Crickosphere

Virender Sehwag

2011-12-09T02:08:00.001+05:30

You say that he is not responsible. You say that he has no technique. You say he is just a slogger. You say that he cannot play in bowler friendly pitches. You say that his feet don't move. You say he is lucky. You say he is a flat-track bully. And you keep saying.

He has scored two triple centuries in test cricket. He holds the record for the highest score by an Indian in test matches, 319. His T20 highest is 119. And now he also holds the record for the highest ODI score by any batsman, 219.

So stop saying and take a bow! Take a bow for the man who scored only the second ever double hundred in the history of ODI's. Take a bow for the man who scored 219 today. Take a bow for Virender Sehwag!

I am sure Sehwag ki Maa will be constantly on phone tonight.

India Wins the Battle of Mediocrity

2011-11-30T21:51:00.001+05:30

Regarding yesterday's match between India and West Indies, Cricinfo rightly said that India somehow managed to win a match that neither team was interested in winning.

The match was no doubt a thriller, but a thriller that could have and should have been avoided by India. Needing only 212 runs to win a match at home, India won in the penultimate over and that too with only 1 wicket to spare. If you saw the match, you would know that at several stages during the chase, it looked as if India would end up losing the match.

The bowlers did a good job in restricting the WI side to only 211 runs. Even though the opposition was a West Indian side, it takes a commendable effort from the bowlers to restrict the opposition to such low scores on the subcontinent pitches. Given the fact that the Indian bowling attack in yesterday's match was very inexperienced, they really did a good job.

The chase started well with Sehwag and Patel going all guns blazing. But once Russel had Patel & Gambhir out in the same over, the trouble started for India. Both the batsmen were caught trying to cut a short and wide delivery. Both the shots were very careless and you expect any top order batsmen to avoid such shots. Patel gets limited opportunities at international level because of the presence of Dhoni. And he blows away most of these opportunities by playing careless cricket. Not that it would matter because even if Patel plays well, its hard to find a place for him in the side. He is not that good a batsman to be in the team purely for his batting. And as a wicket-keeper batsmen Dhoni is better. But Gambhir is one of India's best batsmen in the ODI format. His careless shot was really uncalled for. Considering the Australian tour coming up after this series, it would be best for all the Indian batsmen to find good form before they leave down under.

Sehwag also looked edgy yesterday. I have never seen Sehwag complaining about anything while he is batting. He doesn't bother about field placements, about the sight screens and other nuances. He does what he does best; hits the ball and scores boundaries. However, yesterday he was constantly bothered about the movements behind the sight screen. He was acting much like his 'guru' Sachin Tendulkar. I agree that movements behind the screen are really irritating for the players. But seeing Sehwag yesterday was really very surprising. I am sure it affected his concentration as he was stopping before every ball and waiting for the people to move.

One good thing that came out in yesterday's match was Rohit Sharma's performance. The guy has a lot of talent but somehow has always refused to perform. His patience and cool head yesterday helped India win the match. It helped his long term prospects in the Indian team even better. However, we must not forget that this innings came against a West Indian side that did not have any world class bowlers. The bowlers also lacked experience. He was also playing on a subcontinent track which was not very troublesome for the batsmen. He needs to continue such performances against better quality oppositions and in tougher conditions.

A mention here for Ravindra Jadeja. He supported Sharma very well though fell well short of the target.

Overall both the teams played mediocre cricket. Its just that India were better at mediocrity than WI and they won. India needs to take the up coming matches seriously as practice for down under. If they can't beat WI at home convincingly, then their chances of beating Australia in Australia are really slim.

It Has Been A While

2011-11-29T07:16:00.000+05:30

It has really been a while since I wrote anything on this blog. As a matter of fact, it has been some time since I last visited this page. Blame it on the hectic schedule of a b-school or my laziness, but I did not spend any time on this blog. But today, for reason unknown even to myself, I happened to stumble upon the blog that I had created. And what a shock I got! The design of my blog was destroyed like some German city after world war II. The background had been distorted, the pictures were deformed, and many links were broken. And so I decided to bring back to life the blog that I had created.

It was not an easy job though. It took me some time to figure out how to edit this blog. You see, the last time I had visited this blog was when India became world champions. Google has done a lot of changes since that day. And it took me a while to figure out those changes. Anyways, now that the changes are made, I am happy to see that Crickosphere has sprung to life again.

Now that the blog is up and running again, let's get back to the job. A lot has happened after India won the world cup. India got walloped in England and could not win a single game they played. However, the Indians meted out a similar treatment to the Brits when they were here and won the ODI series 5-0.

Australia and South Africa produced a thriller of a series in South Africa. Australia got bowled out for 47 and were 21/9 at one stage.

Zimbabwe are back to playing test cricket again.

Three Pakistani players got sentenced for spot fixing.

Harbhajjan Singh has been dropped from the Indian team. Ashwin and Ojha have made the most of their opportunities in the series against WI.

And a lot lot more.

Starting tomorrow, India take on West Indies in a 5 match ODI series at home. Even though Sachin and Dhoni are missing, winning this series should not be any problem for the Indians.

Meanwhile down under, New Zealand are touring their neighbours Australia.

The above series agains WI and NZ will become India and Australia necessary practice for when they play each other in Australia.

A hell lot of cricket is going to happen over the next few months. And I really hope that this time I will not be taking any break from writing.

India beats Pakistan; enters world cup finals

2011-03-30T23:52:00.000+05:30

Five times in a row. Yes, five times in a row we have nailed Pakistan in the World Cup. And definitely a match to break the long sabbatical that I have taken from blogging.

The second semi-final of the world cup was as good as it can get. A match full of twists and turns, just how an Indo-Pak match always is.

India started off well with Sehwag and Tendulkar in full flow. Sehwag took Umar Gul, probably the best bowler of the tournament, to cleaners. However, soon after he fell, Pakistan were quick to pounce back restricting India to 260. It looked as if India were well short of a good total and with the weak bowling of India, Pakistan will have an easy entry into the finals.

Dhoni however had other plans. His captaincy today was great. The rapid bowling changes didn't allow any batsman to settle down. Nehra whose inclusion was very hotly debated before the start of the match, was the best bowler for India. He brought all his experience into play and varied the pace well. In the end, it was a good bowling and fielding performance by India to reach the finals in Mumbai.

Tendulkar's luck in todays match is worth a mention. Apart from the two reviews, he was dropped four time, yes four times by the Pakistanis. He went on to score 85 which was probably the turning point of the match.

Another player worth mentioning in this match is Wahab Riaz from Pakistan. He bowled his heart out during the day. His wicket of Sehwag pegged India back after their flying start. He bowled fast and reversed the ball well to take 5 Indian wickets.

Its now India and Sri Lanka for the finals. After defeating Australia and Pakistan, India should definitely beat the Lankans. All the best to India for the finals in Mumbai.

Is IPL getting too big to handle?

2010-04-14T22:48:00.000+05:30

The clash between IPL commissioner Lalit Modi & Minister of State for external affiars Shashi Tharoor can really be dangerous for future of IPL.

It all started with Lalit Modi publicly stating the ownership details & percentages of the Kochi IPL team. Though it is high time that all these details about all the teams be made public, the way he did is what is questionable. He should have probably called a press conference or made an official statement about it first. But doing it on his tweet feed is something uncalled for. He was making a public statement and twitter is probably the last place on earth to make a public statement.

As far as clarifying the names of the stake holders is concerned, i think not only Kochi, all the other franchises should now start making their share-holding patterns public. When there is so much money involved, it should be very clear as to where the money is coming from and where it is going. Also with the IT department coming out with many possible money laundering cases, it is even more important now. Moreover, if the owners of a team like Kochi which has not even started playing has been revealed, then why not about the other teams which have been playing and minting money since the last two years. Hence I don't see anything wrong with Modi disclosing the names of the stake-holders of Kochi team other than the way he did it. It would be really good if he does the same with other teams like Kings Eleven or Rajasthan Royals.

On the other hand though, Shashi Tharoor's aides have accused Modi of forcibly trying to make Rendezvous Sports give up their IPL bid in order to satisfy some of his other corporate friend's desire to win an IPL team. Modi is also accused of offering $50M to RS to give up their bid. If any of this is true, it is very dangerous for the future of IPL. IPL has become the biggest cricket tournament in the world & has the potential to become the costliest & the richest sporting event in the world. A huge controversy involving the commissioner himself along with the country's politicians at this stage has the potential to kill the tournament.

BCCI has called up a meeting and has given a chance to Modi to explain. But only an explanation is not enough. Action has to be taken. Whether it is Lalit Modi or anybody else who has done anything wrong, has to be punished. The problem has to be crushed now or else it will only become bigger & more dangerous.

The value of IPL is getting bigger each passing day. The sponsorships, the broadcasting rights, the TRP's, the value of each franchises is getting bigger. Just hope that it is not too big to handle.

The curious case of Kings XI Punjab

2010-04-04T21:02:00.000+05:30

Kings XI Punjab were the semi-finalist in the inaugral edition of IPL in 2008. Finished 5th in the last season and lost out to the Deccan Chargers in the NRR. However, in this season, they are struggling at the bottom of the table.

Lot of things have come out in the media about the team. It started with the change of captains. Yuvraj was dropped as the captain and was replaced by Sanga. The injuries to key players and absence of the Australian lot didn't help them start off well. Their star players Yuvi, Mahela and Sanga started with hopeless forms. They lost very close matches which on any other day would have gone their way. With each passing match, their body language dropped. And the continuous failure of Yuvraj only increased their woes.

Lets take the case of Yuvraj Singh. We all know he lost the captaincy to Sangakara. And his body language in the field only fueled the rumors of his rift with the new captain. You could see the difference in Yuvraj in the field. There was no intent, be it batting, bowling or fielding. Making him field in the third man position didn't help matters. His body was there on the field, mind was probably left in the comfort of the hotel rooms.

Other players like Bopara, Sangakara & Mahela were not in any kind of form. And with Marsh absent, the batting really was weak. In the bowling department, Pathan, Sreesanth, Chawla and co is not the lineup good batting teams would be afraid of. The addition of Lee also didn't help much as was evident in the game against the RCB. And their pathetic performance in batting and bowling, spilled on to their fielding. To sum up, the Kings looked like the worst team of the tournament. And with only one win by the end of one half of the tournement, they only have a theoretical chance of making it to the semi-final.

And that is when a team is most dangerous in the tournament. They have nothing to lose. They are almost out of the race for the semis and any more loss will do them no more harm. Hence they have everything to gain from all their matches. And they can really spoil the party for some of the other teams in the tournament. Just the way they did for KKR tonight. Their games against Chennai, Rajasthan, Deccan Chargers will be very important for the respective teams if they have to make it to the semis. A lose to KXP will be a big blow to their chances. Also the NRR will play a very important role to decide the final team to make it to the semis. And a big win against KXP will give the teams a big boost. A big loss on the other hand can throw them out of the tournament.

Kings XI Punjab will be playing for pride from now on. And in their attempt to restore the pride, they may take a couple of teams down with them. So all the teams, better look out for the Kings now. Take them even more seriously and make sure you win against them.

IPL 03: Story fo far

2010-04-04T19:25:00.000+05:30

It's half way through the IPL III. And apart from Mumbai Indians, who have almost made it to the semis, its a tough battle ahead for the rest of the teams. This means more excitement awaits for all of us in the IPL.

We got a trailer of the excitement in yesterdays match between Chennai & Rajasthan. It was an important game for both the games. Murali Vijay played probably his best ever innings scoring a brilliant century. CSK ended up scoring 246. And when everyone had probably written off the Royals, they scripted a brilliant fight back by scoring 220+ chasing. It was only the Bollinger which ensured CSK won the match eventually.

Looking at all the teams this IPL, its very clear that teams with a good combination of Indian players will be more successful. And that is the reason why teams like Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore are doing well. Mumbai are actually riding high on the performance of their local players like Tiwary & Rayudu. Another important aspect is the presence of allrounders in the team. That provides the right balance. That is probably why a team like Chennai or Delhi are not at the top even after having the strongest batting line up in the competition.

One of the surprises this IPL has been the performance of the Kings XI Punjab. They were the semi-finalist in the inaugral season and played decently in the 2nd edition. However, their performance this season has been anything but like the Kings we know. The off-field rumours about the rifts in the team haven't helped either. The main player of the Kings, Yuvraj Singh is desperately struggling for form. His form is very crucial for the team. However, barring the match against RCB, his body language didn't even suggest he wanted to be a part of the team. I don't know how true the rumours of the rifts are, but looking at the team playing on the field anyone would guess that all is not well within the team.

With the Kings virtually out of the tournament, they would hope to play for pride. And this could cause trouble for some of the teams who would be looking to improve their NRR with each game. Their win against teams like CSK or Royals could crash their semi-final dreams. Hence the teams would do well to still consider Kings seriously and ensure not to lose against them now.

Last years champions Deccan Chargers also seem to have lost the punch. Their team is too dependent on the trio of Gilchrist, Symmo & Gibbs. But with all the three failing to deliver their batting looks very thin. Last season's performers like Rohit Sharma & Suman are also not in any sort of form. Their bowling is also weak. And with Vaas & RP both not playing in the last few matches, there is a lot of pressure on Ojha.

On current form the teams looking set for the semi-final berth are Mumbai, Bangalore & Delhi. The fourth spot is well open between Chennai, Rajasthan & Deccan. And with this format, one win or one loss is enough to make or break a team. All the teams including the top teams need to be always on their toes to maintain their place. But it sure means lot of excitement for the spectators and that is what IPL is all about.

Selector surprise again with their squad

2010-03-27T19:12:00.000+05:30

Selection of the Indian team for any tournament have always had the element of surprise. The selection of the World T20 squad has lived upto the same expectations. Though the selectors have gone with the tried and tested faces, however, there are still a few surprises.

The selection of openers have become a certainty for the Indian team for quite some time now. However, Gambhir is injured and still not back in his IPL team. He is slated to make a comeback later in the IPL, but it is still unclear how he will be able to cope up. Also surprising is the exclusion of Manish Pandey. Pandey has been in a very good form this IPL season and has done pretty well at the domestic level. Also he is the first Indian to score a century in the IPL. Manish Pandey will justifiably be unhappy at his exclusion from the team.

The Indian selectors have gone ahead with the not so fit Yuvraj Singh. Memories are still fresh during the last world cup when Indian team went with the injured Sehwag and paid the price. Yuvraj Singh has got a good reputation as a T20 player and is one of the key players in the Indian middle order. However, what good is his reputation if he is not fit. His form with the Kings XI Punjab is still a suspect. It would have been better for the selectors to go in with a fully fit player in place of Yuvi who is injured. Someone like Saurabh Tiwary who has showed his talent in this years IPL would probably have been a batter choice considering his current form. Now all of us can only hope that Yuvi is fit till the World Cup starts.

Another injured player in the squad is Ashish Nehra. We are not sure whether he will play in this years IPL or not. Then how can the selectors be so sure that he will be fully fit before the World Cup.

Rohit Sharma will consider himself lucky to be selected ahead of players like Kohli and Manish Pandey. Kohli has played well in the limited overs format for India last year and Pandey as written earlier has been playing well consistently. The only thing which must have gone with Sharma must be his prior experience during the first World T20.

The choice of the second spinner is another surprising decision taken by the selectors. Selecting Chawla ahead of Ojha and Mishra is sure to bring up many questions. And considering the pace friendly pitches in West Indies, I doubt India will ever go with two spinners there.

Even selection of Harbhajan Singh as the primary spinner is only based on prior exploits and achievements. I have always said that if Indians are to go with two spinners, its got to be Mishra and Ojha. Sadly though both of them haven't made the cut.

However, the selectors have chosen one new face that of Vinay Kumar. His performance in this years IPL must have helped him make the squad. However, with the presence of Zaheer, Nehra & Praveen Kumar, it would be difficult for Vinay Kumar to get a game.

Selection of Vinay Kumar has though kept Ishant Sharma out of the squad. I feel this is a good move as Ishant has been only a shadow of his own self in the past few months. He has not been able to bowl well in the shorter versions of the game. And this has even affected his performance in the tests. He will do good to take some time out and play some domestic games to get back his sting.

The squad as such looks pretty much the same that has played for India in the last year. Lets just hope that they play well and bring back the cup.

The squad: MS Dhoni (capt & wk), Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Suresh Raina, Yusuf Pathan, Dinesh Karthik, Ravindra Jadeja, Zaheer Khan, Praveen Kumar, Ashish Nehra, Harbhajan Singh, Piyush Chawla, Vinay Kumar, Rohit Sharma

Mumbai Indians the team to watch this IPL

2010-03-20T13:08:00.000+05:30

The IPL season III has just begun. Its really early to predict a winner now. With more than 10 matches left for each of the teams, anything can happen in the tournament. However, as expected, some teams have shown that they have it in them to go the distance this year. Mumbai Indians is probably the team which at this stage is looking all set to make it to the last four and even lift the cup.

The strength of MI lies in their strong batting line up. Sachin Tendulkar leads the way with Jayasurya. Tendulkar is in a 1998esqe form this year. He has been able to prove that he is good enough to play T20 even without changing the way he plays much. That's probably the greatness in him that he is able to adapt to every format possible without changing his game. Jayasurya is yet to hit form and we all know that on his day he can single-handedly win a game for MI. However, what is most satisfying for MI is the performance of their local boys. Rayudu, Tiwary & Satish have been in good form & contributing greatly to the success of the team. Its been seen that any team cannot only depend just on their overseas players for a win. The performance of the local players plays a big role in a team's success. Also the arrival of all rounders like Bravo & Pollard have also given them an edge over other teams. And with players like Abhishek Nayar & Duminy still on bench, the batting looks really strong.

MI has got a deadly combination of opening bowlers in Malinga & Zaheer. Malinga's bowling is best suited for the short format. McLaren is a good follow up bowler though we have seen him start the proceedings. Pollard & Bravo gives MI good options. Both are very intelligent bowlers and have the habit of breaking partnerships. Though i am not that big a fan of Bhajji, but his presence does give MI the options & variation in bowling.

A good T20 team should be a good fielding side. And Satish is probably the best Indian fielder in this years IPL so far. He is a live wire on the field & his good batting form is also boosting his confidence. They have many youngsters who boost up the fielding of the team.

All in all MI have got the team to go and win this season. Along with KKR they are the only teams who have not made it to the last 4 of the IPL yet. This is probably the year for them. If it is not now, may be its never. And I just hope that i have not jinxed them.

Rising from the ashes

2010-03-14T20:39:00.000+05:30

I have lost count as to how many times Saurav Ganguly has been down and out, but has still managed to come back better.

He did it after he was dropped out of the squad in early 90's in Australia. He came back with a bang in 1996 to score back to back double centuries in England. He went on to become the most successful captain of India.

Then came the Chappell regime. Ganguly lost not only his captaincy, but even his place and importance in the team. He was thrown out of the team. But he still managed to make his comeback and later retire on his own terms.

Last year it was Buchananism. It was his weird ways which got the better of Ganguly & KKR. Ganguly lost his captaincy here again.

This year, he got back his KKR captaincy. He got the team he wanted. He left the promotion to SRK & took the backseat. But when the game against DC came, we saw our dada back again. His arms started waving again like a traffic policeman, inspiring his team. He was determined once again. We saw the fight and will to win back.

Dada has risen from the ashes once again as he has done innumerable times in the past. He is the phoenix of cricket. May be that is the reason KKR decided to go with the purple & gold this time.

Its showtime

2010-03-12T21:22:00.000+05:30

No matter what people say about IPL hurting the future of cricket, the fact is that IPL has become the most anticipated and the most watched tournament of cricket today. IPL has even managed to change the definition of the word "fan". Earlier a fan was someone who knew something about cricket and loved to watch cricket. Now a fan is someone who thinks that cricket is more entertaining than the usual saas-bahu soaps.

IPL has made cricket more of a show. Its not only about cricket. Its about glamour, bollywood, cheer girls, etc. But it's not only about the glamour as well. There is ofcourse great cricket as well. The perfect combination of cricket & entertainment is what makes IPL attractive to all kinds of audience.

This year IPL is back in India. And the cricket crazy nation that India is, it makes IPL even more exciting to watch. With this, the home-away concept is back and the initial concept of IPL is back.

The drama about IPL has been more this time around. It started with IPL snubbing the Pakistan players and the controversies surrounding it. Then there were the player's associations who were not satisfied with the security arrangements here. In spite of all these most of the players who had to have come. And the NZ players are expected after a couple of matches.

With two more teams expected to join by next year, IPL is surely going to get bigger and better. We may even see a slot for IPL in ICC's FTP in the near future. But meanwhile, lets enjoy the biggest spectacle of cricket called IPL. It's Show time!

IPL can afford to be arrogant

2010-03-01T21:17:00.000+05:30

Former Australian spinner & current FICA chief suspects that the shortest format of the game T20 is ripe for corruption.

He may not be totally over the board in saying that. T20 format is where most of the money is in cricket. And with the advent of tournaments like the IPL & CL, the money is growing manifold every year. The amount of money involved makes it really tempting for the bookies to try and get something out of it. Also the shorter the format, more susceptible it is to any sort of manipulation. Tim May warns the governing bodies to be extra careful in case of T20 to keep it safe from outside manipulations.

He then goes on to say that the way IPL is treating the players is not proper. Also he goes on to say that the IPL governing body and the franchises are very arrogant while managing the players.

"Its decision-making is very arrogant. The attitude is that they're the only game in town, they're the biggest game in town and, as long as they pay these huge amounts of money, they can do what they like. That may not always be the case."

Well Mr. May, newsflash!

Currently IPL is the biggest game in town. Its the costliest game in town along with Champions League. And as long as they are there is gotta be a little bit of arrogance. Like it or not. And we all know that if it had been an Australian Premier League, wouldn't CA have behaved the same way?

WI v Zimbabwe T20

2010-03-01T11:07:00.001+05:30

When i saw the score last night, Zimbabwe had scored only 105 in their 20 overs (19.5 to be precise).

At first, I thought it would be an easy victory for any team. 106 in 20 overs, it doesn't get easier in a T20.

But on second thought, I thought the team chasing was WI. And you can never say anything for sure with the windies.

By the time I went to bed last night, WI had already lost 4 wicket. Barath, Fletcher, Pollard & Bravo were already back and Chanderpaul was already dropped once.

When i checked the score today morning, WI had lost by 26 runs. And a closer look told me that they lost only 7 wickets. 79/7 in 20 overs in T20? Chanderpaul made 20 of 30. Ramdin 23 of 36 ??

What were the windies thinking? It's hard to imagine how any team can lose chasing 106 that too against Zimbabwe? But as i said earlier, with the West Indies, you just can't say anything!

Sachin Double TON-dulkar

2010-02-24T22:07:00.000+05:30

This time, the elbow didn't give in.

This time, the stomach went on.

This time, the cramp didn't creep in.

This time the back didn't break.

This time, everything kept going...

This time, Sachin made a DOUBLE!

Take a bow everyone!

India won.. only just

2010-02-21T23:05:00.000+05:30

It can only happen with India. No other team can so nearly snatch defeat from the jaws of victory with the panache of the Indian cricket team.

India were on top for most part of the match. And particularly when Kallis was bowled, it was all but over for South Africa.

But somehow our bowlers managed to take it the last bowl & last one run! Luckily India won today. But they surely need to look into their death bowling.

Meanwhile Jadeja bowled well. And how nice it was to see Tendulkar dive and saving the four in the last over. You can never get enough from the master, can you?

Much has been already said about how short this series is. And seeing today's match, you couldn't complain more. The way these two teams are playing, it's hard to get your eyes off the matches. Are the board's listening???

This was a fantastic start to the ODI series. Two more matches to go... hoping to get two more great matches.

Harbhajan does it again

2010-02-20T22:00:00.000+05:30

Harbhajan Singh has forced me to put my foot in my mouth again. And with his performance at Eden, he has done that to all of his critics.

With the kind of criticism he got before this match, it was bound to happen. And add to it the magic of Eden, and Bhaji was definitely invincible. Except Amla of course.

What this performance has done is that it has secured his place in the team for another million years. Which is what I really don't want.

There is no doubt about the talent Bhaji has.Someone who has played for 13 years & taken 350+ wickets is definitely not an idiot. But a spinner bowling darts at the batsmen is surely one. That's where the problem starts for him. And it takes a nice kick on his butt to get back the real Harbhajan.

After this, I really hope Bhaji understands that he is now the strike bowler & he has to do an 'Eden' more often. Else the others will have to be given more chance.

With Bhaji absent for the first 2 ODI's, the younger spinners should look to make the maximum of this oppurtunity. If they can, it will definitely put more pressure on Bhaji, and that brings out the best in him.

With the little break that he is got, I hope he gets time to think about all these and he comes back more consistent.

And before closing, a salute to Mr Hashim Amla. A fantastic performance!

Amazing partnership

2010-02-17T21:29:00.000+05:30

Its amazing how a simple game of cricket can throw up such amazing & interesting things. Even an old pro like Laxman can throw up a few surprises for you.

We all know how Dhoni plays. A delicate touch here and there and he starts scampering. But to see Laxman follow suit, AMAZING!

Have you seen Laxman running helter skelter on a cricket pitch. No, not even if his wicket is at stake! But yesterday he did! And the best part - after completing his run he looked at Dhoni, gave his typical smile, put his thumbs up so as to say, "Dude! I'm fine. Don't worry about me!

Awesome!!!

Finally .. Harbhajan makes it...

2010-02-16T22:15:00.000+05:30

Well, after my previous post, its nice to see that Harbhajan has himself found a way to get himself out of the squad. Find it here.

Yes, he finally took wickets at Eden. But how many times have we seen an Indian player doing well when the critics are all out against him. And how many times has Harbhajan done this before. And he has done it again. I guess, with this performance his place in the team is fixed for the next two years.

Anyways, I'll discuss about him in some other post. Today I'm finally happy to see him out atleast for a couple of ODI's.

What is sad though is the absence of Gambhir & Yuvraj. While Yusuf Pathan is back after his performance in the Duleep Trophy, R Ashwin (a new off spinner I have never heard of ) & Abhishek Nayar get a look in. Though the chances that they will get a game is quite remote.

Meanwhile India has all the chances in the world to finish off the test tomorrow itself. How nice it would be if India also won by an innings and 6 runs!

How to keep Bhajji out of Eden

2010-02-14T00:38:00.001+05:30

Somebody please give him a break

Start Nach Baliye Part - whatever, and make Bhajji participate in it. Make sure the shooting starts tomorrow.
Ask Sreesanth to crack a joke on Bhajji's form. And hope Sreesanth ensures he gets slapped again.
Tell Bhajji that there is new shampoo for men & he has been selected to advertise for it.
Make him eat lots n lots of Puchkas in Kolkata, real spicy ones too.
Make Bhajji believe how important it is to spend his valentine's day with his girl friend - whoever that is - and not playing cricket.
Ask Mishra / Ojha to throw a ball at his gut during practice.

I cannot think of any more. But if anyone can, its always welcome. We need as many ideas as possible to keep Harbhajan Singh out of this match.

Searching for the success formula

2010-02-12T23:49:00.001+05:30

That's what it seems, these two are upto. But where is Bhajji?

What do ya think?!

Dravid's replacement

2010-02-10T22:55:00.000+05:30

After cracking to the pace attack of Steyn, an apt replacement for Dravid is what India needs. How about the man in picture for the job? He has been there before. Only needs to come to this side of the line.

Why India lost?

2010-02-09T22:10:00.000+05:30

What went wrong for India?

The selection? The squad? - Yes

Rohit getting injured 15 min before the match & the replacement Saha? - Yes

Indian bowling? - Yes

Indian batting? - Yes

But this team still had the potential to manage a draw. I didn't see much of India's batting. But seeing the strike rate of most of the batsmen, I can say that they didn't play their natural game. I am still from the old school of thought that a batsman plays his best when he plays his natural game. Someone like Dhoni playing 150 odd balls for a meagre 25 will never succeed. He is an attacking player and should play that way. Badri was playing his first test. And he should definitely be playing his natural game. If India had done that, a draw was definitely on the cards.

But all said and done, we still have one more test to go at Eden. We are not a bad team after just one bad match. Yes, there are lot of things we have to improve upon. But we have the potential to beat the best. And that's what we should be doing at Eden.

Oh Steyn! You beauty!

2010-02-08T22:48:00.000+05:30

It's always so good to see a fast bowler in action. More so when its someone like Dale Steyn - in full flow.

On one hand I'm disappointed at India's batting performance. However on the other, it's wonderful to witness such a great spell of fast bowling. In an era which largely belongs to the batsmen, such bowlers are far and few. These kind of performances just rekindles the love for the game.

West Indies 1 down

2010-02-07T21:47:00.000+05:30

The smile can still remain. A 4-1 score line is still possible. But for how long?

Bowling Blues

2010-02-06T18:52:00.000+05:30

What did Dhoni have for breakfast today? Or did he have any? The day couldn't have been worse for him, can it?

India was already without Dravid and Yuvraj in this series. Add to it an unfit Laxman. And finally when you are all set to go into the match, you find Rohit Sharma injured too. Seeing his stars today, Dhoni will call himself lucky to have 11 fit players for this match.

Still, the first half hour of play belonged to India. With both the SA openers gone for just 6 on board, Dhoni must have felt a little bit easy. But that was not for long. As Kallis & Amla had a wonderful partnership which is still unbroken by the end of day's play. Both of them worked hard till lunch to see to it that no more wickets were lost. And once they were in, the runs started to come. And now with both of them unbeaten with a hundred, South Africa is certain to make a mammoth first innings score.

But today's play was not as much about the great batting of the Saffers as it was about the pathetic show of the Indian bowlers. It can be argued that the pitch didn't have anything in it for the bowlers. That the pitch was dead as a dodo. But the fact still remains that to win a test match, India will have to pick 20 SA wickets in the 5 allotted days.

And talking of Indian bowling, it brings me to the topic of this post, ie, is the Indian bowling good enough to sustain the #1 test ranking?

We have Zaheer Khan as our strike bowler. He is experienced & balls with all his heart. It was he who could give us the two wicket that we got today. However apart from him, we don't have a single bowler who could penetrate the opposition's line up.

After Zaheer, we have Ishant Sharma who looks a shadow of what he was during his tour to Australia. His failures in the limited over versions is affecting his bowling in the tests as well. He doesn't show any fire power to run through any opposition.

Sreesanth made a good comeback against Sri Lanka. But he is back to what he used to be sans his theatrics. Its good he has got rid of his antics on the field. But we need wickets from a bowler. And he is definitely not providing that.

Ashish Nehra still lack the killer instinct needed by a fast bowler. And I doubt whether the oppositions take him seriously enough.

Coming to the spinners, Harbhajjan has lost his touch. He doesn't have his flight anymore. He cannot deceive the batsman in flight. A spinner cannot take wickets by bowling darts, can he?

Mishra and Ojha are not experienced. And with none of the senior bowlers doing well, they don't have anyone to look up to.

Looking at the bench strength, I don't see anyone good enough to be in the Indian team. There are few like Pathan, Tyagi or Mithun. But are they good enough?

Comparing this with our closest opponents SA & Australia, we find that they have atleast 3 bowlers in their line-up who can run through the opposition on their given day. SA have Steyn, Morkel & Parnel. Australia have Johnson, Siddle, Lee & now Harris. Our lack of bowling was also evident against minnows like Bangladesh. Against a strong opposition like SA or Australia, we will definitely suffer.

History has shown us that any team which has been able to dominate test cricket for a long period of time had an effective bowling attack, if not the best attack. And with the present bowling attack, will it be possible for India to maintain their #1 ranking in tests?

160.7

2010-02-06T00:39:00.000+05:30

That's how fast Tait bowled tonight.

Have been wondering how a batsman feels when the ball is hurled at him at that pace?

What goes through his mind?

Is he even able to see the ball for even a fraction of a second? Or does he just puts his bat down using his instincts?

Doesn't he feel like going back for some time till a new bowler comes to bowl?

But who cares! It's nice to see bowlers having some fun after all! Isn't it?!

Rivalry of the next decade

2010-02-05T21:44:00.000+05:30

We may well be seeing a big rivalry developing. It may be the most interesting rivalry of the next decade. And it will definitely give the Indo-Australia rivalry a run for all its money. It can be the rivalry for #1 team in tests between India & South Africa. Read this for more details.

India XI

2010-02-04T19:53:00.001+05:30

So it's only one half days for the so-called World Championship of Cricket. Though there is not much to guess about the Indian XI for the first test, but here is the eleven that I would like to see on the field.

1. Virender Sehwag
2. Gautam Gambhir

Nothing much too discuss when it comes to the Indian opening pair. Well that's a healthy change isn't it? Anyways, a lot depends on these two openers as fas as India's batting is considered. We all know how destructive Sehwag can be if he gets going and how solid Gambhir is in recent times. And they have to live up to all their expectations if India has to bat well. It's very simple. If India has to score big, the openers have to do well.

3. Murali Vijay

With Dravid not playing due to injury, and looking at the Indian squad for the 1st test, Murali Vijay is the only choice for #3. Vijay is an opener and I think #3 should not be a difficult situation for him. Add to it that this will be the first time he is not there just as a mere replacement. He has atleast a couple of tests before him to prove himself. He has had a decent outings in the few tests that he has played. But he would surely love to convert those starts to big 100's in this series. This series is his time to cement his place in the future Indian team sans the Dravid's, Tendulkar's & Laxman's.

4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. S Badrinath

Badri is the new addition to the test squad. Badri has finally got the chance that he has been waiting for all this while. And it might well be his final chance too. And Badri probably knows this. This is what scares me. But for Badri's sake, Idnian cricket's sake and for the sake of all those players who are waiting in the wings to get into the Indian squad, I hope that Badri performs.

6. VVS Laxman / Rohit Sharma
7. MS Dhoni

Rohit Sharma has been called in as a cover for Laxman. This is probably an indication that Laxman may not be in the final XI. And if that is so, we will have another test debutant for India. Some might argue that there are better players of longer version of the game in India. But I feel Rohit has the talent. Only thing is that he needs is to stay in the middle a little longer. And if he does that, he has all the shots in the book to score all those big runs. And for that he needs a chance in the middle. I hope that this series gives him that chance.

8. Amit Mishra

Mishra would be my first choice spinner. Though the chances of this happening is very remote. But seeing how Warne troubled the Saffer's, I would like Mishra to be in the sqaud.

9. Zaheer Khan

India's premier strike bowler, a lot depends on him. The other quicks are not very experienced and have been out of sorts in the last few games. Zakhs will have to provide that extra bit of effort to get India the early break-throughs.

10. Pragyan Ojha

My second spinner. As I have repeatedly said, I would like to see Ojha & Mishra perform together. Bhajji doesn't make my XI. Bhajji is a good bowler. But he has lacked the flight and deception of a spinner in recent times. And that's the reason I would like to see two new, inexperienced but talented spinners against a team which has a bad record against spin.

11. Ishant Sharma

I haven't seen Mithun. Tyagi would mean having 3 debutants in the same test against the #2 side and no experience to go with Zaheer. That's the reason I have Ishant. And I would love to see him bowl at 140+ again.

So now with all set, we now hope for two great games of cricket. Hoping for 10 days of good weather, good pitch & good cricket.

Indian spinners & bench strength

2010-02-02T22:27:00.001+05:30

The Indian cricket team is struggling to find some quality spinners, apart from the guys who are playing. You will find that there is no bench strength as far as spinners are concerned. So definitely the quality of domestic cricket has come down in terms of the bowling department.

I am really not happy with the bowlers I am seeing. I think the quality of bowlers, especially the spinners will definitely be a worrying factor for the Indian team.

This is what VVS Laxman had to say about the bench strength of spinners in India. I coudn't agree completely. Yes, there is probably a dearth of spinners in India right now. Except for Bhajji, Ojha, Mishra & Chawla, I don't hear a lot of names. But the spinners who are playing currently are not that great either. In fact, Mishra & Ojha are probably much better than Bhajji. The way Bhajji has been bowling for the last couple seasons, he has looked anything but a strike bowler for India. Trying out the combination of Mishra & Ojha against SA won't be such a bad idea considering the form of Bhajji.

What is even more depressing is the fact that this coming from a nation which prided itself in producing quality spinners one after another. India is currently #1 in tests. If India ever needed its bowling to be at its best, its now. The teams who have been able to maintain their top spot consistently in tests, have had a great bowling attack to go with their batting.

Going ahead, this is what Laxman had to say about the Indian batting. Agree to him completely here.

I think for any youngster, you have to practice right from the younger days to [play a] long innings. And that's something that I don't see nowadays in the Ranji Trophy. I don't see too many double-hundreds, too many big hundreds. When we started off, there were lot of double-hundreds, not only from the Test cricketers but also domestic cricketers. I would definitely advice them to play long innings in the four-day format. And once they have the temperament, they can adapt to any form of the game.

What makes Afridi Afridi?

2010-02-01T22:49:00.000+05:30

It's not his boom boom batting.

It's not his intelligent (can i call him that?) bowling.

It's not his hair.

It's not even his beard.

It's definitely not his fielding.

It's not his captaincy either.

It's his hunger... Oh no!! Not hunger for runs... not for a victory.. but for the strangest thing possible..

His hunger for the ball!!

Yes, his hunger for cricket ball... which he openly bit into during the match against Australia at Perth.

And on a serious note.. why was he banned for only 2 matches? That is what Dhoni got for a slow over rate isn't it?

Pakistan - Done & Dusted!

2010-01-31T19:12:00.003+05:30

Pakistan should be happy tonight. At last their torture is over. Finally the series down under is over. Yes there is one solitary T20 left. But my guess is Pakistan are much more comfortable playing T20's than ODI's or tests.They would have probably been happier if there were 8 T20's instead of 3 tests & 5 ODI's.

Pakistan would like to forget and forget soon what happened to them in Australia in the last one and a half months. When the world T20 champions landed down under, everyone expected them to perform well. With a new captain and a confident looking team which performed well against Sri Lanka & New Zealand, it was not wrong to expect Pakistan to do well against the Aussies. However, we saw a Pakistani side which couldn't even stand up and give a strong fight.

It all started in Sydney. For me, that is where Pakistan lost the way & the whole series. When you have world's best team on the mat & need only 170-odd runs in the fourth innings, you are expected to win. And if you allow the champ's to bounce back from there and win the test, you know that you are doomed for the rest of the series. After Sydney both Australia & Pakistan were completely different sides than what they were at the start. On the one hand Australia went from strength to strength crushing Pakistan on the way, while Pakistan completely lost their way after that. It seemed that they were there just to complete the formalities. Their players lacked the will to win & perform.

When the ODI's started, there was a small hope for Pakistan. But that soon crashed. Australia improved with each ODI & Pakistan just kept going down the hill. When you have two loses above a 100 runs in 5 ODI's, there is definitely a cause for concern. I hear this is only twice that Pakistan has lost a series 5-0, the other one being under the captaincy of Imran Khan against the West Indies. But what is worse is that there was no fight, not even an attempt to fight.

This series has however has helped the Australian team by leaps & bounds. They have found some amazing young players. More importantly they have found their lost confidence. This Aussies team looks like the Aussie team of 2-3 years back when they had the likes of Warne, McGrath, Hayden & Gilchrist. Its the same confidence & disdain with which they are demolishing their opponents.

What lies in-store for this Pakistani side back home is anybodies guess. MoYo must be counting his last days as captain. The players must be wondering whether they will find a place in the side or not. And with only a few T20 coming up for Pakistan in the next few months, their future certainly looks uncertain.

The solitary T20 coming up this weekend is the last hope for Pakistan to get their maiden win on this tour. A win in the last match on the tour might save them some thrashing back home.

Bring it on, Shiv Sena!

2010-01-30T16:02:00.005+05:30

I really get a sadist pleasure to see someone fall from a height. Not literally ofcourse. But yes from a very high position. I don't know why, but it has been like that for a long time.

You know, the kind of pleasure all of us used to get in school to see a nerd, teacher's pet, a geek come second for a change. And then his theatrics as a reaction to his results.

Something like when all of us used to laugh and make fun of our friend when he got slapped by a girl he proposed.

And ofcourse to see our boss' favorite employee fail miserably in his assignment.

I get a similar feeling to see Shiv Sena attack one celebrity after another to get a hold back on the marathi manoos.

First it was our own Sachin Tendulkar who made India before Mumbai remark. Then Mukesh Ambani. And now its Shah Rukh Khan.

It brings a cruel smile to my face to see sena struggling to maintain their foothold in Mumbai. Its been a high time since that happened. And I am waiting to watch more fun!!

India V South Africa - A preview

2010-01-30T00:55:00.006+05:30

Its only about a week left for the India South Africa test series. Its the #1 vs #2. Well I don't need to go overboard with the marketing of this series. Neo Cricket has done that quite well by roping in stars like Amitabh Bachhan & SRK to advertise the "World Championship of Cricket".

This series was anyways expected to be an exciting one with the top two teams pitched against one another for the top spot in tests. But the recent happenings in both these teams has done nothing but added more drama to this series.

South Africa is going thorough a turmoil with their coach suddenly resigning & their selectors sacked. Their board is undergoing a upheaval. On the other hand the Indian team has few of their major players on the injury list. The thought that both the teams might not be at their best is actually making the series a whole lot interesting.

South Africa has a very good team. They have a very good bowling in Steyn, Morkel, Parnell & Kallis. Harris might also play an important role on the spinner friendly tracks of subcontinent. South Africa's batting depends heavily on Smith, Kallis & DeVilliers. Duminy can be an useful player. However, it seems his form is reserved for tournaments like IPL & CL. If SA lose a couple of early wickets, then their batting looks vulnerable. What stands out in SA team is their fielding. They are amazing catchers & their ground fielding is top class. Their fielding & catching might shift the balance towards them.

India has a strong batting line up. Their overall performance is more or less directly linked with their batting performance. Sehwag & Gambhir are in good form & will have to provide India with a solid start. With the absence of Dravid at #3, it might be Vijay who comes in at 1 down. Vijay has done quiet well in whatever chances he has got. But this time, he will be under more pressure to perform. He will have to handle the pressure of fitting in Dravid's shoe. Laxman is a doubtful starter. And if he is absent, it might be Badri who will come in at #5. Badri will have to perform or this might be his last chance at Indian test team. Also in case of Laxman's absence who will replace Yuvi is a doubt. We may then see India going in with 5 bowlers.

Considering SA's past record against spin and also taking into account the spin friendly pitches of the sub-continent, India might do well to go with 2 spinners. But I would like to see these 2 spinners to be Mishra & Ojha. Bhajji has not done anything recently to deserve a spot in the final XI. Zaheer, Ishant & Tyagi/Mithun might fill in the other 3 bowlers.

What India need to do:

Go in with 2 spinners (Mishra & Ojha i say again). The seamers take a couple of early wickets and then let the spinners finish them off. The catching needs to be very good. Dropping catches against SA might mean dropping matches. The batsmen have to continue the good work they have done in the recent tours against SL & Banga. Tendulkar needs to fire just as he has been doing recently.

What SA needs to do:

Pick up Gauti & Sehwag early. That will be a huge setback for India especially because of the absence of Dravid's experience at #3. Morkel & Steyn need to fire. Their top order needs to give a solid start because if they don't the middle order might come into trouble against the spinners.

What might happen:

I feel the first test is going to be a tough match and might end up in a draw. My intuition is that India might collapse in their first innings against Morkel & Steyn but might still fight in the second innings to salvage a draw. However it will be India throughout in the second.

1-0 to India.

it's just getting worse

2010-01-28T21:09:00.004+05:30

Its getting worse for the IPL! Or is it?!

First it was the auction. The Pak players were snubbed.

Then the whole world slammed IPL.

Then the Indian govt itself slammed IPL.

IPL then tried to sort things out by opening a "window" for Pak players.

Razzak was signed by DC who later refused. Rumours are Razzaq id now going to KKR.

There are players like Afridi who don't want to join IPL anymore.

It really looks like it cannot get any worse.

Is it really?!

Well... its free publicity for Lalit Modi's IPL isn't it? It might all play into the hands of Modi..

Lets wait n watch!!

Somethings never change!!!!

2010-01-27T21:44:00.001+05:30

This is the performance of our strike bowler in the just concluded test...

1st innings: 18.5-3-48-1-2.54
2nd innings: 26-7-75-1-2.88

And this is the performance of a bowler who played for him in the first test when he was not available.

1st innings: 16.2-2-66-3-4.04
2nd innings: 22.2-3-92-4-4.11

Add to it a 50 in the second innings....

Yet Harbhajan came in for Amit Mishra....!

Some things really never change!

Pakistan players or not - leave it to the franchisee!

2010-01-24T21:21:00.001+05:30

IPL has always been full of drama. Whether it is the T20 format, the players, the bollywood stars, the slaps or the auctions, IPL has never been short of drama. Then how can IPL III be left behind. IPL III auction has itself created quite a stir.

The franchises choosing not to bid for Pakistan players have created quite a controversy. But then, isn’t it the franchises’ choice whom to buy or not?

I agree that the absence of players from Pakistan will really take away some charm from IPL. Pakistan is no doubt the T20 world champions and they have few really exciting players in this format. But the choice to bid for them is totally the franchises’. If the franchises are not sure about the Pakistan players, so be it. Let them not bid for them.

It is also true that the presence of Pakistan players would require more security at certain locations in India. And the franchises may not be in a position to provide that kind of security. Also it is out of BCCI’s capability to provide the security. Hence if the franchises are hesitant to bid for Pakistan players, they are totally right in doing so.

Let’s not make this small thing into another India-Pakistan political issue. We will definitely miss the Pakistani players in IPL. But there is the world cup & future IPL’s. We will definitely get to see lot more of Pakistan players. So let’s wait for it.

Deccan Chargers Vs Kings XI Punjab

2009-05-17T23:09:00.000+05:30

Wow! What a match!! What a thriller of a match!

As the IPL is reaching its final stages we are seeing much more close matches. All the matches coming down to the wire, the last over, the last ball.. it just makes IPL so much more interesting to watch! With the semifinal spots so wide open, all the teams are now getting desparate. And what entertainment this is providing the fans!

Today's match between Deccan Chargers & Kings XI was no exception. The Kings had to win to keep their hopes alive in the tournament. For Deccans a win would have sealed their spot in the semis.

The match had everything. And finally it took the Kings two quick wickets from Pawar, another hat-trick from Yuvi & a fantastic last over from Pathan to snatch a win in the last ball of the match.

Like yesterday, it was left to Rohit Sharma to bring Deccans to victory. And he almost did so.. two days in a row. The over of Mota set the tone & Sharma brought it to 11 of the last 6. And when he hit a four in the last over, it was all but over for the Kings. But guess it was too much to ask of Sharma two days in a row. The Deccans faltered and eventually lost by one run!

Earlier in the day, Yuvi took his second hat-trick of the tournament. What a feat. And he took the wickets of Gibbs, Symo & Rao. Three biggies!!! He must be seriously thinking of turning into a full time spinner after his horrible performance with the bat!

Speaking of wickets, what was the third umpire thinking when he gave symo out? Was he drunk? Is he blind? How could anyone not see the bails fall off? The wicket probably cost Deccans the match.

Kings still have a chance to make it to the semis. They have one more match left with Chennai & they will have to win it too. Deccans are almost there in the semis, but they need one more win to seal their spot.

With the tournament still wide open, there are still much more fireworks expected!!!

Its Do or Die!!!

2009-05-16T17:12:00.002+05:30

Its a do or die match for Mumbai. They have to win this if they want to stay alive in the tournament. They have to get everything right today to win against Chennai who are really looking good lately.

As i have been pointing out lately, Mumbai is really messing up with their batting line-up. And they did so today also. Whoever is the decision maker on the batting line-up, I wanna ask what's the logic behind not opening with Jayasurya & Sachin in every match? They are the regular openers and are the best batsmen of the team. Still...

The start as usual was not good. Bravo falling early. Jayasurya though was looking good. But then just as he was looking to open up, he was sent back by Tyagi. Tendulkar was not looking comfortable during his brief stay at the crease. Its upto Duminy & Nayar now. They are playing good.

With two more overs to go, Mumbai should try for atleast 20 more runs. Anything less than 150 will be easy for Chennai.

How did Mumbai lose?

2009-05-16T01:50:00.000+05:30

How could Mumbai lose it from there?

Guess it was 6 runs required from 9 balls with four wickets in hand. Nayar was going great guns!! But still !!!!

What a match it was... Amazing last over from Munaf sealed it for RR's. But the batting from MI were also pathetic. Nayar coming down the track unneccesarily when only 6 runs were required. And three wickets in the last over for just one run!! Two of them run outs!!! Really silly from Mumbai.

But it all started with the Mumbai batting line up.. Sending Bravo & Takawale ahead of Sachin & Jayasurya was a sheer blunder. 3 top wickets were royally wasted by Mumbai.

If Mumbai has to have any hopes of reaching the semis now ( I don't know whether they have any left or not), they will have to get their batting line up right. Sachin & Jayasurya to open. Rahane at # 3, Duminy at 4 followed by Bravo & Nayar. Hope Mumbai doesn't mess it up again tomorrow!!

Why Mumbai... Why?

2009-05-14T23:10:00.000+05:30

Mumbai, it seems, is hell bent on screwing what-so-ever chances it has of making it to the semis.

You have a certain Mr. Sanath Jayasurya in your team. You have a certain Mr. Sachin Tendulkar in your team. Which team in this whole world would then open with Dwayne Bravo & some Yogesh Takawale? It might have worked once against Punjab.. but that doesn't mean it will every time.

Guess if Mumbai is remotely thinking of going through to the semis, then they will have to stick to their original batting order.

Yusuf Pathan at #3?

2009-05-14T21:33:00.003+05:30

Is 3 or 4 the correct position for Yusuf Pathan?

I really don't think so.. Yusuf Pathan is a dasher. He can come in and hit some really big shots. He can help you with 20-25 odd runs in a couple of overs. But not more than that. Yusuf hence should always be sent lower down the order to play the last few overs. Yusuf is a hitter & not a batsman. And he should be treated like one. I feel Warne & RR are doing a big mistake by sending him at the top again & again.

What's wrong Mumbai???

2009-05-12T22:22:00.003+05:30

What was Bravo doing coming in at 2?

You have Sanath Jayasurya in your team. You have Sachin Tenculkar in your team. And you send Dwayne Bravo to open for you? Something is terribly wrong!!!!

Mumbai has been winning their matches when they have a proper batting line-up. And with the match almost in their bag after a fantastic performance with the ball, such a move is nothing but losing from the jaws of victory.

Ironically, as I write this Bravo just hits Appam for a massive SIX!!! What a shot!!!! And another one!!!! Whoa!!!

What does KKR do?

2009-05-12T22:03:00.000+05:30

What does KKR do now?

They scored 173, their best score byfar in this IPL.

Their captain finally came good and played like we are used to seeing him.

They even got some good BRC wickets early on.

How could they still lose?

Well... nothing is going right for KKR this season. They have played some horrible cricket. They have lost some close matches which could have gone either way. There has been some controversies surrounding them. But today, when they finally looked like winning a match, something horribly went wrong.

With todays loss, KKR has completely lost it this year. I hope someone just tells them to go.

Mumbai keep their hopes alive

2009-05-10T21:08:00.000+05:30

Mumbai Indians won their encounter against the Bangalore Royal Challengers today to keep their hopes in IPL II still alive. It was a game they had to win and they did so really well.

The start was not so good as they lost Sachin Tendulkar for a duck! Jayasurya was looking good during his 29 odd runs but a bad decision forced his exit. But that was all the BRC bowlers could manage.

Ajinkya Rahane, who came in at no #3 looked good. Playing alongside Duminy he played with control and gave good company to Duminy. Duminy has looked good throughout the tournament. But he could never finish the game for Mumbai. I think he has learnt from his previous mistakes as he played the anchor's role to perfection today. With both Duminy & Rahane scoring good half centuries, Mumbai Indians scored a competitive 157.

The BRC chase never came on track as they kept on losing regular wickets. They didn't have any sorts of partnership ever & once Dravid got run out, they were almost out of the game. Taylor & Boucher tried hard, but their efforts were too little too late.

Uthappa has been given too many chances now and his performance has always been found wanting. Also with Boucher in the side, there is no need for his keeping skills as well. I feel Uthappa must be rested for a few games and someone like Goswami should be given a chance. Virat Kohli has also disappointed. Being the world cup winning U-19 captain, much was expected of him. But his performace has been found wanting.

Mumbai Indians till today had experimented a lot with their line-ups. They had jumbled their batting order, they had chopped & changed their players a lot. But they got their balance right today. They also got right their batting order. And with Rahane firing, they found a good #3 who could control the side if one of the top 2 departs early. If Mumbai Indians keep this side throughout the tournament, they might just peep into the semis. But for this they will have to keep playing well consistently. And with Duminy & other middle order batsmen firing, they might just do it!

The hugs are back... and so are the Kings...

2009-05-10T00:08:00.003+05:30

The Preity hugs were missing throughout the tournaments.. And Kings XI Punjab were also not playing well...

But everything changed today... Bret Lee was back into the side.. He won it for them in the end.. The Preity hugs were back.. And the Kings looked a happy bunch out there..

Beware teams... the Kings are back!!!

Talking about kings, the Super Kings are back to the top of the table. After a shaky start in the second season of IPL, they are back on track.. and with Haydos & Raina in superb form, they do look good to lift the trophy this time.

Yuvraj & Kingsmead...

2009-05-01T22:58:00.004+05:30

Yuvraj Singh & Kingsmead surely have an affair going on.. And what an affair it is!! The two cannot remain without each other it seems....!!!

The affair started back during the T20 world cup when Yuvi hit 6 sixes in an over. His love making continued today as he took a hat-trick against Royal Challengers.

This was the first hat-trick of this years IPL and surprisingly the honours goes to Yuvraj.

Kings XI have two more matches at this venue. So Yuvi will definitely be looking forward for his dates with Kingsmead. Go Yuvi!!! Looks like you have finally found your love.... and this one doesn't seem to leave you stranded!!!!

BTW.. his victroy run was interesting!!!

Kolkata go down again...

2009-05-01T20:11:00.004+05:30

Kolkata Knight Riders have lost another match today.. against Mumbai Indians. As I see it they are already out of this tournament. There's no way they can come out of this shit!

They have played 7 matches in all and won only one (and that was a rain curtailed match). Their team lacks the spirit, purpose and intensity to win matches. Just have a look at their body language on the ground and you would realise how much they don't want to be there.

Sadly for the team, their downfall started even before the team took off for SA. It was the controversy surrounding the four captains theory. Then Ganguly was dropped as captain and replaced by McCullum. And then came the Fake Player.. So you see.. nothing has been going well for KKR this season. They have a coach, owner, captain & an icon player all on different boats.. tryin to make the ship sail. And they are failing miserably.

Though they are improving with every match, but they are still a very long way to go to even think of not being placed last by the end of the tournament. And to top it all their only sort-of-in-form player Chris Gayle is leaving them. So theres worse time waiting for KKR as of now.

Their owner has left them high and dry in the middle of the tournament. Well did he have any other choice? His team was not performing and he could not do anything about it either. Infact its probably good that he is not there to give his brilliant ideas to the team..

I think IPL-II is over for the KKR's. And SRK must be already looking for a bakra to sell off his team to... What else does he do anyways???

Mumbai Indians Vs Deccan Chargers

2009-04-25T20:13:00.000+05:30

It was Mumbai Indians Vs Deccan Chargers today at IPL.

Deccan batted first & what a start they had. Adam Gilchrist is in some form. He is playing as if he never ever retired. He has given fantastic starts in all the 3 games that they have played. Giving him good support is the Saffer Gibbs. After the start, they were looking good to reach 180-190 runs in their 20 overs. However, a good last few overs by Mumbai Indians and a few foolish incidents by Deccan Chargers restricted them to 168. However, a target of 169 was always a good target to defend, esp if you can take few early wickets.

Mumbai had a bad start losing Jayasurya for only 1 run. But Tendulkar & JP played well and brought Mumbai back into the game... Though only till the strategic time out. Tendulkar who was looking awesome till the break was the first victim. After he went MI never looked like winning again. One after another each of their wickets kept falling. There was some hope for them when Bhajji tried to hit some over the ropes. But that was too late and too little. Finally MI fell 12 runs short.

I think it was not so much about the deccan bowling which brought about the downfall of MI. But it was the 7 and a half minute break which was the main culprit... Sachin & JP were going great guns when the break happened. They were going at just the right pace. But what a timing for the break. Sachin goes only 4 balls after the break. And others follow. But then thats the new thing about IPL-2.. Can'e help it. Its Mr. Modi's idea and nothing can be done about it. Just hope that ICC doesn't include this in their rules.

Is it the spinner's IPL?

2009-04-20T22:55:00.004+05:30

The spinners are playing an important role in IPL II.

First it was Shane Warne, then came Anil Kumble, then Vettori & now its Murali's turn. Guess its spinners IPL this time.

On another note: Dravid is carrying BRC's team again. What say Mr. Mallya?

West Indian Peace Pact

2009-04-19T21:57:00.000+05:30

Did any one notice the words exchanged between Fidel Edwards & Chris Gayle during their IPL match?

What could Gayle have said?

Probably ... " You don't get me out, I won't hit you." The Great West Indian Peace Pact??

Anyways doesn't look like it was needed. The Chargers are charged enough to rock the KnightRiders!!!

How short can it get?

2009-04-19T18:33:00.003+05:30

T20 was started with the idea of cricket consuming less time. So that people could finish their day's work and still watch a complete match at night. But then the word 'short' should have some boundaries. To reduce a 20 over match to 14 and then again reducing it to 12?? What's the minimum number of overs required to have a valid T20 match?

Also when a match is already reduced because of rain, why do we need the tactical break? What's strategy gotta do in 12 overs? Isn't slam-bang the only way to go?

Mallya's Test team does it for him...

2009-04-19T00:11:00.000+05:30

Dr Vijay Mallya's wrath was all over the Bangalore team last year. Charu Sharma was sacked, Rahul Dravid's credibility in T20 format was questioned. His team was called the test team.

But their comprehensive win against the defending champions Rajasthan Royals came because of these so called 'Test Players'.

It was Rahul Dravid whose innings of 60 odd runs took BRC to their score of 134 runs. If it was not for him, BRC would have finished much below 100 and the RR's would have then won comfortably. Dravid batted well according to the situation. He played the sheet anchors role to perfection as he has done over the years for India.

Another 'Test Player' - Anil Kumble took a fiver to finish off the RR innings quickly. He was as accurate as ever and didn't give anything to the batsmen. What a performance from a bowler who has retired from international cricket almost 5 months back.

So Mr. Mallya, what's your opinion about these test players now?

Another point to be noted is that, Rahul Dravid hit another SIX in this match. Now what is happening to Rahul Dravid? Is he re-identifying himself? Whatever, its nice to see him score runs in all formats again!!!

IPL II: Mubai Vs Chennai

2009-04-18T20:04:00.000+05:30

Continuing with their good batting, MI had a good time in the field too. Chennai lacked a partnership required to make a good chase. MI kept picking up wickets at regular intervals. The only partnership that Chennai had was between Hayden & Flintoff (quite a surprising one). But once they were out, it was always difficult for Chennai to win.

The difference between the Mumbai & Chennai innings was the last 5 overs. Mumbai managed to make 60 runs in the last 5, while chennai hardly managed any.

Winning moment for Mumbai: Abhishek Nayar scoring 23 runs in one Flintoff over. Abhishek Nayar's innings of 35 in just 14 balls turned the game in the favour of Mumbai.

IPL II Kicks off...

2009-04-18T18:18:00.000+05:30

What an amazing start to IPL Season 2. What better to start off a cricket tournament than having the GOD himself in prime form.

Chennai won the toss & put Mumbai Indians in. Sachin & Jayasurya started the first innings of IPL II. But MI never got away. The decision to feild first was looking like a really good one till the first fifteen overs. But once Abhishek Nayar came to the crease, he changed all that. He took 23 runs off a Flintoff over hitting him for three big sixes. Mumbai Indians finished well by scoring 166 runs in alloted 20 overs. MI must be happy with this score. Its a competitive score and one which the MI didnt look like reaching till the last 2 overs.

The highlight of the MI innings was the innings of Sachin Tendulkar. He played some really amazing shots, typical of the master himself. He anchored the MI innings well & helped them reach a competitive score. If Tendulkar continues to play the way he is, MI definitely stands a chance to win this tournament.

The new rule which is introduced in this IPL is the in between innings break. But there was another 10 minute break when a dog decided that he should be included in the CSK team. It took the guards 10 minutes to convince it to get out of the ground.

Meanwhile the CSK innings has already started. And Parthiv Patel falls as I write this. Well CSK is already in trouble. Go Mumbai Go!!!!

Sachin Tendulkar at Madame Tussads

2009-04-13T20:36:00.000+05:30

Sachin Tendulkar at Madame Tussads...

Another Wall in the making...

2009-03-30T22:32:00.000+05:30

The 2nd test between India & New Zealand may have ended in a draw. But India probably found their 2nd Wall in the making today at Napier.

It was a good ol' days test inning from Gautam Gambhir. He battled the New Zealand bowlers, he battled time & most importantly he battled his own mind.

Since the fag end of day 3 to late day 5, he batted and batted and batted and batted. He didn't go after the wide deliveries from the spinners. He didn't go down the track to pacers. He stayed there and waited and waited. There were a few scoring shots here & there which eventually took him to a century.

Probably this innings of Gambhir is the biggest positive for Indian cricket on this tour. Now we know that Gambhir is not only a talented opener who can score big runs. But he can stay there and sweat it out when needed. Hence there was no surprise when Sehwag said this:

I think Gautam played an innings of a lifetime. I can say that because hardly any player plays for almost 11 hours nowadays. He is the one who saved the game for us. I think we can call him the second Wall of the Indian cricket team. This one comes from north.

Dravid hits a Six!

2009-03-29T19:22:00.000+05:30

Have a look at this..

Have a look really nicely.. You don't see it often.. Infact, it has happened only 14 times before.

Rahul Dravid hit a six today. He has done it only 14 times before today. Don't know whether he will do it again. But who cares? Just enjoy his 15th six in test cricket!

Sehwag against spinners!

2009-03-28T21:50:00.000+05:30

I totally concur with this article....

Sehwag does think that spinners have no right to exist.. esp the ones who are yet to establish themselves. He probably thinks every ball has to go beyond the boundary. What else could explain his dismissals in both the innings of 2nd test.

Hope he learns from these two innings & produces a masterclass in the third.

New Zealand's got India in trouble...

2009-03-27T18:09:00.003+05:30

After 5 ODI's & a test, NZ's got something to cheer about!!

NZ finally looks like giving India a fight. Six hundred odd runs and 3 Indian wickets by the end of the day does put India into a spot of bother. And NZ might really fancy a chance of winning. But then, the pitch is still dead with nothing in it. And the Indian batsmen are in good form.

For India, the fate of this match rests solely in Tendulkar & Dravid. Tendulkar made a glorius century in the previous match & Dravid made a good sixty odd runs. Both will have to score big for India to save this match.

The first hour tomorrow will be crucial. NZ will come all out to get as many wickets as they can. For India, even a single wicket can cost them the match. Also MSD is missing from their lineup & Karthik is not a Dhoni. So India also lacks the depth in this match.

It will be an interesting first hour of play tomorrow. Dravid & Tendulkar will have to use all their experiences tomorrow to save India.

BTW.. had gone into a self imposed hibernation.. Its good to be back!!!!!!!!

Three greats of Modern Day Cricket

2008-12-26T21:58:00.008+05:30

Three greats of Modern Day Cricket.

Having the worst times of their career.

Rahul Dravid.

Scores a century against England.

Jacques Kallis.

Batted & bowled well against Australia.

Ricky Ponting.

Scores a century against Saffers.

Are these greats back to their old form?

Or, is it their final few performances before they bid adieu to international cricket?

Finally, South Africa beats Australia

2008-12-21T19:03:00.004+05:30

It took them 9 years to get over this. I don't think anything will change the Saffers as this match did.

Will today's victory against Australia be another turning point in their cricket history?

Welcome Back Rahul

2008-12-20T21:29:00.000+05:30

The test didn't start too well for India. Losing the hero of the last test only after 3 balls was quite a huge setback. Then in came the batsman for whom a situation like this is a daily routine. For he has come in a similar situation more times than he himself can remember. In came the "wall" of Indian cricket.

He has many times come in when India were 2 down in the first few overs. But in recent times that second wicket was his.

But on this day at Mohali, he had to play like he used to. The Indian team wanted a big innings from him. His supporters needed it. His country needed it. But more than anyone he needed it himself. And how he delivered.

His 136 may not be one of his best. It may not be one of his most flamboyant. Not one where he has looked completely dominating and in control. It was one of those scratchy innings where going was tough. The conditions were tough. Runs were not easy to come. But he stood there. He waited and waited and waited even more. Finally the runs came. The timing came back. The shots came back. And the smile came back too.

Welcome back Rahul... Welcome back among the runs....

"Captain Injure-ious"

2008-12-16T21:43:00.003+05:30

Which one is better?

Kevin Peterson with a broken rib or some fully fit Englishman?

I think its the later. Moreso when the rib was broken 3 weeks back & is still not healed.

Then why did KP have to play with his ribs broken?

Or is it that the English cannot play without KP?

India Shining!!!

2008-12-15T22:43:00.003+05:30

This Indian team can achieve anything.

She has forgotten how to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

She wants to win every game.

She is not scared of anybody.

She is not afraid to give eye for an eye.

She can be down, but is never out.

She is the new India.

She is MSD's India

She is 'India Shining'.

Who would have thought India would have scored this record breaking win after being down for more than 3 days?

Who would have thought they would have won chasing a target of 387 on a 5th day pitch in India?

But then again, this is India Shining.

Go India go!!! Be the best in every form of the game. The world is all yours to conquer.

Spare a thought for the English. Its due to them that these tests has been possible. And what a match they have produced. Its them who set it all up.

Thank You England!!!

The Lord has done his job, its upto the God's now.

2008-12-14T22:08:00.003+05:30

For most of 3 1/2 days, England were on top.

They set us a target of 386. They would have been feeling really comfortable. And they had good reasons for that.

No body has chased so much in 4th innings in India. No body has ever chased even 200 in the fourth innings at Chennai. And then its India, probably one of the worst chasers in cricket.

But they forgot 'Vir-Gati'. More importantly they forgot Sehwag.

And Sehwag chose the occasion to come good. It was like the Lord himself decided to come down on earth & save us from the evil.

83 from 68 deliveries. And its a test match remember? And its fourth innings.

Sehwag has given India more than just hope to win this match. Who would have ever thought India will be in this position after 3 days of English domination?

Now its upto the rest of the 9 wickets to ensure that we don't lose it from here. Gambhir, SRT, VVS, MSD all have to play normally to get a win. I hope it doesn't go down to MSD.

What India needs is level headed batting. No dashing. No exaggerated aggression. No flamboyant innings. Just plain, safe, simple batting. Cool, calm & composed batting. As I write this, I remember Dravid. Just like he used to play. All the qualities of his batting. How we need him tomorrow. Only if he can play like he used to...

Viru has laid the foundation. The middle order has to build on this to make a monument of our victory. All the best to India.

India in trouble in first test.

2008-12-13T22:20:00.000+05:30

After a 5-0 drubbing in the ODI's & then a tour which was almost called off, England finally seem to have got the hang of India.

After 3 days of first test, England are in the drivers seat.

England have a lead of 240 odd runs & are still left with 7 wickets in hand. They are in a good position to set India a high target of around 350 and then bowl India out to win.

India needs to take quick wickets tomorrow. 3-4 quick wickets. They should not allow the lead to cross 300. Otherwise it will become really tough for Indian batsmen.

India totally depends on Sehwag & Gambhir for their batting. We have two batsmen who are not expected to play any role in the 2nd innings. Its Dravid & Yuvi. Sehwag & Gambhir can give a good start. But if they fail, a lot depends on the trio of SRT, VVS & MSD. A big lead for England can spell doom for this batting lineup of India.

The whole of India expects something out of the box from MSD. Will he deliver tomorrow?

I have had enough!!

2008-11-30T20:59:00.000+05:30

I have had enough!

England pull out as Mumbai comes under attack.

2008-11-27T12:44:00.003+05:30

It is unimaginable terror in Mumbai.

Its the first Fidayeen style attack in India.

The terrorists are going on a firing spree on roads and other public places.

They have already killed many policemen, which includes three senior & important officers.

They have shot innocent civilians.

They have entered two best hotels in Mumbai and held many people from several countries hostage.

They are so well equipped that they are able to sustain themselves against Indian army, RAF, NSG forces for more than 14 hours.

Still they managed to enter somehow.

They are driving around the city in police vans & cars and shooting innocent people.

Its the first time the share market in India has closed down due to terrorist attacks.

Heck! they have been successful in closing down the life of Mumbai. I have never seen Mumbai coming almost to a stand still.

Its the first time I was in a place of attack just hours before the attack took place. It all looked so mormal. Cannot believe it will turn in to a place of massacre just few hours later.

The fallout of this is that England have cancelled their tour.

But I don't care. Its not cricket thats in my mind now.

What I want to know is that can I travel in Mumbai without thinking about my life?

Can I go to any where in India without worrying about my life?

Is it not high time that all of us wake up and start doing something?

Is it not time we make India liveable again?

Ganguly set to join BCCI.

2008-11-20T22:41:00.002+05:30

Sourav Ganguly is set to join BCCI. He is joining the technical committee of BCCI, which forms the rules & regulations for all the international & domestic tournaments in India. This committee is headed by Sunil Gavaskar. When I first read this news, it came as a shocker. I thought of Ganguly as a future commentator, or may be having his own academy. But Ganguly joining BCCI was really surprising. He has had many spats with several members of BCCI. And to join the same group so soon.. its really surprising. Anyways hope its all for good of Indian Cricket. Ganguly has a good cricket acumen and a lot of experience. This can go a long way to help Indian cricket. Read the whole story here.

What do you do with Yuvraj?

2008-11-18T22:54:00.000+05:30

What do you do with him?

He came in to the international scene with a bang.

He promised a lot.

But then started to fade away.

Everytime he has made a comeback, he has shown promise only to fail later.

He was once considered to be the Yuvraj to the Maharaj of Indian Cricket.

Now the Maharaj has gone. India is searching for the Yuvraj who can become the Maharaj.

Is Yuvraj Singh that Yuvraj?

How do you solve this mystery called Yuvraj Singh?

Competitiveness with a sense...

2008-11-14T11:33:00.000+05:30

You have to be competitive to win. To be the best in whatever you do. You cannot expect success without having the competitive spirit in you. And this is most apt when we are talking about sports.

We have seen the fighiting spirit of our cricketers. They will keep on fighting against all odds & still try to win. This is what makes cricket or any sport for that matter interesting.

But this spirit should not come at the cost of the teams cause.

We have seen Anil Kumble come out with a bandaged face and bowl. But then he succeded in picking up Lara.

However, more recently when he got hurt while fielding, he decided to quit and not hamper teams cause.

The same applies to current match going on between England & India.

Yuvraj Singh is hurt. He is clearly in pain. He has hurt his back somehow and he is definitely struggling to bat. But he is still continuing.

Wouldn't it be better for the team if Yuvi retires?

We have Dhoni, Yusuf Pathan & RS who can still hit the big ones. Then why does Yuvi still need to be there?

Yuvi can go back and get himself treated. This will be better for him & India both for this match & for the whole series. We don't want Yuvi to get injured and sit out the rest of the series.

Then why isn't sense prevailing and why is he not going back?

And as i write this Yuvi scores a SIX & a FOUR... Thankfully a runner has come out. And he hits another SIX!!!

Has Yuvi read this already??

The Game is on...

2008-11-13T19:49:00.000+05:30

Its India vs England, the first ODI tomorrow in Rajkot.

Its Dhoni Vs KP, probably two most vibrant captains in world cricket today.

Its Indian batsmen Vs the English bowlers.

Indians are fresh from their 2-0 victory against Australia in tests last week.

England lost the Multi million $ Stanford Series and were thrashed by Mumbai in their tour game.

The momentum surely lies with India.

But Indians are known to get complacent very fast.

Indians are challenging the top spot in both tests & ODI's. But if they lose to England they will only be known to play well against Australians.

England are also a good ODI team. Especially after KP has become captain. They are the 3rd ranked team in ODI's and they will surely be looking to close in on SA.

Both teams have a lot at stake and it will be tightly contested series.

Off topic: This was my 100th post. Would like to thank all my readers for making this possible. Hope you all will continue to support me as always.

Somebody please explain...

2008-11-12T23:46:00.000+05:30

Somebody please explain the new rule of batsmen deciding the 2nd or 3rd powerplay?

Do they decide the timing of both the powerplays?
What if the fielding side wants to take the 2nd/3rd power play & the batsman refuses?
Whose decision is given first priority? Batsmen or fielding side?
Who decides from the batting team? The on-field batsmen or the captain or any one?

Please guys!!! Clarify?

Why Dravid?

2008-11-09T16:04:00.000+05:30

Why Dravid... at #3... again?

India had a good start. Sehwag & Vijay had given a start that India had hoped for. They played at around 4 an over. The tempo was with India. All they needed was carry on that momentum.

Then why Dravid at #3?

Dravid has been completely out of form in this series. Infact his form has been dismal since the Sri Lankan series. Then why send a man completely out of form when you need to accelerate. Its not that there was no other option. There was Laxman who is in prime form. There was Ganguly who is in good form & who likes to play against spinners. And then there was the captain himself.. Dhoni.

But it was Dravid who came in at #3.

And it allowed Australians to get back into the match. The tempo shifted. The Australians got an upper hand. And then the wickets started to fall.

At tea India were definitely staring down at defeat. Good that Dhoni & Bhajji have got India out of that situation now.

Fourth Test; Day three; 'New Age Cricket'???

2008-11-08T23:16:00.000+05:30

The most talked about thing about today's play is the tactics used by Dhoni.

Dhoni started the day with extremely one-sided field. He started off with 8-1 off-side field and continued with it for a long time.

His idea was to let Australia take the lead and try to win.

India are already leading the series 1-0. All Dhoni has done is taken out Australia out of the match. India still has a chance to win. But Australia are almost out of the match. With it their chances of retaining the B-G trophy also has gone down the drain.

When Australia came out to bat today it was clear that they will have to score well and fast to give themselves enough time to bowl out India again; something which they haven't done in the entire series. But instead they scored at their slowest best in the series. The field placing may be a reason. But Australia never looked like taking the attack to the Indians. It was as if they had already surrendered before they had come out to bat. It was as if they were playing for a draw since the day started.

For India the tactics worked well. May be the Aussies didn't lose wickets in the first session. But by the end of the day it was clear that Australia had lost both time & wickets. They are now almost out of the match and only a good batting performance in the 4th innings can save them the match.

The tactics used by Dhoni today has come under a lot of discussion. Critics have been really sceptic of India using this kind of a field. It has been termed as defensive and India has been accused of not trying to win and only trying to pretect their 1-0 lead. There have been people saying that ICC should try and implement rules which will prevent this from happening again.

I have two things to say about this.

First, India have used this kind of tactics have been rarely used by India. Its the first time in this series. Other teams have used similar defensive tactics and termed it as 'New Age Cricket'. We have seen such tactics of drying out of runs to frustrate batsmen implemented earlier by other teams. It was then termed as a new tactic and a new smart way of playing cricket. When India did the same why is it defensive and why it should not be done again?

Second, it might look as if India did not try to win this match. But neither did Australia. India were already in a commanding position after the first 2 days. It was Australia who had to win this match and take the lead in doing so. But the strategy used by Australians didn't have any hint of a winning intent. Wasn't Australia the only team in the series who were always trying to win? And now it is India who have a chance to win this test. Unless a dramatic 3rd innig batting collapse occurs tomorrow there is no way India will lose this one. Australia have almost zero chance of winning this match. Hence all Dhoni was trying to do was to make sure that if there is a result its in India's favour. I don't see anything wrong in that. Then why the hype?

India have to look to win tomorrow. Sehwag will have to fire. Ganguly might be promoted up the order to give him ample oppurtunity to score a ton.

Whatever, India must protect itself from the clutches of Krejza. It is unacceptable to give him any more wickets.

The outcome of this match will depend a lot on the way India bats tomorrow. After Australia, its their time to call the shots.

Krejza gets a five-for

2008-11-07T12:38:00.001+05:30

Crazy game cricket is.

And people like Krejza make it even more crazier.

How else could you explain his five-for?

How often do you see a bowler getting thrashed for 200+ runs in an innings and he is still the highest wicket taker in that innings?

Its your test Krejza!! Live it up!!!

Krejza finishes with 8 wickets!!!

One heck of a match for this youngster!!! Why didn't Australia bring him on earlier???

Finally...

2008-11-06T16:10:00.001+05:30

Finally Sachin completes his hundred.

He has been playing well throughout the series. A score of 67 & 88 suggests that. But the 100 eluded him.

He has got it here. And how!!

74.4 Krejza to Tendulkar, FOUR, And he gets it. Hundred no 40. And has a big smile as Ganguly comes across to congratulate. It was a short delivery and Tendulkar cut it through backward point. The helmet is off, the bat is held high, he looks up to the skies and the dressing room celebrates.

This might be his 40th ton. But his nervousness during 90's suggested its his first. 11 deliveries to score 1 run!!!

Whatever, congrats Sachin on another memorable ton. May you get a lot more.

Krejza's Krazzy Debut...

2008-11-06T12:52:00.005+05:30

This was the first over in international cricket for Jason Krejza..

12.1
Krejza to Vijay, no run, floated on the off stump line, defended back down the track
12.2
Krejza to Vijay, no run, leans forward to push to the off side
12.3
Krejza to Vijay, 1 run, leans forward, taps a flighted delivery to mid-off and rushes across for a single
12.4
Krejza to Sehwag, FOUR, There goes Sehwag. Left leg out and he thrashes the flighted delivery over the bowler's head. Oh he is going after the debutant. Cruel man.
12.5
Krejza to Sehwag, SIX, And again. A forward stride. Furious swing of the bat. Blink. The ball disappears over long-on.
12.6
Krejza to Sehwag, no run, and beaten. Nice one Krejza. It was floated outside off, Sehwag tried to push it to the off side and the ball went past the edge and bad hands - Brad Haddin - clanged it.

Then he did this...

18.4
Krejza to Dravid, OUT, Dravid continues to run dry. Gone for a duck. Jason Krejza gets his first wicket. It was quite a regulation off break. It turned in slightly from outside off stump and some extra bounce and Dravid jabbed it to short leg. His poor run continues. Congrats Jason. Enter SRT.
R Dravid c Katich b Krejza 0 (2b 0x4 0x6) SR: 0.00

Rahul Dravid out to Krejza for a duck?? What's wrong with you Rahul?

Then Krejza did this...

22.3
Krejza to Sehwag, OUT, And Krejza gets the biggie: Sehwag is bowled. It turned in from outside off stump, Sehwag went back to try play a late cut and edged it on to his off stump. Jason Krejza has his second wicket. VVS walks in to bat in his 100th Test.
V Sehwag b Krejza 66 (69b 9x4 1x6) SR: 95.65

You too Sehwag?

Is Krejza riding his luck or he was Ponting's trump card, which he decided to play in the last match?

Update:

Krejza gets Laxman out too.

Krejza now has 3 wickets. Wonder what he had for breakfast? I am sure even Punter didn't expect this.

Update 2:

Krejza finishes the day with a figure of 28-1-138-3.

If only Sehwag had stayed on...

Fourth Test at Nagpur, what to expect?

2008-11-05T23:40:00.003+05:30

What could happen in Nagpur?

No one knows...

Its a totally new pitch. No body knows how it will behave. Whether it will be a green top like last time or it will be dust bowl?? No body can predict.

Gautam Gambhir is the man-in-form for India. But he is also the man-out-of-the-match. Its another debate whether his exclusion was a well thought out plan by the Aussies.

His replacement M Vijay is .... well I haven't seen him.. So not able to comment.

Harbhajan says he is fit to play. Hence he will replace Kumble. India missed him in Delhi. His inclusion can give India a boost in bowling which they clearly lacked in Delhi.

Good thing for India is that everyone at the middle order has scored some runs. Everyone except Rahul Dravid. Hope he scores in Nagpur.

Australia played well in Delhi. They managed to draw the match after India scored 600+ in the 1st innings.

They are high on confidence. And after the exclusion of Gambhir, they know they have a good chance of bowling India out, twice.

For India, Sehwag has to fire. The start has to be good. It has to score big in the first innings. And then Zak & Ishant has to fire.

For Australia, their batting needs to fire like they did in Australia. They need to bowl out India twice, which they haven't done yet in this series.

If the pitch behaves, this match definitely has got potential to be a cracker.

Third Test, Day 5; Kumble retires.

2008-11-02T16:38:00.003+05:30

The most predictable outcome of this test was a draw. It was almost clear since yesterday. And everybody thought it to be a boring draw. Well, a draw it is. But some of the other things have made the end of this test interesting.

The news of Kumble's retirement. After tea when Ganguly & Laxman were batting fine, when there was a news flash.

"Anil Kumble decides to retire from test cricket after Delhi match."

That was some surprise. Did Kumble had it planned or was it a decision made in a moment. Knowing Anil Kumble he is not someone who will make such a big decision in an instant. He definitely had planned this. And what a plan it was.

Throughout the series, critics have been after Kumble's retirement. Kumble only gave one reply. That he knows when to retire and no one need to tell him that. He sure did know his time. A perfect time to announce his retirement.

Kumble's decision to retire has come at the right time. His form & fitness was a worrying factor. And his frustration was creeping into his captaincy as well. His reactions on the field were suggestive of it. Kumble has been a great bowler for India. More than that a bowler he was a fighter, who never gave it up. Watching him going down like he was did not suit his stature. Hence it was the right time for him to go.

The timing is also perfect as India already has a groomed captain. Hence it won't be a problem for the selectors to chose a captain. Also that there are other spinners who are doing well and can take the place of Kumble in times to come.

Kumble has been a wonderful bowler for India since he made his debut in '92. He was never a big turner of the ball. But he made up for it with his accuracy, his pace & his variations. He was always at the batsman and didn't give a single inch to the batsman.

But what he will be remembered for is his perseverence. His fighting spirit. His never-say-die attitude. There are two instances which come to mind when you think of Kumble.

First, him bowling at Antigua after he broke his jaw. And taking the wicket of Lara.

Second, his 10 wicket haul against Pakistan at Kotla.

And all his 600+ wickets show his determination & the will to succeed.

After Kumble's retirement, India will lose a great player & a true gentleman.

All the best for Kumble for all his future endeavours.

What India needs to do tomorrow?

2008-11-01T23:30:00.000+05:30

Dravid and Gambhir should continue to bat as long as possible.

India should not lose any more wickets until lunch.

Should score around 100 runs by lunch.

Score another 60-70 runs within an hour after lunch.

Bowl out the Aussies by the end of the day.

Mishra, Sehwag & Kumble need to pick wickets.

Kumble needs to repeat his performances at Kotla.

India need to seal the series here in Delhi.

Third Test, Day 4; India let it slip... three times.

2008-11-01T18:44:00.000+05:30

A determined century from Michael Clarke took the game away from India in Kotla. Clarke went on to score 112 and was the penultimate Australian wicket to fall. Australia managed to score 577, only 36 runs short of India's total. This innings from Clarke took any chance of victory away from India.

Things however could have been totally different. On the fourth over of the day, Clarke tried to loft Mishra over mid-off. However he did not time the shot well giving Ishant Sharma a really simple catch just inches over his head. Somehow Sharma managed to put it down. Then Clarke was on 21. He added 91 more runs. Even in his 90's Clarke was determined to get out before his century. However Indians were more determined to gift him the same. First he tried to sweep Sehwag, got a top edge, a simple catch to Laxman. Dropped! Then another slog sweep against Sehwag. A lollypop catch to Mishra in the deep. Same result. Dropped! You can never afford to drop an Australian batsman at any situation. If you drop him thrice, its a crime. And your punishment is that you don't win that match.

Finally India managed to get Clarke out at 112. But by that time Australia were well out of the danger of losing this match. India only managed a lead of 36 runs.

India also didn't start their 2nd innings well. Lee got Sehwag early. Then came Ishant Sharma. And out went any speculation of India trying to force a win. But even he didn't last long. A good short pitch delivary was all that was required to take him out. Dravid & Gambhir managed to take India to stumps.

The current situation reminds all about the 2006 Ashes test at Adelaide. On the fourth day, Australia were in a similar situation and they managed to squeeze a win. Is it possible here? Australia don't have Warne & McGrath here. But you never know in Cricket.

India will be looking to bat as long as possible tomorrow. Australia will be hunting for wickets. They can now smell of a victory. India is already on the backfoot. They are clearly looking for a draw. And this gives an upper hand to Australia. If India manage to play the first session without losing any wickets, the match is a draw. If not, its anybody's guess.

Third Test, Day 3

2008-10-31T23:16:00.001+05:30

Finally a day which belonged to Australia. They batted well after a long time. Or so it seems. Hayden & Katich gave a good start. Their first century patnership in the 9 times they have batted together. Both scored a good fifty. But when they were starting to look dangerous, they departed. Hayden looked set for another big innings in India. But Sehwag made sure he didn't reach his 100.

Ponting also improved his record in India. He and Hayden held the Aussie innings together. Even after Hayden's dismissal, Ponting continued playing well. The way he played the spinners was impressive.

What India lacked today is that they allowed the Aussies to build partnerships. All their wickets came after a good partnership. Their top 4 batsmen made 50. Hence Aussies are still in the game, a draw that is.

For India, Sehwag looked like the best bowler. Kumble didn't look like he was bowling at Kotla. Him being wicketless is having an effect on him. The frustration is clearly visible.

The best bowler for India today was clearly Sehwag. He bowled intelligently. Used the spin and bounce in the pitch really well. He looked like taking a wicket everytime. Its really a pity that he is not used more by the Indian captains.

India still has a long way to go if they want to force a result. they will have to take the remaining 6 Aus wickets really quickly, may be within the first hour tomorrow. Then bat like they did in Mohali and then finish off the Aussies in 2 sessions on day 5. Its difficult but its possible.

Another thing of note today was the punishment handed to Gautam Gambhir. I agree what he did was not acceptable. Similarly what Watson & Katich did was also not acceptable. Watson got a 10% fine while Katich was not even called by the ref. But GG got a 1 match ban. Ridiculous. Such bias from a match referee is unacceptable. Who is responsible to keep him in check?

Third Test, story so far...

2008-10-30T21:27:00.001+05:30

Nothing has gone right for the Aussies in the first two days.

How many times have a team scored 600 runs against Aussies in the last decade?

How many times have 2 batsmen scored a double ton against them in the same match in the same innings?

How many times have Katich played as their main spinner?

How many times have you seen the don't-know-what-to-do look on Punter's face?

How many times have you seen Ponting bowling?

On the contrary everything has gone right for India.

Gambhir scoring a double ton. Gambhir finally playing without Sehwag.

Laxman scoring against his favourite opponent again.

Tendulkar playing freely again.

Even Zak's and Kumble thrashing the Aussies.

May be the declaration was a bit late. But I don't feel it will matter a lot.

India will have to take early wickets tomorrow. Hayden & Hussey are important. Others will follow. Most of the hopes are pinned on Amit Mishra. They will have to make full use of the Kotla pitch. India will not lose from here. It remains to be seen whether they can grab a victory from here?

Gilchrist changes colours...

2008-10-25T18:54:00.002+05:30

Couple of days back Adam Gilchrist accused Sachin Tendulkar of being a liar & a spoilt sport.

Now he says he didn't call Sachin a liar.

Quite a fast turn-around...

Here is what he had to say earlier,

Gilchrist called his evidence a "joke" and said when Tendulkar told the first
hearing that he could not hear what Harbhajan said to Andrew Symonds, he was
"certain he was telling the truth" because he was "a fair way away". But,
Gilchrist added, during the appeal, Tendulkar said Harbhajan had used a Hindi
word that sounded like monkey.

But now he says,

All I stated are the facts that everyone knows, that initially Sachin mentioned
he wasn't sure what Harbhajan had said, then later confirmed his support when
Harbhajan said he'd used a Hindi word in the heated exchange with Symonds.
Nowhere do I accuse Sachin of lying.

If Gilchrist thinks that Sachin had changed his testimony during the appeal, then it is obvious that he thinks that on one of the occasion he had lied. Which implies that he has accused Sachin of lying. Isn't it too obvious?

Gilchrist also raised questions over Tendulkar's sportsmanship and said he was
"hard to find for a changing-room handshake after we have beaten India.
Harbhajan can also be hard to find.

Now he says,

Gilchrist said the references to Tendulkar not shaking his hand in the changing
rooms after Tests were merely to highlight the cultural differences between the
two countries. He said he never intended to question Tendulkar’s sportsmanship.

It is obvious that there is a huge cultural difference between the two nations. And if Gilchrist is fully aware of both, then what for did he mention this in his book?

Gilchrist's statements before and after clearly shows how he is trying to defend himself now. If Gilchrist really thought Sachin was a liar and such a bad sport, why didn't he stick to his belief? Why change his mind now that everything is out in the media? It only shows how low one can get to publicise themselves.

But all this for selling one book, Gilly?

Lucky SOB or a Genius...

2008-10-22T21:49:00.002+05:30

I would start by thanking Scorpi who gave me the idea for this post.

This is what he had commented on my previous post.

Whatever dhoni touches, turns to gold... does he have a big rabbit's foot for
all the luck or is he that good... Am not able to tell... if it is luck, then it
would turn around one day.What do you think Trideep... a lucky SOB or bloody
good.

I would like to say a bit of both.

Dhoni has got a dynamic personality. And his biggest advantage i feel is that he brings his dynamism into the side. The team looks different when it plays under him. There is a lot more energy. Everybody is so much involved. Everyone is the part of the plan. Every player plays according to his plans and not the captain's plans. And thats what brings the best out from each of the players. A player will give his best when he feels that his views & participation is important. Dhoni I feel makes every player feel that.

Dhoni is an aggressive player & this reflects in the way he thinks. He looks for winning opputunities just like he looks for runs while batting. And when you have a leader who always wants to win, the effect can be seen in the team as well.

The energy, dynamism & aggression that Dhoni brings into the team reminds me of Ganguly. Even he brought aggression into the Indian team. He was the first captain who gave Indian team a fighting spirit. He showed India how to play aggressively. And Dhoni brings the same spirit with him.

As far as luck goes, I feel you need some luck to be successful at the highest level. Its not all hardwork & talent. You need the right oppurtunities as well. And Dhoni has had his share of good luck as well. His moves are clicking. Youngsters are playing well under him. Moreover he has got a talented pool of youngster to play for him.

But lady luck never stays with you always. And this will also happen with Dhoni. There will be days when he will be short of luck. His team may not be in the best of form. His plans won't fall in place. He may lose some matches.. some tournaments. And that's when his character as a captain will be tested. If he can still retain the energy & aggression in those situations, then he will be one of the best Indian captain.

As of now... the Genius is one lucky SOB.

We have won...

2008-10-21T23:06:00.003+05:30

and how!!!

Three fucking hundred runs and more. The second largest defeat for Australians. The last came in 1991, against a world-class West Indian attack.

What's better is that it was a team performance from India. A rare event in Indian win. 9 out of 11 players contributed. You cannot ask for more.

Zaheer is back to his best. And he is leading the pack well.

And Ishant is bowling like he is back in Australia.

Sehwag & GG gave good starts in both the innings.

Mishra had an outstanding debut.

And whatever Dhoni is touching is turning into gold.

And not to forget SG's outstanding ton. He is at his best when he is playing with no pressure.

Now its Delhi, and India must continue this intensity. Australia have their backs to the wall & thats where India should keep them.

Kumble will probably be back and that's where the problem may start. It would be good for India to go with an unchanged side.

Second Test: Day four

2008-10-20T21:46:00.002+05:30

India did everything right today.

They came out and batted well. Scored runs quickly. Sehwag & Gambhir were in awesome form & thrashed the Aussie bowlers. It was sad to see Sehwag couldn't score another 10 runs. But that's how Sehwag is.

Dhoni made a good decision by coming himself at #3. It also shows MSD is a captain who is ready to take some out of the box decisions. He batted well and declared at the right time.

India didn't start their bowling well. That is probably the only time in play when India were not on top.

But they took quick wickets. Really really quick. 5 in a span of 9 runs. It can't come quicker than that against the #1 team in the world.

Sharma had his bunny once more.

Bhajji had Hayden, his good ol friend.

5 Aussies were back in the pavilion within 60 runs.

Nothing went right for Aussies.

What happened to Lee, Johnson?

What happened to their fielding?

They were playing for the declaration.

Hayden & Katich started of well. But couldn't continue for long.

Ponting is back to his regular scores in India.

Even Hussey failed for a change.

Watson said Australia can chase anything. He forgot they need to bat well for that. Even he didn't last long.

Its Clarke & Haddin left now. They are only delaying the inevitable.

India needs to wrap up quickly tomorrow. A big loss would really dampen the Aussie moral in the coming tests. A good resistance will help them take some positives. Hence India should win within the first hour itself.

Todays result: India 3- Aus 0

Second Test: Day three

2008-10-19T15:35:00.004+05:30

Session 1:

I heard someone say that a third day is the most crucial day in a test. I couldn't agree more here. The first session today was the most important. India had to pick wickets, Australia had to make runs without losing any wickets. The team who would be successful, would get the upper hand in the test and probably the series. It doen't get more important than this, does it?

At the end of the first session, it's India who looked like having the upper hand. 3 aussies are back in the hut. More importantly Hussey is one of them.

Hussey by the way scored another 50. Amazing batsman he is. He is one batsman who has looked like getting runs in this series for the aussies.

By the end of the session, Hussey, Haddin & White are back in the pavilion. Its upto Watson & Lee to avoid follow-on for australia. Watson will have to play like his IPL days to do this. Lee needs to support him as well.

India needs to pick the 3 wickets quickly and enforce a follow-on.

Session 2:

India lost some of the other hand they had gained during the 1st session. Australia won their first session of the test. It took 7 sessions to do that. I don't remember when was the last time that happened.

Lee & Watson played well. Watson specially. And Lee gave good support, hitting some good shots in between. They have nullified the risk of follow-on.

Watson got a life though from Rudi. But it was a well made 50. A very timely innings from Watson.

Lee & Ishant had a nice battle. Ishant giving back what he got from Lee early in the test. Sometimes the fights were aggressive, sometimes funny. But it was good to see some passion from both ends.

India got some success at the end of the session in the form of Lee's wicket. But that was the only moment of joy for India in a session which belonged to Aussies.

After tea, India need to get those wickets quickly. I don't think we will see a follow-on now. Guess Aussies have put on too many runs on the board. But still it would be good to have a lead of huge runs on the board.

On a different note, Ricky & MSD both should have realised by now that you need to bowl your wicket taking bowler from Asad Rauf's end. Rudi makes it that much more difficult to get wickets. Its like his hand is stuck behind his arse or something. What else can explaing his reluctance in raising that arm?

Session 3:

India got the tail quickly. And it was the leg spinner who did it. A fiver on debut.. amazing. Now how do you drop him for the next test? Or does Kumble sit out the other tests as well? Or who will you drop if both have to stay? Bhajji???

India didn't give a follow-on, as expected.

And Sehwag & Gambhir gave India the start they required.

Gambhir was in full flow... driving the aussies back to where they came from.

And Sehwag was well... Sehwag. You love it when he plays like this.

India are now 300 runs ahead and they should not, rather cannot lose it or even draw it from here. They gotta win it from here. Another 100 runs tomorrow early in the morning and then let our bowlers hunt the Aussies down.

Today's result: India 2, Australia 1.

Second Test: Day Two

2008-10-18T17:26:00.003+05:30

Session 1:

Ishant stayed long enough to frustrate the Aussie bowlers.

Dhoni came in and pulled Lee for four. Then it was Siddle going out of the park for a six.

Dhoni's intentions were clear. We got to see the old MS Dhoni. One who knew no fear. Who liked hitting the ball outta the park.

Captaincy surely changes the way he plays.. He thinks more. He applies more. He thrives when responsibility is given to him. We surely saw a definite change in the way India was playing here compared to bangalore.

Meanwhile India were well-placed at lunch. With SG playing at 91 & MSD at 45, India looked good to get 450-500.

Session 2:

MSD got to his 50 with a 6.

SG got to his 100 with a 4. Got out soon after.

Bhajji & Zak didn't last long.

Meanwhile MSD continued to hit fours and sixes. Till he was given out leg before to Siddle on 92. Another Indian batsman to miss out on century.

India finished with 469. Could have been better.

Then it was Aussies into bat.

Hayden out of the third ball again. Bowled Zak.

Its three-nil to Zak.

Ponting was at the crease again in the first over.

Session 3:

Ishant got Ponting out again. After a mistake from Rudi hinted at yet another century from Ricky, another mistake thwarted that.

Meanwhile the crab & Hussey went about their job as they usually do. Accumulating runs as they do.

Come in Amit Mishra. Crab bowled.

He is spinning the ball. Aussies finally face a leggie.

Clarke then gets out again in the last over of the day. Thats 2oo2 for him. It was a well thought out dismissal. It belonged to both MSD & Mishra. It was MSD who told him to come aroung the wicket. And Mishra bowled a masterpiece by bowling a googly.

Australia are 102 for 4. India are in a good position. They should win it from here.

Today's result: India 3 Aus 0

Twelve thousand & Counting...

2008-10-18T12:44:00.003+05:30

Stop the debate for the moment.

Cancel the retirement plans for the time being.

Its not the time to fight.

Its time to celebrate.

Its time to stand up & applaud.

Its time to bask in the glory of a great man.

Its time to shut up & honour the genius.

Coz the time belongs to Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar

Zaheer's verbal spells...

2008-10-13T22:02:00.003+05:30

Zak has been playing really well fot the last 5 days. He was the best bowler for India. He was the top-scorer for India in the 1st innings. And he bowled well in the 2nd innings too. And he deserved the MoM that he got. But what was he thinking when he said this,

"They know they can't take 20 wickets and they are on the back foot. They
couldn't get me or Bhajji out. So we are in with a big chance. They are under
pressure - we know that. So we are looking ahead at the second game."

Yes, he actually said that. He also said,

"I have never seen an Australian team play such defensive cricket, which is a
good thing for us."

And this,

"On a fifth-day pitch the spinners could not do us any harm. That shows what
their spin attack is all about."

And one more,

"Even the pacers didn't look like getting wickets at any stage
today."

One MoM award can do so much to you?

Ok. Bhajji & Zak played well. But then its not everyday that happens. And that doesn't make Aussies defensive. Moreover, their bowlers did get 4 of our top batsmen cheaply in the first innings.

Aussies playing defensive cricket?

I agree to it to certain extent. The field placing of Aussies, the slow run-rate. But then it was them who tried to force a result. Not India. Doesn't that make them the more positive of the lot? And if India like being aggressive, then why didn't they go for the kill today?

And who are the spinners he is talking about? White & Clarke? When did they qualify as spinners? And what happened to Kumble & Bhajji on a fourth day pitch? Doesn't that speak a lot about the spin attack of India?

On which 5th day pitch in India do the quicks look like taking wickets? At least they got Sehwag, Dravid & Gambhir.

And if Aussies are so vulnerable and defensive, then why did most of the sessions in this match belong to Aussies?

Zaheer, atleast save your verbal spells till we win one game.

India V Australia: Day Four

2008-10-12T17:08:00.001+05:30

India started the day with Jumbo & Zak.

Zak went on to score his second fifty in tests. He made sure that a draw is a more realistic option.

Indian tail did really well to restrict the Aussies to a lead of only 70 runs, which on the 3rd day looked like being more than 200.

So with the backup of 70 runs, Hayden & Katich came in.

Hayden was quick to go. Though looked like a doubtful decision. But then there have been quite a few in this match.

India has been a happy hunting ground for Hayden. India has been his best prey. But two bad decisions has kept him away from the score till now. As long as that happens its good news for India.

Infact none of the top order could play a long innings. Ponting, Katich, Hussey all got starts but failed to move on. But this helped them as the starts didn't allow the Indian bowlers to go on a roll. India needed 3-4 quick wickets and they didn't get it.

India started their bowling with Dhoni as captain as Kumble was injured. And we could see what difference the captain brings to a side. Under Dhoni, ZK & Ishant were energised. They were a lot more aggressive. But then Kumble came out. He bowled. Much like what he had done in the first innings. Didn't look like taking a wicket ever.

Ian Chappel later pointed that it would have been good for India if Dhoni had captained for atleast one whole session. India looked a different team under him. He believed that if Dhoni had captained the whole of today, Aussies would have made less runs with more wickets down.

As of now, Australia is on top. An hour of batting tomorrow and they will declare. Probably setting India a target of around 325-350. 1 or 2 quick wicket esp, Gambhir & Sehwag, and India will be in deep trouble. With the kind of form indian middle order is in, it will be a near impossible task then. Guess India should send its tail at the beginning.

A lot depends on when Ricky declares tomorrow and what kind of start India gets.

As for today, it was Australia 1.5 India 1.5

The fight is on...

2008-10-11T19:42:00.000+05:30

Well the fight is surely on.

And its not India Vs Australia that i am talking about.

Its the war of words between Ganguly & Dilip Vengsarkar.

Just before the start of the Indo-Aussie series, Ganguly made certain comments in his interview with a bengali daily. In this interview, he is visibly irritated by the way he was treated by BCCI & selectors. Many experts & bloggers have said that his interview/comments were untimely.

But now Vengsarkar - former chairman of selectors - has come out with his reply. Actually not his reply. But a warning that his reply will certainly not be a good one for Ganguly.

He says that "Ganguly will get more than what he has asked for"

But we will have to wait a while for this war of words to continue. Vengsarkar is against making any comments in between the ongoing series against Australia.

He says

"I won't answer him now as this is not the right time because India are in the middle of a Test series [against Australia] and it might affect the focus of the team,"

So there is still time for this war to take place. Till then we have the tests.

Day Three: Stumps

2008-10-11T17:17:00.001+05:30

Fine, the rain didn't play the spoilt sport. Even they were not in a mood to save India. So after a small break out came the players.

But then Harbhajjan & Zaheer were not in a mood to let the team down. They came out determined to stick it out in the middle and give the fight back to Australia. They played, missed, defended, hurried, grinded.. but didn't give their wicket away. Ricky & his men were out of ideas. They didn't look like taking any wickets.

But then they had the option of the new ball. So they took it, thinking that they would go for the 'kill'.

But then Bhajji & ZK had other ideas.

Johnson to ZK. Little wide outside the off... thrashed through the point for four. Amazing shot even for a top order batsman.

Johnson to ZK. Outside off slightly fuller, driven down the cover. 2 runs to ZK.

Lee to Bhajji. Short. Pulled to midwicket for four.

Next ball. Lee pitches it short. Bhajji pulls. Top edge over the keeper. Four.

Next ball. Lee to Bhajji. Ponting has 4 men on the fence. Now that's so un-Aussie.

Come in Stuart Clarke. Bhajji on 46. Smack straight past the bowler. Its Harbhajjan's 50.

Enter Watson. ZK facing. Short & wide outside off. Thrashed to the point boundary.

Next ball. Crashes to the long on boundary. That was hit as hard as it can get. Zk gave it a full blow.

Even Michael Clarke was ineffective.

Oh! I love to see Bhajji thrash Aussie this way.. Be it bowling or batting. I just love it.

It took a shoulder injury of sorts for Australians to remove Bhajji.

But he had played his part really well. A well made 50. Who would have thought India would have crossed 300 after the top 4 fell for less than 100. Who would have thought India would still be batting till stumps today. But Bhajji & Zk made sure it happened. Good Kumble held back and didn't come out to bat at his usual spot. It was because of these two that this session had India written all over it. Finally a session to India in three days.

So India are 313/8. Another 20-30 runs may be tomorrow. And then we will have to wait. As to when will the Aussies give us a 2nd chance in the middle.

Today's result: Aussie 2 India 1

Day Three: Third Session... so far

2008-10-11T15:17:00.000+05:30

India started the third session well.

Harbhajan was playing well. He was playing in his usual way. His typical pulls, paddle sweeps, hits over mid wicket.. they were all working for him.

Ganguly all this while went on at the other end. He kept on taking his singles, defending when needed. Looked as if he was determined to prove a point. Determined to go away on a high. He fought very hard for his 47.

But then something out of the Bangalore air went in his eyes. Probably in his lenses.

Then came Michell Johnson. And another doubtful decision.

The decision may not be wrong. But on other days you expect to be given not out on deliveries like these. Replays showed that the ball might have hit him outside the off stump. It was a tough call and Ganguly would consider himself unlucky.. just like Dravid.

The follow on though is saved. Which means Australia will bat next.

But then down came the rains.

India can't win from this position. Its upto the batsmen to make sure that they play out the whole 2nd innings so that they don't lose.

Or may be its the rains which will save India?

Day Three: Second Session

2008-10-11T14:30:00.000+05:30

Dravid was given out after making 50

No one is sure whether it hit the bat but i always thought benefit of doubt is always given to the batsman

Dhoni managed to get himself out to Clarke

He was playing as if batting is all about playing the maximum number of balls

And then came Clarke and uprooted his off stump

Bhajji of all people is given the responsibility to give support to Ganguly

Possibility of a follow on is still on

Things cannot get worse for India

And Australia cannot dream of a better position on day-3 than this.

Day Three: First Session

2008-10-11T11:36:00.003+05:30

A session India would not have dreamt of.

A session Michell Johnson would have dreamt of last night.

133/4 was not India was looking at in their 1st innings.

Gambhir, Sehwag, Sachin & Laxman gone.

Score card doesn't look good at all for India.

Its left to Dravid & Ganguly to give some respectability to the Indian innings.

That too on a god-forsaken pitch.

Where one ball flies and the other doesn't even get above the ground.

What's wrong with these Indian curators?

Why can't they make a pitch suitable to Indian team. So that Indian team wins consistently at home. So that the fab-4 goes out in style. So that India enjoy some home advantage. So that the Indian spinners start getting wickets again.

So its back to old war horses - Ganguly & Dravid - to save the Indian team now.

And Australia must be laughing in their dressing rooms now.

Whether they continue to do so... we will have to wait for the second session.

Dada Speaks...

2008-10-09T19:21:00.003+05:30

Saurav Ganguly has always been a fighter.

He was dropped. He made a comeback.

Has fought for his spot everytime he played.

But his frustration has got better of him now. It shows in an interview which was published in a bengali daily. Some excerpts are here.

Australia V India, so far...

2008-10-09T16:03:00.003+05:30

Ricky Ponting is out 9th time to Bhajji. Michael Clarke has come in.

It has been Australia's day so far. It was a good toss to win.

India had a good start with ZK taking Matty in the third ball of the innings.

But then came Ricky Ponting. Punter. Who didn't know how to play in India. But he was all set to resurrect all that. And he did that in style.

It was the old Ricky who has been a tormentor for bowlers all over the world. He was resolute in his defense, flamboyant in stroke making. Oh! I hate so much appreciating Ricky. But he played so well today, can't help it.

He was supported well be Katich. But after many years i am seeing an Australian side scoring below 3 runs an over. Signs of things to come???

There were some positives for Indian team as well. Ishant and ZK bowled well. But thats it for the Indians.

The spinners didn't look all that effective. Kumble bowled his heart out without any luck. He created few half chances. But the luck was in the Aussie dressing room today. He even caught Ricky of his own bowling, but was given not out.

Bhajji was not his own self. Hurrying through the overs. May be now that he has got his man, we might see something worthwile from him too.

Doesn't look like anything else is gonna happen today. So its upto the spinners to do something tommorow for India to get back anything from this match.