tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21868393235261290582024-03-12T18:02:18.580-07:00Smell the leather - Passion and CricketNKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-62307281404301297812008-02-20T03:21:00.000-08:002008-02-20T03:40:52.596-08:00IPL - Retired players dont command a premiumThe IPL has easily surpassed all the predictions and it has made the ICL look like a small event. Never has India seen such a frenzy and display of power and money. It is fitting that Cricket is the medium for this frenzy in a country that treats its international cricketers like demi-gods.<br /><br />One has to thank Zee for starting ICL, otherwise BCCI would not have moved its rear and utilised the abundance of creative energy that it has in its ranks. And thanks to that initiative, India is just become a Super Duper Cricketing power in the cricketing world.<br /><br />With the biddings having taken place today, and Dhoni bagging the title of the most expensive cricketer at 6 crore rupees for the Chennai team, and with Symonds following closely at 5.4 crore (5.3 / 5.4 crore according to some news channels), it is clear that the team management is looking for players who have current form and who are on active duty for their respective boards.<br /><br />No wonder then, that a great player like Warne has not been sold for a premium and someone like McGrath hasn't even found a taker. It is nothing less than a dent in their iconic reputation in their home country. But thats how the cookie crumbles. The management is into ICL purely for the money. They are not willing to compromise on the ability of the selected players to help the respective team owners in terms of marketing while serving as an asset to their onfield competition.<br /><br />Some greats of the game, I suspect, will have to bear the shock of being omitted and others will have to be satisfied with the money which could be a lot lesser than what they would have fancied themselves worth.<br /><br />The formula is clear, in my opinion, they are looking at<br />IPL Team =<br />Current Performance + Potential Performance + Marketeability - Length of Break from Cricket<br /><br />If observed closely, everyone has bid for cricketers who are currently playing or have retired only in the last 30 - 60 days.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-48498994553269791032008-02-18T02:22:00.000-08:002008-02-18T02:42:46.649-08:00The CB series is just about to get hotter.This series has thrown up some really interesting facts. Australia have by far been the best side and they have 3 bonus points from 3 matches to show for their efforts. India and Sri Lanka have a lot of catching up to do. The only difference between the 3 sides has been the inability of Sri Lanka and India to chase town pretty meagre totals that Australia had set against them.<br /><br />By saying that Australia has been the best, I, in no way imply that they were unbeatable, in fact their batting standards have been pretty ordinary when compared to the same line up less than a year ago. With scores of 51/3 (v IND in the rain affected match), 253/6 (v SL), 159 all out (v IND), 236 all out (v SL) and 203/9 (v IND), there are clear signs that the Aussie batters are a pale shadow of their usual self. Only Gilly and Pup have been able to get some decent scores in the series. Infact they have been up against some good bowling by both the teams that has made it hard for them. What has helped them immensly is the outstanding contribution that their Bowlers have provided and some poor batting by both the visiting teams.<br /><br />Having said that, I foresee an even more closely contested second half of this round robin phase. For India, Gambhir & Dhoni are doing well, Rohit Sharma has been fluent in patches and Sachin is due for a big one. And by the look of it, I think Yuvraj seems to be emerging from his stretched form slump (although the 26 v Aus was not highly convincing). Its time for Veeru to join the party and I then reckon that India will be a serious contender for a spot in the 3 match finals.<br /><br />All the best.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-67016192940652501232008-02-08T09:17:00.000-08:002008-02-08T09:24:22.045-08:00India's biggest threatThe biggest threat that the Indian team faces is in the form of 2 Aussie pacers. One is Brett Lee, who seems to be bowling in an area with walls on both the sides of the length of the pitch. Such has been his accuracy in terms of the line and length.<br /><br />The other one, without doubt is Nathan Bracken. I fear Bracken more than Lee purely because of his guile and undetectable change of pace. While Uthappa handled him well in the T20 World Cup,that is the past, our Indian batters will have to watch out very carefully in the current series.<br /><br />With Lee and Bracken, both getting a fiffer in the first 2 matches for Australia in this tourny, I a sure both Lanka and India have to develop a strategy to counter them successfully.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-65824693729640497882008-02-05T06:45:00.000-08:002008-02-05T06:57:10.419-08:00Improvement : Slow but steadyFirst 74 all out, then 194 all out and now 267/4. The performance has been steadily improving and that augurs well with the competition going into the 2nd round of the triangle. Its a pity that India has had 2 consecutive games washed out and that might just hurt them in the final tally if the points go down to the wire. Lets hope that India wins enough ( preferably all ) to make it through to the CB finals.<br /><br />Coming to the 2nd ODI, India started well with Sachin and Sehwag seemingly having little trouble negotiating the Lankan pacers. It all started with Sachin dragging one on to his stumps and Sehwag perishing in a pretty lame fashion. This was probably the best period for Mahela to apply pressure and he did so by bringing in Murali. Sharma, Yuvraj and Gambhir were bound to have trouble negotiating the off-spinner. Especially with Sharma facing him for the first time, Yuvraj coming back amidst a form slump and Gambhir also being relatively new to the Lankan attack although he had scored a century against them before.<br /><br />And the move paid out, with Murali getting Yuvraj and Sharma in his first over, although Sharma was unlucky to have been given out caught behind to a delivery he did not edge. Gambhir also had a lot of trouble against him initially.<br /><br />But what shone through in the second half of the Indian batting was their utter dominance over the Lankan attack, including Murali. Vaas was unusaully expensive and off the boil. Dhoni found his way to some big runs and Gambhir just carried on from where he left off against Australia. They both milked the bowling till the 40th over and then launched a controlled attack by scoring 105 runs in tha last 10 overs.<br /><br />All in all, a very satisfactory fight back and hope to see Yuvraj and Sharma getting a few good scores in the coming matches.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-41913754013941850942008-02-04T04:11:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:48:40.788-08:00Egg ...... but on whose face??<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWbDnsLU-X3SLrSbVNpqlAmDfixBR5YoptMRqziQTKi1_NMVbctViFuzXTI9iuWqL1RDcG-9_ixrS9HvxfyuspBO3UoXCOgCJl1cC_80ML_seynFw0gYhSNhr8k3o-iNcropusemUwDg/s1600-h/egg.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5163101867586167538" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWbDnsLU-X3SLrSbVNpqlAmDfixBR5YoptMRqziQTKi1_NMVbctViFuzXTI9iuWqL1RDcG-9_ixrS9HvxfyuspBO3UoXCOgCJl1cC_80ML_seynFw0gYhSNhr8k3o-iNcropusemUwDg/s200/egg.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>"Meri jaan meri jaan murgi ke ande"...... That seems to be the song that fits best to a selected few Aussie youths. For the uninitiated lot.... its an old song from an Indian (Hindi) movie that had crept into the slang culture of the country. It means " My beloved, My beloved, These are eggs from a hen". Although this may sound very ordinary in English, it was quite a song in Hindi when it came on to the scene.</div><br /><div>Anyway, coming back to Cricket, Murali seems to be quite immune to this kind of a behavior from the Aussie crowd and I must really take a bow for this humble guy from the island nation to have not created such a fuss about it. He did what he had to do, and that was to report the incident. After that, he has just gone about doing his business.</div><br /><div>But this has once again reinforced the belief that the Aussie crowd (a few unwanted people in them) is one of the most hostile among the cricket playing nations. I will not talk about the booing of players as that is a common occurence all over the world, but things like throwing banana skins and eggs is simply unpardonable.</div><br /><div></div><div>At this point, I remember a few instances when some of my fellow country men decided to do something similar when they attacked a player ( who was feilding close to the boundary) with rotten tomatoes and plastic bottles. There have been instances of such degree that prompted the respective authorities to install nets over the seating enclosures in a few Indian stadiums. That has more or less taken care of the on field "Attack"on players.</div><br /><div></div><div>But what does one do when something like that happens off the field and when you least expect it. The aggression of the Australian is well known to the world, but for it to take such forms is a scary thought. Before one knows it, an over jealous cricket fanatic might just attack a player with an intention to cause physical harm.</div><br /><div></div><div>This is certainly not turning out to be a pleasant Australian sporting summer. With controversies galore, it has been a challenge for the authorities to keep track of the on field developments. Cricket has been in the news for all the wrong reasons ever since the Sydney fiasco came to light.</div><br /><div></div><div>I hope to see some absorbing cricket and wish that all the controversy takes a back seat at least for the time being.</div>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-3164573928367613332008-02-01T05:55:00.000-08:002008-02-01T06:06:47.192-08:00Ishant = SrinathVenkatesh Prasad had compared Ishant Sharma to Javagal Srinath when the latter had started off at the International arena. While I might disagree in terms of the bowling action, I do see more than one similarity in their style.<br /><br />1) Both started with their stock delivery being the Inswinger.<br />2) Both have been deceptively quick.<br />3) Both have similar build.<br /><br />But the one that I find the most startling and I wish that it does not continue with Ishant is the luck factor. In my view, I see Srinath as one of unluckiest bowlers in International cricket. Atleast from the time I have been following the sport. The number of catches dropped and LBW decisions not given must have easily robbed Srinath a good 50 wickets each in Test and ODI cricket. He suffered from poor support in the outfield as India really did not possess great fielders except for Jadeja and Azhar during the major part of Srinath's career. And the umpiring standards were below average in those times aswell.<br /><br />I raise this point after seeing Ishant start out in an extremely promising fashion. He deserved a good 3 or 4 wickets in the 2nd Innings at Perth and the 1st innings at Adelaide but was denied the same by some consistent umpiring which favoured the batsmen of both the teams. And with Clarke being dropped off his bowling in his first T-20 over due to a mis-understanding between Bhajji and Irfan denied Ishant another wicket.<br /><br />I do hope he gets luckier with time and hopefully goes on to take more wickets on a regular basis.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-81587521331448924632008-02-01T05:35:00.000-08:002008-02-01T05:54:25.404-08:00Lucky number 7474 all out.<br /><br />I hope this number stays in the memory of the new look Indian cricket team atleast for the duration of the remainder of the tour 'Down Under'.<br /><br />To be honest, although I did not expect the Indian batsmen to perform exceedingly well in this match, a score of 74 has given me a shock. I expected the 'Men in Blue' to score around 120 and I certainly expected them to be bowled out.<br /><br />Now, with 6 players stepping onto the Melbourne pitch for the first time in their life, I expected the Indian's to falter. And in that context,Dhoni did the right thing by calling this a practice match, but in the same breath, I would like to add that the least Dhoni could have done was to bat like Irfan did. I expected him to use his brains to get the runs and not his brawn. His form is now looking a bit of a concern although he seems to be unperturbed by the pressure.<br /><br />Anyways, past is past. Now with Gambhir, Uthappa, Sharma, Kaarthik, Pravin Kumar and Sreesanth getting to know the real deal, I would expect them to adjust a little more carefully and quickly in the 50-50 version of the game.<br /><br />But a fresh challenge has cropped up with Australia playing the likes of Hopes and Bracken. These bowlers have, in the past, used the slower delivery extremely well. And as was witnessed in today's match, it can cause a lot of trouble the Indian batters if they fail to read it out of the bowlers hand. Ian Harvey and Steve Waugh used it successfully in the past and now these bowlers are using is very well. And Bracken goes a step further, he is an extremely capable slog over bowler with amazing accuracy with the yorkers.<br /><br />India better adjust quickly.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cricketnext.com/scorecard/web3/file/auin0102.html">http://www.cricketnext.com/scorecard/web3/file/auin0102.html</a>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-2765232881929866562008-01-30T04:37:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:48:40.861-08:00The Real Villain... The LIAR... "Roy"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2-qH-DxrbsqYTc0CpJy5zGn0v8SdVTEKjsPjdBwkTQN7y6baa2wR-9816GUGQPfch-0PrucB_wzbwdqtEUD1GIGDidNkcWdQX0qulUOty49RUpqNPwsyetYihs1w_TyILs65pAJmyPI/s1600-h/1710symonds_313.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5161252046646616802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx2-qH-DxrbsqYTc0CpJy5zGn0v8SdVTEKjsPjdBwkTQN7y6baa2wR-9816GUGQPfch-0PrucB_wzbwdqtEUD1GIGDidNkcWdQX0qulUOty49RUpqNPwsyetYihs1w_TyILs65pAJmyPI/s200/1710symonds_313.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Well.... slowly the real story is emerging and we now know who the real culprit is. To say the least, I am shocked at the way the "Champion players" have taken a false stand to implicate an individual who can get on people's nerves.</div><div></div><br /><div>With Symonds acting as a victim when he should really be tried as a culprit opens the door to the ugly image of the Australian cricketers. They really have done a big dis-service to the world of Cricket by going the full length in this probe even when highly reputed names like Tendulkar and Kumble urged them to settle the issue outside the court.</div><div></div><br /><div>Ponting and Hayden have once again shown that they are the bad boys of international cricket and Clarke has shown that he is the rock star in making who is being given lessons in being a brat by his more reputed seniors.</div><br /><div></div><div>As for Symonds, I feel sorry for this chap. If he thinks that there no place for friendly banter in Cricket, then I think he is really playing the wrong sport. He should infact be in Aussie rules football. No wonder I have never seen him smile to any opposition player, even after a match. And after this episode, I will not hesitate to brand him a "LIAR" and also would like to point out that he seems to be an insecure individual. Insecure about the colour of his skin and probably thinks that anyone taking a dig at him is probably talking about his skin colour.</div><br /><div></div><div>He has also shown that he likes poking his nose into other people's affairs and that, in my view, is a totally disgusting personal attrubute. Its a pity that the Indian team management has not decided to file a defamation case against the concerned individual as this would certainly teach them a fitting lesson.</div><br /><div></div><div>And as for their anger over Bhajji being handed out a lighter sentence, probably they should realise that "What goes around, comes around". All these years, the Aussie's have been getting away with gross voilations of the "Spirit of the game", and now its their turn to face the music.</div>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-79712320989026518392008-01-29T00:02:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:48:41.019-08:00Monkey Trouble<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85mJ4_0XBM82ZaOfolIik4t0XOPh08yPJhdWmRq9EoKwWahBjeuyyvOO8X8rgLcLS9CdS6iNyCvd1HBY5vO8YWf-GyjLcqLqz_UrKEZUrqyXfXrnVyQ6s4kPP1Irqumzps4BE0a8-MUA/s1600-h/Monkey+Trouble.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5160809278468072146" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85mJ4_0XBM82ZaOfolIik4t0XOPh08yPJhdWmRq9EoKwWahBjeuyyvOO8X8rgLcLS9CdS6iNyCvd1HBY5vO8YWf-GyjLcqLqz_UrKEZUrqyXfXrnVyQ6s4kPP1Irqumzps4BE0a8-MUA/s200/Monkey+Trouble.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Finally the Sydney trail has come to an end. “Hopefully” there wont be any more backlashes to this one and that this issue is dealt and buried. To a person outside the international cricketing circles, this just seems to be a compromise keeping in mind the bigger picture.<br /><br />The thought of canceling a series that promises to be a cracker and losing millions of bucks with it must have certainly shaken the powers to be. But then that remains a speculation.<br /><br />What is not a speculation anymore is that Symonds could not prove that Bhajji called him a “Big Monkey”. That puts a question mark over his credibility and that of his other “distinguished” teammates. It’s a pity to see on field battles go into court but then that’s the level of competition that is out there.<br /><br />Bhajji is no saint either, having accepted that he did use foul language, he should have been fined 100% match fee, and not the 50% fine that was levied on him. This should teach him a lesson in not using bad language on the field and hopefully he will play the game more gracefully in the future. I think, with Kumble at the helm and the likes of Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman to teach them, its high time our "smaller" cricketers learn a thing or two in terms of grace and try and emulate their seniors instead of trying an emulating the Australians.<br /><br />I admire Uthappa and Sreesanth’s cricketing skills and their in your face attitude, but I do hope these fellows know where to draw a line in terms of on field verbal exchange. At this point of their career, I really think they should let their cricketing exploits do all the talking.</div>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-29911646383948029732008-01-28T00:04:00.000-08:002008-01-28T00:25:38.009-08:00Shaun Pollock...FarewellThe only difference between Shaun Pollock and Glenn McGrath was their on field behaviour. While Pollock behaved really well on the field even when the Batsmen were knocking him around for a few runs, McGrath was quite generous with the use of expletives. Otherwise, Pollock has been a model of nagging accuracy that made batsmen fall prey to him.<br /><br />His has been a very distinguished career and one that I would term a complete one for a South African speedster, a country that was affected by the apartheid era. Since the country's return to international cricket in late 1991, only Allan Donald (then 25) is a bowler who has seen through a successful career and has lasted for over a decade. There have been other bowler who have come and gone, but none have left an indelible mark like Allan did. That, until a 22 year old Shuan arrived on the international scene in 1995.<br /><br />Shaun Pollock, along with Jacques Kallis strengthened the South African middle order with their all round capabilities. Pollock, a lesser batsman showed the world that he was fit to be counted among the world's best with his record of over 400 test wickets and over 380 ODI wickets and add to that, over 3000 runs in both forms of the game.<br /><br />Pollock has served his country for over 12 years and has chosen the right moment to go out on a high, pretty much similar to what Gilchrist did 3 days ago. I wish him all the very best for his future endavors and must say that it was a plesure watching him perform so consistently.<br /><br />Shaun Pollock's Career Stats<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cricketnext.com/stats1/html/SM%20Pollock.html">http://www.cricketnext.com/stats1/html/SM%20Pollock.html</a>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-11899022660869768782008-01-27T00:38:00.000-08:002008-01-27T00:49:33.186-08:00Aussie's on the defensive563 runs in 181 overs. Is it really the Australia cricket team that we are seeing on the field?<br /><br />In ages, for the first time, I have seen the Aussie's fear a possibility of a defeat and play themselves slowly to a position of strength. At the current position, the Aussie's can attack and go for a win because they have no chance to loose this match from here on, but their approach was quite startling. Unlike the past, where the Aussie's have rarely been pushed into a corner and been made to fight back, this series has seen them fight for their position very often. Their bowlig attack has been blunted a bit by their inability to sledge on the field but they have done enough to prove to the world that their side is still made of champion players who can grind the opposition attack.<br /><br />I would have loved to see an Indian win at Adelaide, but looking at the current scenario, I really think that the match is heading towards a draw and that would be an unfair result to both the sides. I would like to see either of the two teams win this match because that would be a fitting end to a keenly contested series where-in the Indians, post Melbourne, matched the Aussie's in batting as well as bowling.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-18631030897638247612008-01-27T00:29:00.000-08:002008-01-28T00:22:50.617-08:00Adam GilchristIt was something that no one expected. It hit the Aussie's like a bolt from the blue and I hae to accept, that I am a bit shaken too. Players like Gilly come by in international cricket once in a lifetime and as much harm they must have caused to the Indian cricket team on the playing field, I have always marvelled at his batting skills and his hand-eye coordination.<br /><br />Add to that his on-field behaviour should be a lesson for the "to be cricketers" and some current cricketers out there. With 414 Test dismissals at the time of compiling this post and with one more Indian innings to go, I hope that he gets a few more. But in the same breath, I would like to mention that I hope the Indian team does not get all out.<br /><br />An absolute treat to watch, he will be missed and I wish him all the very best in the next phase of his life. I hope he has a rocking tri-series against India and Sri Lanka.<br /><br />Three Cheers to you Gilly.<br /><br />Adam Gilchrist Career Stats<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cricketnext.com/stats1/html/AC%20Gilchrist.html">http://www.cricketnext.com/stats1/html/AC%20Gilchrist.html</a>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-54546409064475613482008-01-25T10:12:00.000-08:002008-01-25T10:44:59.253-08:00Aussie attack is only as sharp as their tongue.From 359/7 to 526 all out. It surely was an inspired tailend performance by the Indian cricketers once again. And Kumble,the captain courageous, lead the charge from the front. This is not the first time in the series that the Indian tail has wagged so furiously. For that matter , even the Aussie tail has shaken up the Indian bowlers quite nicely on a couple of ocassions.<br /><br />The 9th wicket stand in the 2nd Innings at Perth for both the teams with Laxman/R.P.Singh putting on 51 and the Johnson/S.Clark partnership of 73, which scared the life out of the Indian players and supporters alike, has shown the poor ability of the sides to polish the tail off in a jiffy on a consistent basis. And how can one forget the Sydney test, where in the Aussie's were able to add a whopping 327 runs between the 7th, 8th and the 9th wicket in their 1st Innings and India followed suit with their 8th, 9th and 10th wicket adding 187 runs in theirs.<br /><br />But I see the trend breaking in this final test. Before I go into that, I would like to take some time out to write about the human nature of this Australian cricket team. Something I never had the opportunity to see over the last 10 years. I saw the Aussies frustrated, I saw their shoulders droop and I saw them literally at the mercy of the Indian tail as they were unable to trouble any batsman ( even Ishant). It was upto the tail to throw their wickets away and thats exactly what happened with Bhajji and R.P.Singh unnecessarily going for big hits and eventually Kumble getting out in an effort to reach his hundred quickly. At this juncture, I cant help but think that the <strong><u>"Aussie attack is only as sharp as their tongue"</u></strong>. The moment you curb their language on the field, they seem to lose their edge because they have mastered the art of applying pressure on the opposition by annoying them or distracting them with their language and after the Sydney fiasco, we can see that the Aussie's are trying very hard to keep their gob shut and in the process, are losing their famed aggresive nature. We saw similar scenes as they went on to lose the Perth test where a subdued Aussie side fought well but could not create unrest among its opposition with their language. This could possibly be the secret of the Aussie juggernaut.<br /><br />But I would not want to make any assumptions on that front. This is a champion side. No team can win 16 tests in a row twice and 3 consecutive World Cups without cricketing skills and this is precisely why we must fear the Aussies. And we have seen what Hayden does to Australia. The effect is as similar to what we saw when Sehwag opened for India at Perth and now at Adelaide. The aggression was on display and it brings about a sense of security to the batting side. Having said that, I noticed that both Jacques and Hayden had some trouble negotiating both Kumble and Bhajji towards the end of Day 2 and this would augur well for the Indians going into the 3rd day. If the bowlers can hold their heads and bowl to a field, I see no reason why they should not be succesful. The 3rd & 4th day is going to be crucial to India's chances of levelling the series and they should go all out in trying to get the Aussie batsmen out as cheaply as possible. Having said that, its a great pitch to bat on and its left to be seen who makes a better use of the conditions.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-60052363847726407052008-01-24T00:35:00.000-08:002008-01-24T04:00:03.569-08:00Even Stevens....This day has been one with a balanced performance from both the sides. While the Aussie's were able to get half the Indian side dismissed (and that too the stronger half), the Indians did well to score over 300 in the day. Slow over rate was again the order of the day as Ponting failed to finish his stipulated 90 overs. Mitchell Johnson did well to get the 1st & 2nd wicket and Lee did well to snarl Laxman and Sehwag.<br /><br />It's thrilling to watch Lee bowl these days. He has really filled McGrath's shoes and has taken over the mantle of being a strike bowler in its true sense. His wickets of both Sehwag and Laxman were against the run of play and this clearly shows his ability to take wickets when the going gets tough. The way he set Laxman up when the latter was on 37 shows his cricketing acumen. Its a pity that Gilchrist dropped a sitter to deny him the wicket at that point. He however had the better of Laxman a little later and without letting the latter cause much damage to the Aussies.<br /><br />In my previous post, I had mentioned that I was not in favor of Irfan opening the innings as he was not that good against the new ball. And hence was not surprised to see him edge one early in the 8th over of the day. Its becoming a big problem for the Indians as they are unable to find a fixed opening combination for their test side. As for Sehwag, It was refreshing to see him display the kind of strokeplay that was missing from the Indian batting ranks for a long time. While Sachin and Laxman score briskly in their elegant manner, Sehwag brings with him, the cavalier approach which pays rich dividends more often than not on the test arena.<br /><br />Sachin has played a flawless innings all through the day. The LBW shout against him by Hogg was debatable to say the least and I would not delve into it further. Laxman, during his 51, showed complete control over the Aussie attack except for the 2 deliveries, one of which got him out and the other one of which he was dropped.<br /><br />Rahul is still fighting the demons but I am sure I will see him emerge from this start-stop trend to score a big one soon. Ganguly might have had a debatable decision go against him but then he has been Hogg's bunny for this series. He might have some scores to settle in the second innings if he gets an oportunity to play Hogg.<br /><br />I would love to see Dhoni get a bit aggressive and play his natural game early on the 2nd day and take the attack to the Aussie camp because as we have seen before in the series, If the Aussie's are able to get a couple of early wickets tomorrow morning, the Indian innings might be over even before most of us wake up. The pitch offers true bounce and there is no need for him to be over defensive. But that is left to be seen. All in all.... If India is able to score over 450 in their 1st innings, we have a great contest on cards.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-16503410388010241662008-01-23T03:41:00.000-08:002008-01-23T03:50:07.136-08:00Adelaide , 4th Test , India vs AustraliaThe Indian team has been announced for the final test of this thrilling series. While we all know who the 12th man will be, lets see what the team management decides to do with the opening slot. With Jaffer out of the reckoning, I would like to see the following line up<br /><br />1) Virender Sehwag<br />2) M.S.Dhoni<br />3) Rahul Dravid<br />4) Sachin Tendulkar<br />5) V.V.S.Laxman<br />6) Saurav Ganguly<br />7) Irfan Pathan<br />8) Harbhajan Singh<br />9) Anil Kumble<br />10)R.P. Singh<br />11) Ishant Sharma<br />12) Dinesh Karthik<br /><br />I would like to save Irfan for the lower order as I feel he performs better with a slightly older ball. At this point, we shold not compare his ODI performances as the runs he scored at the top of the order then were of the White ball and not with this red Kookaburra balls. And the fact that I wish to see Dhoni open is simply because I think that fellow can apply himself amazingly well provided he curbs his attacking instincts. He showed us a glimpse of his defensive nature in the 2nd Innings at Perth and Sydney. More over, Dhoni needs more time in the middle to be able to get going with his scores.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-43556874881472605202008-01-21T08:10:00.001-08:002008-01-21T08:31:22.388-08:00Is Dhoni the culprit?I would hate to see this news piece come true. I think Dhoni as a man with a lot of integrity and respect for his seniors. And the news that Dhoni had a hand in Ganguly's ouster has stirred me up a bit.<br /><br />I would understand that a person like Dhoni would have issues handling temperamental people like Ganguly. But simply for that reason, he cannot pull his weight to drop a man who is in the form of his life and apparently was the 2nd highest scorer in the ODI format last year. And guess who was the highest, Sachin.<br /><br />If Dhoni is really guilty of this, then probably he should be made to wait a while longer to captain the side again. Because a captain should first think of the strength of the team and not his personal equation with a team mate. As long as someone is performing, no one can omit that person from the team. It would just show his inability at man management because any Tom, Dick and Harry can handle a bunch of youngsters simply because he has the remote control to thier career. The talent lies in handling the superstars and still getting the best out of the team.<br /><br />I hope this news piece is just a gossip because I quite like Dhoni as a competitor and a player.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-76231478172975066302008-01-21T03:52:00.000-08:002008-01-21T04:12:17.929-08:00Happiness and Sorrow within the span of a day.India made Perth their "Fort Knox" for this series atleast. They had their strangle hold on the test almost all through the 4 days except for a short while during their batting in the 1st and the 2nd innings. The inclusion of Sehwag and Irfan eventually made the difference and this augurs well for the Adelaide test match.<br /><br />The team would have been geared up for the 4th test soon after the celebrations ended but the BCCI sent a shocker to 2 of our 5 stalwarts in the team. While Laxman did not stand a chance , Tendulkar being a sure shot inclusion and Kumble having already retired from the shorter version of the game, I am sure Dravid was looking forward to a recall simply because he had the experience in Australia to back his selection. And Ganguly, he must be thinking what more does he need to do to stay in the team. This is apparent that the board does not favor Ganguly at all and have yeilded the axe without reason just because they wanted him out.<br /><br />The boards excuse that age and agility were the factor for the exclusion of Dravid and Ganguly, its utter nonsense according to me. Dravid is a very fit fielder and cant be excluded on the basis of agility or age. While Ganguly, although being a bad fielder, had scored over a 1000 runs in 2007 to back his selection. This highlights the skewed selection process of the BCCI and all I can say is that I wish both Dravid and Ganguly all the very best.<br /><br />Although the reasoning behind their exclusion might seem valid any other day, I simply feel that the BCCI could have started looking forward to the future after this triangular series and could have replaced these ageing greats of the game gradually and with their consent. It seems unfair that Tendulkar at 34 and over 1000 runs last year gets the nod while Ganguly at 35 with almost the same amount of runs gets ommitted. Tendulkar is quiet similar to Ganguly in terms of agility when it comes to fielding, but obviously this point was overlooked by the selection commitee.<br /><br />Come on BCCI, its because of the Gangulies and the Dravids along with the Kumbles and Tendulkars and Laxmans that your board is the richest. Treat them with respect. Kumble was ignored repeatedly from the ODI team which forced him to announce his retirement and instead of learning a lesson from that episode, you repeat the same episode with another two greats. I fear for Sachin, for he has been the BCCI's biggest lottery ticket and hope he is not treated this way. I hope he times his retirement well before the board times him out.<br /><br />I hope Dravid and Ganguly can fight their way back into the team only to be able to retire on their own terms. Although that seems to be a distant possibility now. But its really been disappointing. I hope the Adelaide test does not turn out to be the last for them.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-25974110699910868882008-01-18T02:22:00.000-08:002008-01-18T02:34:50.436-08:00Indian middle order again falls short.This has been the story for years. Sachin failing in the 2nd Innings when the pressure is telling on the team. The target of 413 for a win for the Australians might seem challenging, but I am a bit skeptical. Although I would like to think that the Indians stand a good chance to win this test, it will only be possible if we are able to dismiss the Australian middle order quickly. And the reason why I say quickly and not cheaply is because irrespective of the amount of time they spend on the crease and the number of deliveries they face, they would keep scoring at a rate of 4 runs per 6 deliveries.<br /><br />A lot was expected out of Sourav but he failed. I wish to add that this was a one off failure in the last 6 months or so. But he was needed today. VVS has for long been under-rated, the poor man always ends up batting with the tail. I think, he deserves to come in at No 3 or No 4 and get quick runs for the team. He has the temperamant to bat long, provided he has someone supporting him the other end. Rahul is still fighting the demons in his mind and that showed the way he was sucked into playing the shot that he played.<br /><br />I must say that I am a bit disappointed with the score that our team managed in the 2nd Innings as I expected them to get atleast 350. Purely because our batsmen, for the 1st time in a long time, have shown the world that the Aussie's are not unplayable in their own backyard. That being said, I think we have a great contest to look forward to on the 4th day and by all means, the match should be decided in the final session of the day. If it spills over to the 5th day, then I would say that the odds are with the Aussie's because they would have scored most of the runs by then.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-28562767251620631292008-01-16T05:23:00.000-08:002008-01-17T04:02:27.994-08:00The count begins.... umpiring errors.Over the next 5 days..... I will try and jot down the umpiring errors. No malicious intent in accusing any umpire of bias here, but for the sole reason of curiousity.<br /><br />Day 1 from score 59/2 to 297/6<br /><br />1) Sachin was leg before to Michael Clarke at 57. Umpire Bowden says NOT OUT.<br />2) Sachin was not leg before to Brett Lee at 71. Umpire Rauf says OUT.<br />3) Rahul was leg before to Mitchell Johnson at 67. Umpire Bowden says NOT OUT.<br /><br />I missed most of the day 2 action, so I am sorry fellows, wont be able to post much on the umpiring errors. But I do feel that Dhoni & Rogers got a raw deal in terms of their LBW dismissals.<br /><br />The Indian approach, however was refreshing today. But 3 more days to go, I fear an Aussie fightback.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-39961174896562844542008-01-15T06:46:00.000-08:002008-01-16T05:51:23.653-08:00Yuvi needs to press the RESET button.Although it is highly unlikely that Yuvi might get another opportunity to play in the ongoing series, if he is dropped from the current playing 11, I think the fellow really needs to reset his technique and of course his flagging confidence for the Aussie pitches. This might hold him in good stead for the forthcoming India/Australia/Sri Lanka triangular series. He should probably take a leaf out of Sehwag's book and revert to his original style of cricket. He needs to be aggressive because thats the only way he knows to play his cricket.<br /><br />Although Sehwag played a B Grade attack in the ACT XI encounter, he has shown enough proof that playing ones own game will do wonders. Yuvi failed yet again. His score of 2 off 15 deliveries really shows that the fellow is in a defensive mould and needs to break out, for he wont succeed unless he plays the way he played against Pakistan in Banglore in 2007. Come on lad, the mother of all contests (after the 2007 WC of-course) is coming up. The series will present 3 teams that have been part of the World Cup finals 7 times of the possible 8 in the last 4 editions. Australia 4 times ( won in 1999,2003 & 2007 and runners up in 1996), Sri Lanka ( won in 1996 and runners up in 2007) and India (runners up in 2003).<br /><br />I can't wait for the contest to begin.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-30797921878160216842008-01-14T05:37:00.000-08:002008-01-16T05:37:43.304-08:00Hogg gets away...Although I am not surprised at this development, I would have preferred for Hogg to get a hearing. Now it would remain a mystery if Hogg was really guilty or not. Especially after the CA lawyers decided to defend Hogg by quoting what Late Edmund Hillary had quoted after scaling the Mt Everest.<br /><br />I thought of that to be very unreasonable as they hopped back almost 2 generations to take an example. During a time when racism was rampant and with noone to govern or control it. But then, thats the way the cookie crumbles,. Hogg has had a lucky reprieve. His test place is now for him to keep.<br /><br />Cheers.....NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-3755584172811688502008-01-10T03:09:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:48:41.362-08:00Technology is the need of the hour to curb player (mis)behaviour....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84wXXx9TaBtJ0weDcr10RgddbaPz3GL1HX1weIUOg5xkeOTxYZCqxK7WUcjm5uZU-3_3ZLJe8fYwRpw0NikK6zsfDtsetLS5rBl7iG9fFJ_OkT6QzmbK-41ke_jSzUlGgmvUafXIZAi4/s1600-h/sree-symonds350.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153810581662824514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84wXXx9TaBtJ0weDcr10RgddbaPz3GL1HX1weIUOg5xkeOTxYZCqxK7WUcjm5uZU-3_3ZLJe8fYwRpw0NikK6zsfDtsetLS5rBl7iG9fFJ_OkT6QzmbK-41ke_jSzUlGgmvUafXIZAi4/s200/sree-symonds350.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC7ViITsm20cMHT3vkHE1dsYAs5OUR6WvwGMcUwBocETDI7AQXxigz5VNn94U4XYz4MyL8Dmj9zRMQDFeMevdaLZZug3ksBYZXdWSLauLq0iwKCw2Cawo6Caj_5XrR5r5MfEK9daPA3g/s1600-h/sree-symonds350.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>This has been going on for way too long. And there seems to be no concrete solution. And with the "Sydneygate" controversy, players and their boards are just better equipped to defend themselves against charges of sledging whenever they might arise.<br /><br />The need of the hour, thus is more technology on the ground. How about arming the 2 on-field umpires with sensitive microphones with noise cancelling features.That would help the equipment to pick up specific frequency of sound ( read player's voice ) as against the roar of the spectators in the stadium.<br /><br />Also, how about putting similar microphones like landmines all over the playing field?? The players would be very careful then. Thats a given. With ICC making money in millions of dollars, I am sure they can spare a thought for this. Then a Hayden or a Hogg or even for that matter our very own Sree or Bhajji won't be able to get away with their below the belt banter (if any).</div></div>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-26575490847274636832008-01-09T05:47:00.000-08:002008-12-11T01:48:41.554-08:00Anil should have been at the helm long ago....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DEQjr48AzKzGCXoL-r4FnJIBiA2fFPKzeQ1kLfZb1-PyarxQ6f9UzNda2ie9tDkSGrIycy22XXqqgUr2xz7hIsrqpe44nksmoulPX_bBsdGizqV8O6PBuMm-qkWt8XyZJynIZbdXMNs/s1600-h/anil_kumble_05.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5153837936309532802" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1DEQjr48AzKzGCXoL-r4FnJIBiA2fFPKzeQ1kLfZb1-PyarxQ6f9UzNda2ie9tDkSGrIycy22XXqqgUr2xz7hIsrqpe44nksmoulPX_bBsdGizqV8O6PBuMm-qkWt8XyZJynIZbdXMNs/s200/anil_kumble_05.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhViZ3w-BU7vgpEUHUyLjitcKyJUSN18KdnIHFe7Dk_UrAnYbHa-MUA8DM6tXxTCnuRlKP61gq001T41inFynBsy2pGw5xlipQ9sVYUQZKBPGzRf5zR6jPsv2IxpF1IY4DFSrYI_YLBz5g/s1600-h/anil_kumble_05.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div>Anil Kumble has emerged as Captain courageous and with his already solid reputation, further enhanced, from this Sydney fiasco. The way he has conducted himself and his team is commendable. For some reason, I can't help but think Anil would have scalped this spot over Rahul and maybe even over Saurav had he made the right noises. But then that is Anil for you, one who just knows to play, and play hard. He does not get dragged into petty politics or arguments.<br /><br />At this point, I wish to clarify that both Saurav and Rahul have done the captain's job in an excellent manner and I am not taking away any credit from them for that. But, I just feel for this 37 year old man. I am sure he must also be thinking, what if I had this opportunity 3 -4 years ago.<br /><br />But lets keep the past buried, for we have a bright future to look forward to with Anil Kumble at the helm of the Indian Test Cricket team. Anil, way to go big brother, I hope you are around for another 2-3 or maybe even 4 years. I would love to see you lead the team with that steely look in your eyes when the Indian team tours "Down Under" in 2011.<br /><br />Mr. Ponting, Anil sure is a nice bloke, but he is way ahead of you in terms of upholding the spirit of the game. Learn from him. Learn how to accept defeat gracefully and treat everyone around you with respect.<br /><br />Learn from us Indians.</div></div>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-87566019153856616642008-01-09T05:28:00.000-08:002008-01-09T05:44:32.646-08:00Sutherland...... What are you trying to say???CA Cheif James Sutherland has come out in defence of his team. Well, this is not at all surprising and something everyone came to expect. Especially after Ponting blatantly refused to accept that his team behaved miserably in the 2nd test match at Sydney.<br /><br />But what is scary is the attitude with which he issued the statement. His defence for the team showed that he was in favor of the way the team behaved in the test match and has absolutely no grouse over Ricky Ponting and his men. If this is the mental make up of the Cricket Australia board management, then I am not at all surprised at the way the Australians are playing their cricket. After all, when someone knows that they will be backed endlessly, no matter how they behave, they will obviously push their limits and get dirty.<br /><br />ICC has done the right thing in asking the CA officials to tell the Australian team to behave themselves. But then again, I doubt if they would mend their ways. Maybe... Just maybe for the next 2 matches against India, we might see them behave but I doubt if this is going to last.<br /><br />But kudos to ICC for having the b***s to finally point a fingure at the Australian team. After all the Australians have been getting away for way too long. The confrontation that will remain fresh in my mind is the one that involved Micheal Slater and Umpire Venkatraghavan in the 1996 series in India. Despite showing scant respect to the elderly gentleman, he got away. And then I have read about Pigeon McGrath calling Sanath Jayasurya a "Black Monkey". All this just makes my blood boil. But then as they say, it just takes 1 bad apple to spoil the basket. 563 wickets in an illustrious test career does not put any person above the game and the spirit of Cricket.<br /><br /><strong>This is still a gentleman's game, but for a few unruly elements.</strong>NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2186839323526129058.post-4605117138028274042008-01-09T00:21:00.000-08:002008-01-09T01:38:09.279-08:00No ODI series without Bhajji......The BCCI seems to have really swung into attack mode with this statement. I am sure no one expected this snorter from the Indian cricket board. Although I am thrilled to see the board back its players, I get a feeling that ICC might want to curb this behaviour.<br /><br />Mind you, I still think Bhajji deserves a fair trial and totally understand the team's and the board's refusal to take the tour forward.But somehow, one might get a feeling that ICC might not like this statement from the BCCI and would probably call it high handedness of the cricket board in question.NKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01921061344392447439noreply@blogger.com0