises. I know I haven't scored enough runs, so I've only got myself to blame."

Kohli reprimanded

In the wake of the recent controversy involving India team vice-captain Virat Kohli, who had hurled abuses at a journalist ahead of his team's fourth Pool B game against West Indies on Tuesday, the BCCI have released a statement stating that Kohli should refrain from such behaviour in future and asked the concerned parties to move on.

"The player in question has been told to maintain the dignity of the Indian team at all times, and avoid any such behaviour in the future. The BCCI would like to request the concerned parties to move on, and focus on the Indian cricket team's campaign in the ongoing ICC CWC 2015," stated the BCCI release.

'Everyone ready to fire'

Senior New Zealand bowler Tim Southee is adamant the four players not required so far in the World Cup will be ready to contribute if, and when, required.

New Zealand have stuck with the same XI for their four group A games at the cup so far, and are unbeaten and top of group A, and there is a chance that selection policy might continue through as long as they remain in the cup.

It's been tough for seamers Kyle Mills and Mitchell McClenaghan, off spinner Nathan McCullum and backup batsman Tom Latham but Southee had high praise for the way in which they've handled the situation.

"They've been brilliant," Southee said today.

"They're training the house down, bowling exceptionally well in the nets and offering a lot as the 'dirties'. Their heads are still up and they're wanting what's best for the team."

Viv releases 'Smokin Joe' song

Cricket great Viv Richards has released a single with the drummer of Australian band INXS Jon Farriss, with "Smokin' Joe" featuring his deep tones that have been likened to Barry White.

Farriss met the West Indian, considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time, at a party in 2012 and said he instantly recognised his love of music.

"Viv was such a charismatic and affable guy," he said in a statement Thursday.

"We hit it off straight away and it wasn't hard to recognise his love of music.

"Given these parallels and my desire to hear him on a track, I approached him to see if he was interested in doing something musically and thankfully he said yes."

The tune was "a fun soul-infused song" which British television personality and cricket fan Piers Morgan tweeted reminded him of Grammy-winning American singer White.

Lehmann, a caring father

Australia coach Darren Lehmann made a journey of more than 3,000 kilometres to present his son, Jake, with his South Australia first-class cap.

The morning after Australia had thrashed Afghanistan by 275 runs in the World Cup in Perth, Lehmann made the long journey to Adelaide.

"It was a very memorable moment," former Australia batsman Lehmann told cricket.com.au.

"He's done all the hard work and he deserves the opportunity so now it's up to him to do the rest," added Lehmann of his 22-year-old son.

"I'm very proud and excited for him. He's got a career ahead and now it's up to him to make the most of it."   --Compiled