From Gallows to Glory
BE POSTIVE
Monday, January 28, 2008
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Preesure is a Privilege
That is what Billie Jean King had written to Maria Sharapova in a text message before the Australian Open final. May be, that helped Sharapova squeeze her large frame out of a tight corner, when she was trailing 4-5 0-30 in the first set.
And that is what India will need to remember when they get up tomorrow morning and gear up for the battle to save the test. A result not foreseen by many commentators. Dean Jones too, till yesterday, was only discussing the possibility of a draw or India’s win.
It may be a bit premature to discuss that possibility of survival right now at lunch time, but the possibility is real indeed considering the inability of the umpires to muster up the courage to give even the most glaring of leg before decisions. Nearing the business end of one of the most competitive of series, the umpires too seem to be playing safe, and why not! One can only say that they have decided to award LBWs only in the rarest of rare cases.
Australia, if they end up today day with a lead of around 125 to 150, may even declare overnight to put the top order of India under pressure.Scares of Sydney revisited? Well, they will if India try only to defend. They will have to fight with uncluttered mind as they go about the business of saving the test and hope that the umpires maintain the consistency, with which they have refused to give leg before decisions. Sehwag took a potshot at Australian slow scoring rate on Saturday saying ‘’they are scared.’’ Now, India will have to show Australia how to score on day five as a purely defensive approach could be suicidal.
The most disappointing factor has been, as Gavaskar said, the very very disappointing bowling. Strange things have happened in this test. India crossed 500 with six regular batsmen, and may have failed to put brakes on Australia reaching over 550-600 for the first time in the series. Though things could have been little different had RP not been ruled out little too early.
Meanwhile, Sania Mirza will be looking to create history in an hour or two from now. For once, tennis will upstage cricket with India’s chances looking much brighter in Melbourne, than at Adelaide!
And that is what India will need to remember when they get up tomorrow morning and gear up for the battle to save the test. A result not foreseen by many commentators. Dean Jones too, till yesterday, was only discussing the possibility of a draw or India’s win.
It may be a bit premature to discuss that possibility of survival right now at lunch time, but the possibility is real indeed considering the inability of the umpires to muster up the courage to give even the most glaring of leg before decisions. Nearing the business end of one of the most competitive of series, the umpires too seem to be playing safe, and why not! One can only say that they have decided to award LBWs only in the rarest of rare cases.
Australia, if they end up today day with a lead of around 125 to 150, may even declare overnight to put the top order of India under pressure.Scares of Sydney revisited? Well, they will if India try only to defend. They will have to fight with uncluttered mind as they go about the business of saving the test and hope that the umpires maintain the consistency, with which they have refused to give leg before decisions. Sehwag took a potshot at Australian slow scoring rate on Saturday saying ‘’they are scared.’’ Now, India will have to show Australia how to score on day five as a purely defensive approach could be suicidal.
The most disappointing factor has been, as Gavaskar said, the very very disappointing bowling. Strange things have happened in this test. India crossed 500 with six regular batsmen, and may have failed to put brakes on Australia reaching over 550-600 for the first time in the series. Though things could have been little different had RP not been ruled out little too early.
Meanwhile, Sania Mirza will be looking to create history in an hour or two from now. For once, tennis will upstage cricket with India’s chances looking much brighter in Melbourne, than at Adelaide!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
With so many left handers in the Australian side...
…..and rough marks outside their off stump leading to unpredictable bounce, it makes sense to give Sachin Tendulkar much more bowling post lunch. He is definitely a big leg spinner, and a spinning delivery with disconcerting bounce from those marks can, at times, be more lethal than Harbhajan’s outgoing deliveries which a left hander can easily leave. Wasim Akram just now said that Harbhajan should go over the wicket to make batsmen play more. Meanwhile do read the post just below on what India should do on day three, posted yesterday. http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/one-wishes-to-see-happy-india-not.html
Friday, January 25, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Some of my articles
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=9818421f-dde8-482f-a6a3-3312575f0961
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=178747b1-ae05-48f3-9071-8d81f44e1d68
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=760dec34-bfb3-4c91-ac0d-71effbdfd09f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=694fd49f-feae-40e9-b8d5-e71c703e6abd
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=c1775572-0f76-4573-b1d9-3cf37a509331
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=1730b16d-22a5-4942-bd60-b7acd06965b8
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=4ed9cd3f-a350-4c9a-8dcb-20c54d88e66f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=15964348-fa63-4018-851b-5eeaec1b367f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=17a844b8-f713-4cb5-9999-090167909da2
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=9f8bdb5a-87bf-41db-a6d6-29157a4b396f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=7ae2d7bd-325a-4385-a20a-da1aed066a11
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=147173bb-d0d3-47fd-9e52-4bf1fafc4125
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=71d96cad-a1fe-4a45-8a08-59b0de045a2b
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=17f206dc-5c67-4a7f-821a-5159f641e7af
http://www.htcricket.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=3a8ac025-661c-413d-b841-b702838270d2
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=4674ce4a-984d-4798-9cdb-e40e6f170b9b
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=178747b1-ae05-48f3-9071-8d81f44e1d68
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=760dec34-bfb3-4c91-ac0d-71effbdfd09f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=694fd49f-feae-40e9-b8d5-e71c703e6abd
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=c1775572-0f76-4573-b1d9-3cf37a509331
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=1730b16d-22a5-4942-bd60-b7acd06965b8
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=4ed9cd3f-a350-4c9a-8dcb-20c54d88e66f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=15964348-fa63-4018-851b-5eeaec1b367f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=17a844b8-f713-4cb5-9999-090167909da2
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=9f8bdb5a-87bf-41db-a6d6-29157a4b396f
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=7ae2d7bd-325a-4385-a20a-da1aed066a11
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=147173bb-d0d3-47fd-9e52-4bf1fafc4125
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=71d96cad-a1fe-4a45-8a08-59b0de045a2b
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=17f206dc-5c67-4a7f-821a-5159f641e7af
http://www.htcricket.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=3a8ac025-661c-413d-b841-b702838270d2
http://www.hindustantimes.in/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=4674ce4a-984d-4798-9cdb-e40e6f170b9b
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Saturday, January 19, 2008
I STILL DO NOT HAVE WORDS TO DESCRIBE THE WIN...
...SO I WON'T EVEN MAKE AN ATTEMPT.
THE ONLY REQUEST TODAY IS TO READ THE LINK BELOW IN RED.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/prey-turns-predator.html
THE ONLY REQUEST TODAY IS TO READ THE LINK BELOW IN RED.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/prey-turns-predator.html
Friday, January 18, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
How were you dismissed Dad!
Poor Rogers. A brief story on an equally brief stay.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-were-you-dismissed-dad.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/how-were-you-dismissed-dad.html
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
What not to expect from Perth's encounter
There are many things that one can not hope to expect from Perth's encounter. Here are few of them in the link below.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/what-not-to-expect-from-perths.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/what-not-to-expect-from-perths.html
Monday, January 14, 2008
They have come to watch my batting, not your umpiring
It is always nice to see Tom Alter. His presence is so soothing in any programme. He was certainly a welcome inclusion in the episode of Cricket Controversies aired on NDTV on Sunday night.
Few interesting things that came out of the programme for general public, in the episode titled ‘Is cricket still a gentlemen’s game’', were.
-- It was never always a gentleman’s game. When given out, WG Grace once reprimanded an umpire, saying ''they (people) have come to watch my batting, not your umpiring!’’. So how can we blame today's players.
-- Instances of sledging and ungentlemanly behaviour also increase the TRP of Live programmes, Recoded Programmes, Web and Newspaper readership.
-- They help take the focus away from real issues. And the real issue today is that India is 0-2 down and in real danger of losing it badly (Though the initial ammunition here was provided by the umpires and the Australians, leaving the Indians with no option but to retaliate)
-- Even in sports like Chess and Tennis, where the intensity level is very high compared to relaxed time for some players (Especially for close-in cordon between two deliveries/overs), instances of bad behaviour are rampant.
Blog's conclusion: In Cricket, ugly behaviour and sledging will continue because no one wants to lose. Even though Cricketing Doves like Alter may remember Sidhu more for his sixes in the 1987 World Cup, than for his altercation with Aamir Sohail!
Few interesting things that came out of the programme for general public, in the episode titled ‘Is cricket still a gentlemen’s game’', were.
-- It was never always a gentleman’s game. When given out, WG Grace once reprimanded an umpire, saying ''they (people) have come to watch my batting, not your umpiring!’’. So how can we blame today's players.
-- Instances of sledging and ungentlemanly behaviour also increase the TRP of Live programmes, Recoded Programmes, Web and Newspaper readership.
-- They help take the focus away from real issues. And the real issue today is that India is 0-2 down and in real danger of losing it badly (Though the initial ammunition here was provided by the umpires and the Australians, leaving the Indians with no option but to retaliate)
-- Even in sports like Chess and Tennis, where the intensity level is very high compared to relaxed time for some players (Especially for close-in cordon between two deliveries/overs), instances of bad behaviour are rampant.
Blog's conclusion: In Cricket, ugly behaviour and sledging will continue because no one wants to lose. Even though Cricketing Doves like Alter may remember Sidhu more for his sixes in the 1987 World Cup, than for his altercation with Aamir Sohail!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
India had to chose between dishonour and war
Forgot to post this link prepared on my other site. Here it is
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/india-had-to-chose-between-dishonour.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/india-had-to-chose-between-dishonour.html
Saturday, January 12, 2008
'If India have to get in Sehwag, this is the time'
Seeing a rampaging Sehwag in action, that was the opinion of Ian Chappell. Sehwag was on 46 then and, and just to vindicate the past master, reached his fifty in a most authentic way, with a four.
His half-century had come off just 37 deliveries.. Contrast this with Karthik’s sedate knock at this stage, when he had barely reached double figures.
But as part of the opening combination, he played his role to perfection, also laying a strong claim for the opener’s slot. The choice right now looks to be between Sehwag-Jaffer or Sehwag-Karthik Combo.
Ideally, considering the way he has performed against the real Australian attack in the first two tests, Jaffer may not be the best choice for Perth, and a fresh approach with new pair of openers could be the need of the hour.
Interestingly, when asked during the second day’s play about Sehwag, Chappell had said that despite Sehwag’s 24 to Jaffer’s 92 in the 1st innings, if he had to choose between the two, he would still love to go in with Sehwag.
This is because the Nawab of Nazafgarh has the potential to make the Australians ‘nervous. He can change the complexion of the game in no time, said Chappell.
At the time of writing this post, Sehwag had completed his hundred, with the next fifty coming in 36 balls – one less than his first. The partnership, at the time of his century, was 145 runs and still going strong.
But even if Sehwag had not made a hundred, he would still have been an automatic choice for Perth simply for the way he played today. He did appear at his very best.
Whether Sehwag will succeed there or not, that is another matter. But for now, he looks to be the one who will surely open at Perth.
His half-century had come off just 37 deliveries.. Contrast this with Karthik’s sedate knock at this stage, when he had barely reached double figures.
But as part of the opening combination, he played his role to perfection, also laying a strong claim for the opener’s slot. The choice right now looks to be between Sehwag-Jaffer or Sehwag-Karthik Combo.
Ideally, considering the way he has performed against the real Australian attack in the first two tests, Jaffer may not be the best choice for Perth, and a fresh approach with new pair of openers could be the need of the hour.
Interestingly, when asked during the second day’s play about Sehwag, Chappell had said that despite Sehwag’s 24 to Jaffer’s 92 in the 1st innings, if he had to choose between the two, he would still love to go in with Sehwag.
This is because the Nawab of Nazafgarh has the potential to make the Australians ‘nervous. He can change the complexion of the game in no time, said Chappell.
At the time of writing this post, Sehwag had completed his hundred, with the next fifty coming in 36 balls – one less than his first. The partnership, at the time of his century, was 145 runs and still going strong.
But even if Sehwag had not made a hundred, he would still have been an automatic choice for Perth simply for the way he played today. He did appear at his very best.
Whether Sehwag will succeed there or not, that is another matter. But for now, he looks to be the one who will surely open at Perth.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Ways to Save the tour
Three ways out of the present mess. But India might need all three to be accepted.
-- As per a report in the HT, Law 3.1.7 of the playing handbook states that ‘’Neither team will have a right of objecting to an umpiring appointment.” Bucknor will go only if a majority in the ICC executive panel votes for his sacking.’’
So an emergency meeting of the ICC executive panel can take care of the situation. If the majority decides that Bucknor stays, then India must proceed with the tour and decide on the future course of action on such issues after the tour. ICC must convene this meeting before the third test. They must not be insensitive to the Indian demands considering how things went.
-- Ban on Harbhajan should be suspended and a more broad based hearing should decide if in the absence of an audio, video or umpires’ evidence, the acceptance of a player’s word against the other, is in conformity with the law of natural justice. It is because we are setting a new precedent and it should not be set just by one match referee. Tomorrow, a match referee should be able to penalise an Australian if the Pakistanis or the South Africans lodge complaints not audible or visible in broadcasters' studio, or heard by the umpires.
-- Set of Challenges must start on experimental basis from the third test itself. A decision can certainly be taken on this. That should not include LBWs, but certainly the nicks that go on on to hit the pads and the ones lapped up by the keeper or the slips, but not heard by the umpires. This will ensure fair play. Otherwise an Indian team, with the mentality of a victim, will not be able to slug it out at Perth.
The Perth test starts from the 16th. So the ICC, concerned boards, and two teams have a week to sort out the issue.
-- As per a report in the HT, Law 3.1.7 of the playing handbook states that ‘’Neither team will have a right of objecting to an umpiring appointment.” Bucknor will go only if a majority in the ICC executive panel votes for his sacking.’’
So an emergency meeting of the ICC executive panel can take care of the situation. If the majority decides that Bucknor stays, then India must proceed with the tour and decide on the future course of action on such issues after the tour. ICC must convene this meeting before the third test. They must not be insensitive to the Indian demands considering how things went.
-- Ban on Harbhajan should be suspended and a more broad based hearing should decide if in the absence of an audio, video or umpires’ evidence, the acceptance of a player’s word against the other, is in conformity with the law of natural justice. It is because we are setting a new precedent and it should not be set just by one match referee. Tomorrow, a match referee should be able to penalise an Australian if the Pakistanis or the South Africans lodge complaints not audible or visible in broadcasters' studio, or heard by the umpires.
-- Set of Challenges must start on experimental basis from the third test itself. A decision can certainly be taken on this. That should not include LBWs, but certainly the nicks that go on on to hit the pads and the ones lapped up by the keeper or the slips, but not heard by the umpires. This will ensure fair play. Otherwise an Indian team, with the mentality of a victim, will not be able to slug it out at Perth.
The Perth test starts from the 16th. So the ICC, concerned boards, and two teams have a week to sort out the issue.
Monday, January 7, 2008
97 per cent in favour of tour being called off!
Kindly see the link below . It is on an SMS survey on the tour.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/97-per-cent-in-favour-of-tour-being.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/97-per-cent-in-favour-of-tour-being.html
Sunday, January 6, 2008
The wheel that squeaks!
I remember a recent interview by Rakhi Sawant with Prabhu Chawla in Aajtak titled ‘’Ulti baat’’ (Since it was Prabhu being interviewed) where Chawla said that once he feared for his job when he lost a tape containing an interview with Late Benazir Bhutto in a taxi!
The lady was kind enough to give me another the same day, he remarked.Imagine, a man like Prabhu, one of the most powerful men in TV Today Network, feared for his job for losing just one interview! (Though he may have said that in jest).
Many professionals face the same situation in their careers when just one mistake, even if not deliberate, can result in job threatening situations.
Then why international umpires, whose decisions have so much bearing on the careers of players as well as economics of cricket, should be immune to this.
People like Bucknor are such a shame. Despite technology showing them repeatedly in the wrong, they do not have little bit of remorse in repeating the same mistakes again and again.Full of mischief, they favour the teams whose officials hold the real power and it is not just an ‘opinion’.
It is high time for India to lodge a protest. As Sidhu said yesterday, ‘’My Dear, only the wheel that squeaks gets the grease!”
The lady was kind enough to give me another the same day, he remarked.Imagine, a man like Prabhu, one of the most powerful men in TV Today Network, feared for his job for losing just one interview! (Though he may have said that in jest).
Many professionals face the same situation in their careers when just one mistake, even if not deliberate, can result in job threatening situations.
Then why international umpires, whose decisions have so much bearing on the careers of players as well as economics of cricket, should be immune to this.
People like Bucknor are such a shame. Despite technology showing them repeatedly in the wrong, they do not have little bit of remorse in repeating the same mistakes again and again.Full of mischief, they favour the teams whose officials hold the real power and it is not just an ‘opinion’.
It is high time for India to lodge a protest. As Sidhu said yesterday, ‘’My Dear, only the wheel that squeaks gets the grease!”
What Bucknor Stands for!!!
After Dravid c Gilchrist b Bucknor, it won’t be unfair to call him, though of course in Jest.
Biased to the core
Ungentlemanly in a gentleman’s game
Cancerous to fair play
Kill Joy of the Indian team
Nemesis of Indian revival
Oz’s biggest ally
Rogue act specialist
Biased to the core
Ungentlemanly in a gentleman’s game
Cancerous to fair play
Kill Joy of the Indian team
Nemesis of Indian revival
Oz’s biggest ally
Rogue act specialist
Team for Perth should have Sehwag, Karthik, Pathan
Why does India need three changes in the team. Please see the link below.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/team-for-perth-shoudl-have-sehwag.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/team-for-perth-shoudl-have-sehwag.html
As anticipated, India grimly fight to 'live another day;
Below are the two links in this blog yesterday and on day three, and few of our predictions seem to be coming true.
On Friday evening (Day three), we had written in our piece ‘’India leading by THREE HUNDRED RUNS at Sydney’’ that despite a magnificent performance and a lead of 69, India could still be under pressure in the final two sessions of this test.
That precisely seems to be happening as India will be desperately fighting to save the test in the final two sessions.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/india-leading-by-three-hundred-runs-at.html
And then the second, soon after the match on Saturday, rebutted the notion that India still had a chance as Australia had shown by accepting light that they would like India to do all the chasing and leave a next to impossible target for them to chase.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/india-will-fight-to-live-another-day-as.html
At this stage, we can just hope that India will live to fight another day. Despite Jaffer's early dismissal once again, Mark Taylor believes that India should be able to save this test though Australia will certainly press hard.
No team in this series has collapsed in just two sessions and light could also be an issue later in the day. So, India have a good chance of survival and that will once again liven up the series.
On Friday evening (Day three), we had written in our piece ‘’India leading by THREE HUNDRED RUNS at Sydney’’ that despite a magnificent performance and a lead of 69, India could still be under pressure in the final two sessions of this test.
That precisely seems to be happening as India will be desperately fighting to save the test in the final two sessions.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/india-leading-by-three-hundred-runs-at.html
And then the second, soon after the match on Saturday, rebutted the notion that India still had a chance as Australia had shown by accepting light that they would like India to do all the chasing and leave a next to impossible target for them to chase.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/india-will-fight-to-live-another-day-as.html
At this stage, we can just hope that India will live to fight another day. Despite Jaffer's early dismissal once again, Mark Taylor believes that India should be able to save this test though Australia will certainly press hard.
No team in this series has collapsed in just two sessions and light could also be an issue later in the day. So, India have a good chance of survival and that will once again liven up the series.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Friday, January 4, 2008
What did you do Bhajji!
(A report on a website in BLACK, with Blog's comments in RED and all in jest)
REPORT:
The Indian team management on Friday rejected (At times it becomes important to show guts) Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds's allegations (Sore Loser!) of racial abuse by Harbhajan Singh (The gritty warrior who got under the Aussie Skin) asserting the off-spinner did not say anything offensive (Actually they meant Harbhajan was aggressive but not offensive which the Aussie often confuse with, when they are down) .
Although Harbhajan has not made any statement on the matter (Wise thing to do), Indian media manager M V Sridhar said the spinner told the management that he did not taunt Symonds racially (though he may have taunted otherwise, and did not walk away!) during their spat (who started it!) on the third day of the ongoing second cricket Test in Sydney on Friday.
Sridhar also rubbished suggestions that Symonds' complaint against Harbhajan would have any bearing on the relationship between the BCCI and Cricket Australia (After all, the relationships based on money are the strongest in cricketing business)."The relationship between the BCCI and CA is excellent and this Test match has seen some very competitive cricket being played. We would not let allow a small incident to overshadow everything," he said.
The exact comments are not known but Sridhar confirmed that a "hearing" against Harbhajan is scheduled for Saturday (to deflate our man during these critical times) .
Umpires Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor (the usual suspects) have laid the charge after consulting an agitated (thanks to Indian fightback) Ricky Ponting at the end of the day's play.
REPORT:
The Indian team management on Friday rejected (At times it becomes important to show guts) Australian all-rounder Andrew Symonds's allegations (Sore Loser!) of racial abuse by Harbhajan Singh (The gritty warrior who got under the Aussie Skin) asserting the off-spinner did not say anything offensive (Actually they meant Harbhajan was aggressive but not offensive which the Aussie often confuse with, when they are down) .
Although Harbhajan has not made any statement on the matter (Wise thing to do), Indian media manager M V Sridhar said the spinner told the management that he did not taunt Symonds racially (though he may have taunted otherwise, and did not walk away!) during their spat (who started it!) on the third day of the ongoing second cricket Test in Sydney on Friday.
Sridhar also rubbished suggestions that Symonds' complaint against Harbhajan would have any bearing on the relationship between the BCCI and Cricket Australia (After all, the relationships based on money are the strongest in cricketing business)."The relationship between the BCCI and CA is excellent and this Test match has seen some very competitive cricket being played. We would not let allow a small incident to overshadow everything," he said.
The exact comments are not known but Sridhar confirmed that a "hearing" against Harbhajan is scheduled for Saturday (to deflate our man during these critical times) .
Umpires Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor (the usual suspects) have laid the charge after consulting an agitated (thanks to Indian fightback) Ricky Ponting at the end of the day's play.
Neutral umpires are fine but...
Sunil Gavaskar, one of the most respected batsmen of yesteryears and a terrific commentator, has said that the system of neutral umpires will continue despite some questionable decisions as ''If a third country umpire makes a (questionable) decision, it won't be as acrimonious as if a home umpire made that decision.''
http://cricket.indiatimes.com/ICC_to_stick_to_neutral_umpires/articleshow/2674004.cms
Fair enough arguments made by Sunil Gavaskar in the article above. In fact, if India could draw the series in Australia in 2003-04, win in Pakistan in 2004, and Australia could beat India in India in 2004, it was also mainly due to the presence of neutral umpires.
But this system can be streamlined by having a system of CHALLENGES as in Tennis, and by ensuring that if one team has grievances against a particular umpire, he should not be standing in the series involving that team. That will ensure that some umpires are not blatantly biased.
Then the panel of neutral umpires supervising tests can also be doubled, and it should not be difficult considering there should be hundreds of umpires with better calibre/skills than the likes of Bucknor.
Unless these steps are taken, the very purpose of neutrality will be defeated and ugly instances of unfair behaviour continue to raise their head.
http://cricket.indiatimes.com/ICC_to_stick_to_neutral_umpires/articleshow/2674004.cms
Fair enough arguments made by Sunil Gavaskar in the article above. In fact, if India could draw the series in Australia in 2003-04, win in Pakistan in 2004, and Australia could beat India in India in 2004, it was also mainly due to the presence of neutral umpires.
But this system can be streamlined by having a system of CHALLENGES as in Tennis, and by ensuring that if one team has grievances against a particular umpire, he should not be standing in the series involving that team. That will ensure that some umpires are not blatantly biased.
Then the panel of neutral umpires supervising tests can also be doubled, and it should not be difficult considering there should be hundreds of umpires with better calibre/skills than the likes of Bucknor.
Unless these steps are taken, the very purpose of neutrality will be defeated and ugly instances of unfair behaviour continue to raise their head.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Obeservations that VVS made
In a TV interview today, there were two important observations that VVS Laxman made about the track, and the situation at Sydney.
First, he felt that the pitch will have lots of spin on fourth and fifth days and, so, India will have to ensure a big score in their first innings. Already in Australia's first innings, Kumble and Harbhajan got lot many balls to turn and even Hogg turned quite a few, he said.
Second, unlike the pitch at Melbourne, the bounce at Sydney was relatively even because of which he (Laxman) was able to play pull shot so freely. So it should not be too difficult for the Indian batsmen, including Tendulkar and Ganguly – the seasoned batsmen on the crease.
Meanwhile, Australia coach Tim Nielson believes that the match is evenly poised and as the new ball is due after 18 overs on Friday, the first session will be extremely critical for both the teams.
Of course, it will be worth getting up seven hours from now, (Five AM IST) to watch how the 1st session unfolds.
Even if they are unable to take the lead, India will need at least 200 runs more in the 1st innings to put Australia under pressure on a spinning track and hope for the repeat of Adelaide four years ago. In that match, Australia had collapsed in the second innings after taking a small first innings lead of 33, leaving India with a target of 230, which they achieved with four wickets to spare.
With 270 overs still to go, it is anybody’s game. Unless, of course, there is an inspirational spell by someone from the Australian side tomorrow morning, resulting in over 100 lead for the Aussie. That could be a decisive lead on this track for a team batting third.
First, he felt that the pitch will have lots of spin on fourth and fifth days and, so, India will have to ensure a big score in their first innings. Already in Australia's first innings, Kumble and Harbhajan got lot many balls to turn and even Hogg turned quite a few, he said.
Second, unlike the pitch at Melbourne, the bounce at Sydney was relatively even because of which he (Laxman) was able to play pull shot so freely. So it should not be too difficult for the Indian batsmen, including Tendulkar and Ganguly – the seasoned batsmen on the crease.
Meanwhile, Australia coach Tim Nielson believes that the match is evenly poised and as the new ball is due after 18 overs on Friday, the first session will be extremely critical for both the teams.
Of course, it will be worth getting up seven hours from now, (Five AM IST) to watch how the 1st session unfolds.
Even if they are unable to take the lead, India will need at least 200 runs more in the 1st innings to put Australia under pressure on a spinning track and hope for the repeat of Adelaide four years ago. In that match, Australia had collapsed in the second innings after taking a small first innings lead of 33, leaving India with a target of 230, which they achieved with four wickets to spare.
With 270 overs still to go, it is anybody’s game. Unless, of course, there is an inspirational spell by someone from the Australian side tomorrow morning, resulting in over 100 lead for the Aussie. That could be a decisive lead on this track for a team batting third.
Forget about an explosive start from india
When India start their innings , they will be in a defensive frame of mind, commented Gavaskar just after Australia crossed 400 runs.
That is understandable when you are chasing a total in excess of 400 runs because the first thought will be about saving the test.
Also, as going 0-2 down will curtail your ambition drastically to the thought of just saving the series.
That should be the only strategy available to India right now, and it will be a good one too unless they go ultra-defensive. Now in this test, if India are allowed a look in with nearly 50-70 overs left today, they will still have a possible 320-340 overs left for the last three innings. Australia, one fears, will not be required to face more than 50 in their second essay unless India put up a great total. That would mean negotiating 125 to 150 overs in each innings for India.
That should be a tough job, but it is not impossible by any standards as the wicket is playing very true. Shastri believes that it is easy. In fact, the avearge second innings score at Sydney is close to 400, and that should give heart to India.
But once again, India will need to score too and not just preserve their wickets. Australians did that beautifully under pressure by trading in singles and twos when boundaries were not coming. India may not be allowed too many boundaries if Ponting's approach, alternating between defense and offense, is any indication.
Meanwhile, I am awaiting morning papers to read what they have to say about the umpiring goof-ups, which allowed Australia to escape from the gallows. Did not Navjot Sidhu say in NDTV that if Sachin is allowed three innings in one innings, he (Sidhu) would bet on him scoring a century every time!
Australia have lost their eighth wicket just now. Hopefully, there will not be any big partnership anymore in this innings..
That is understandable when you are chasing a total in excess of 400 runs because the first thought will be about saving the test.
Also, as going 0-2 down will curtail your ambition drastically to the thought of just saving the series.
That should be the only strategy available to India right now, and it will be a good one too unless they go ultra-defensive. Now in this test, if India are allowed a look in with nearly 50-70 overs left today, they will still have a possible 320-340 overs left for the last three innings. Australia, one fears, will not be required to face more than 50 in their second essay unless India put up a great total. That would mean negotiating 125 to 150 overs in each innings for India.
That should be a tough job, but it is not impossible by any standards as the wicket is playing very true. Shastri believes that it is easy. In fact, the avearge second innings score at Sydney is close to 400, and that should give heart to India.
But once again, India will need to score too and not just preserve their wickets. Australians did that beautifully under pressure by trading in singles and twos when boundaries were not coming. India may not be allowed too many boundaries if Ponting's approach, alternating between defense and offense, is any indication.
Meanwhile, I am awaiting morning papers to read what they have to say about the umpiring goof-ups, which allowed Australia to escape from the gallows. Did not Navjot Sidhu say in NDTV that if Sachin is allowed three innings in one innings, he (Sidhu) would bet on him scoring a century every time!
Australia have lost their eighth wicket just now. Hopefully, there will not be any big partnership anymore in this innings..
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Sensational Daylight robbery at Sydney....
.....masterminded by Benson, Bucknor and the Third Umpire with millions watching.
And India can't do anything about that!
Below are links to other related posts today:
Aussie Grit; Deaf Bucknor
Prophetic Ponting!
Ridiculous decision on half use of Technology
This Sickening Cricket Addiction!!!!!!
And India can't do anything about that!
Below are links to other related posts today:
Aussie Grit; Deaf Bucknor
Prophetic Ponting!
Ridiculous decision on half use of Technology
This Sickening Cricket Addiction!!!!!!
Links to day one of Sydney Test
Just double click the links for brief stories on today's play. More should be there by the end of play
--Aussie Grit; Deaf Bucknor
-- Prophetic Ponting!
-- Ridiculous decision on half use of Technology
-- This Sickening Cricket Addiction!!!!!!
--Aussie Grit; Deaf Bucknor
-- Prophetic Ponting!
-- Ridiculous decision on half use of Technology
-- This Sickening Cricket Addiction!!!!!!
Ridiculous decision on half use of Technology
One of the reasons why the visiting sides find it very difficult to have Australia on the back foot in Australia, is that critical decisions often tend to go in Australia’s favour. Even with neutral umpires. It is soooo tough to get a leg before against a top Australian batsman.
And the problem gets compounded by the fact that technology is not fully used. Had it been, Australia would have been reeling at 45 for three with Ponting following Jaques and Hayden back to pavilion.
A clear caught behind decision was not given by Mark Benson because judging a nick is entirely at the discretion of an on-field umpire. The use of snickometer is simply not on.
It is ridiculous. One can understand the failure to judge a leg before decision through Hawkeye, but a nick can clearly be judged from one of the angles in 90 per cent of the cases.
High time to increase the use of technology with so much at stake for both the teams. Just one such decision has the potential to close the series for a visiting side.
Pre match offering
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-sickening-cricket-addiction.html
And the problem gets compounded by the fact that technology is not fully used. Had it been, Australia would have been reeling at 45 for three with Ponting following Jaques and Hayden back to pavilion.
A clear caught behind decision was not given by Mark Benson because judging a nick is entirely at the discretion of an on-field umpire. The use of snickometer is simply not on.
It is ridiculous. One can understand the failure to judge a leg before decision through Hawkeye, but a nick can clearly be judged from one of the angles in 90 per cent of the cases.
High time to increase the use of technology with so much at stake for both the teams. Just one such decision has the potential to close the series for a visiting side.
Pre match offering
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2008/01/this-sickening-cricket-addiction.html
This Sickening Cricket Addiction!!!!!!
It forces one to get up much before time even on such a cold January day.
It compels one to type furiously in dark, and in double the time, just to ensure that the family does not get disturbed.
If forces one to lower the volume of the TV set even though one wishes to hear the ambiance it its full glory.
And all this just to see the first day, first show of a brand new test (!) even though one gets a sinking feeling about the team’s chances even before the Sydney test has begun.
And here I should be representing the collective sentiments of the die-hard fans and cricket writers, who sacrifice all the family values (do not disturb others' sleep before six), put aside their own sleep and cast aside all urgent work, just to see their team in action. An addiction they have been living with for decades.
Meanwhile, in less than half-an-hour from now we will know the composition of the team for sure. That will partly decide if we need to go back to sleep again, or our sleep-deprived eyes will allow us to watch the tone-setting first two hours.
It compels one to type furiously in dark, and in double the time, just to ensure that the family does not get disturbed.
If forces one to lower the volume of the TV set even though one wishes to hear the ambiance it its full glory.
And all this just to see the first day, first show of a brand new test (!) even though one gets a sinking feeling about the team’s chances even before the Sydney test has begun.
And here I should be representing the collective sentiments of the die-hard fans and cricket writers, who sacrifice all the family values (do not disturb others' sleep before six), put aside their own sleep and cast aside all urgent work, just to see their team in action. An addiction they have been living with for decades.
Meanwhile, in less than half-an-hour from now we will know the composition of the team for sure. That will partly decide if we need to go back to sleep again, or our sleep-deprived eyes will allow us to watch the tone-setting first two hours.
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Sehwag Left out of India Team?
If this report in India Times is correct, and not a part of retaliatory media war by India, then one fears that India are already on the backfoot.
The report says that ''India batsman Virender Sehwag has been left out of the playing eleven whereas Zaheer Khan's fitness might make him sit out as well in the second Test against Australia in Sydney on Wednesday''.
The report adds ''In spite of constant advices by cricket legends, India skipper Anil Kumble chose to opt out Sehwag from playing eleven.''
Blog's take: The legends included Steve Waugh and Javagal Srinath. Though they had advocated Sehwag-Dravid Combo, Sehwag could have only come in Yuvraj's place, making it Sehwag-Jaffer Combo.
About the team's composition, we will know for sure in few hours from now as last minute changes do happen. But if Sehwag is not there, India will certainly be on the backfoot.
One, India will not have a regular opening pair for the second consecutive time.
Second, Dravid will be forced to play as opener, which makes him vulnerable once again.
Third, Laxman at number three on overseas pitches does not inspire much confidence.
Hopefully, there will be a rethink on Sehwag. With Zaheer gone, one believes there will not be much difference. After all, the first few wickets in both the innings were taken by the spinners at Melbourne!
The report says that ''India batsman Virender Sehwag has been left out of the playing eleven whereas Zaheer Khan's fitness might make him sit out as well in the second Test against Australia in Sydney on Wednesday''.
The report adds ''In spite of constant advices by cricket legends, India skipper Anil Kumble chose to opt out Sehwag from playing eleven.''
Blog's take: The legends included Steve Waugh and Javagal Srinath. Though they had advocated Sehwag-Dravid Combo, Sehwag could have only come in Yuvraj's place, making it Sehwag-Jaffer Combo.
About the team's composition, we will know for sure in few hours from now as last minute changes do happen. But if Sehwag is not there, India will certainly be on the backfoot.
One, India will not have a regular opening pair for the second consecutive time.
Second, Dravid will be forced to play as opener, which makes him vulnerable once again.
Third, Laxman at number three on overseas pitches does not inspire much confidence.
Hopefully, there will be a rethink on Sehwag. With Zaheer gone, one believes there will not be much difference. After all, the first few wickets in both the innings were taken by the spinners at Melbourne!
Buch's free advice to struggling India
In this era of free advice though columns and blogs, here are a few tips from Former Australian Coach John Buchanan. Below are the suggestions (All in red with our notes in blue) in one of the News Websites on how India can arrest the Australian domination to ensure that the series remains at 1-0 or 1-1 after Sydney.
In an article on an Australian Website, he writes about the key points for India as:
Being able to score runs as well as occupy the crease (Dravid needs to do the first and the rest need to occupy it)
The Top four batting must dent the Australian attack (Not just weather it. Unless you take the bull by the horn in Australia, you will not succeed!)
Two or three big partnerships in top six, which means player or players registering 100-plus (Forties and fifties are not going to be enough and the likes of Sachin and Sourav must resist long enough)
Opening bowlers need support from another quick bowler (That would mean playing just one spinner even on supposedly spin friendly wickets. To get this Australian side out, you need three good quickies)
When an Australian batting pair begins to dominate, decide quickly on whether they employ wicket taking strategy or a strategy of defence to force an Australian error. (More huddles will be needed to change strategies from time to time as most Australian pair tend to flourish on home grounds)
Good points, But most things India by now must be aware of.
In an article on an Australian Website, he writes about the key points for India as:
Being able to score runs as well as occupy the crease (Dravid needs to do the first and the rest need to occupy it)
The Top four batting must dent the Australian attack (Not just weather it. Unless you take the bull by the horn in Australia, you will not succeed!)
Two or three big partnerships in top six, which means player or players registering 100-plus (Forties and fifties are not going to be enough and the likes of Sachin and Sourav must resist long enough)
Opening bowlers need support from another quick bowler (That would mean playing just one spinner even on supposedly spin friendly wickets. To get this Australian side out, you need three good quickies)
When an Australian batting pair begins to dominate, decide quickly on whether they employ wicket taking strategy or a strategy of defence to force an Australian error. (More huddles will be needed to change strategies from time to time as most Australian pair tend to flourish on home grounds)
Good points, But most things India by now must be aware of.
Sehwag-Dravid Combo finds one more supporter
With India gearing up for a do-or-die battle at Sydney which begins less than 24 hours from now, the call to have Sehwag partnering Dravid is gaining momentum.
After Steve Waugh (http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/steves-team-will-have-sehwag-partnering.html), Javagal Srinath has asked the team management to let Sehwag partner Dravid at the top in a match, which India simply can’t afford to lose.
‘’Given the nature of the surface at the SCG, Sehwag and Rahul should be opening the innings. Sehwag was not only a great hit with the bat on the last tour, but can be very handy with the ball, on a turner like SCG,’’ writes Srinath in his column by Hawkeye/Chivach Sports.
Srinath is convinced that ‘’At present, Rahul needs an aggressive opening partner to complement his style of batting.’’Sehwag should be happy indeed.
If he gets in and scores, there won’t be a better new year gift for him and the Indian Contingent. His selection in that case will turn out to be as inspirational as Ganguly’s inclusion in the Test team for South Africa at the fag end of 2006.
In between, there were two adverse developments for the Indian squad, gearing up to take on Australia.
India’s best batsman in the 1st Test, Ganguly is down with fever though the team management believes that he will be fit in time for the second test. One does recall seeing Ganguly in discomfort during India’s second innings.
Hopefully, he will have recovered sufficiently to bat for long if India are to bat first tomorrow. They simply can’t afford to lose a batsman in form.
The second bad piece of news has been the nature of the pitch. In a story titled ‘’Pacy strip confuses India,’’ the Times of India says ‘’the virgin wicket at the SCG is not quite a spinners’ paradise, but has a bit of grass no it and the ball will carry nicely to the wicketkeeper.’
However, the nature of the pitch should concern only the Indians who are banking heavily on their best attack, which comprises two spinners. The Australians will hardly be bothered, as they have form as well momentum going on their side.
After Steve Waugh (http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/steves-team-will-have-sehwag-partnering.html), Javagal Srinath has asked the team management to let Sehwag partner Dravid at the top in a match, which India simply can’t afford to lose.
‘’Given the nature of the surface at the SCG, Sehwag and Rahul should be opening the innings. Sehwag was not only a great hit with the bat on the last tour, but can be very handy with the ball, on a turner like SCG,’’ writes Srinath in his column by Hawkeye/Chivach Sports.
Srinath is convinced that ‘’At present, Rahul needs an aggressive opening partner to complement his style of batting.’’Sehwag should be happy indeed.
If he gets in and scores, there won’t be a better new year gift for him and the Indian Contingent. His selection in that case will turn out to be as inspirational as Ganguly’s inclusion in the Test team for South Africa at the fag end of 2006.
In between, there were two adverse developments for the Indian squad, gearing up to take on Australia.
India’s best batsman in the 1st Test, Ganguly is down with fever though the team management believes that he will be fit in time for the second test. One does recall seeing Ganguly in discomfort during India’s second innings.
Hopefully, he will have recovered sufficiently to bat for long if India are to bat first tomorrow. They simply can’t afford to lose a batsman in form.
The second bad piece of news has been the nature of the pitch. In a story titled ‘’Pacy strip confuses India,’’ the Times of India says ‘’the virgin wicket at the SCG is not quite a spinners’ paradise, but has a bit of grass no it and the ball will carry nicely to the wicketkeeper.’
However, the nature of the pitch should concern only the Indians who are banking heavily on their best attack, which comprises two spinners. The Australians will hardly be bothered, as they have form as well momentum going on their side.
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