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.
Showing posts with label Cricket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cricket. Show all posts
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Monday, December 31, 2007
Do not create another Controversy Mr Rajput, India have enough on their plate!
It was indeed funny to read a report in the Times of India, quoting Assistant Coach Ralchand Rajput in Sydney Morning Herald, that Yuvraj’s air of indifference was likely to cost him in a place in the middle order.
A similar report appeared in the Hindustan Times, titled ‘’Team upset with Yuvraj’s attitude’’ and it quoted the Newspaper, The Age.
The HT report said Yuvraj’s attitude during Melbourne ‘’infuriated the members of the Indian team.’’Unfortunately, there was no quote from Yuvraj, not even a mention that the media tried to contact him. Now where does any of the reports mention what exactly was this attitude problem.
For example, did he tell the other players to look at their own batting first before commenting on his (Yuvraj’s)! Or was there anything else.Why malign a man (who will not reply due to disciplinary reasons), whose heroics at the World Cup helped India snatch it, and whose tremendous batting at Bangalore along with Ganguly saved India from a possible defeat.
If you do not want to play him at Sydney, do it little more gracefully.What is Yuvraj without attitude? And what is the problem with flaunting it! Only men with attitude can take on the Australians. The likes of Botham, Flintoff, Shastri and Harbhajan have shown it in the past.
And the point it, why should Rajput be talking to the Australian media about the attitude of the Indians, and play into their hand!
Rajput wants to have one-on-one with him at Sydney, but has no problem in talking to the media on the issue even before that chat! That is strange.
A similar report appeared in the Hindustan Times, titled ‘’Team upset with Yuvraj’s attitude’’ and it quoted the Newspaper, The Age.
The HT report said Yuvraj’s attitude during Melbourne ‘’infuriated the members of the Indian team.’’Unfortunately, there was no quote from Yuvraj, not even a mention that the media tried to contact him. Now where does any of the reports mention what exactly was this attitude problem.
For example, did he tell the other players to look at their own batting first before commenting on his (Yuvraj’s)! Or was there anything else.Why malign a man (who will not reply due to disciplinary reasons), whose heroics at the World Cup helped India snatch it, and whose tremendous batting at Bangalore along with Ganguly saved India from a possible defeat.
If you do not want to play him at Sydney, do it little more gracefully.What is Yuvraj without attitude? And what is the problem with flaunting it! Only men with attitude can take on the Australians. The likes of Botham, Flintoff, Shastri and Harbhajan have shown it in the past.
And the point it, why should Rajput be talking to the Australian media about the attitude of the Indians, and play into their hand!
Rajput wants to have one-on-one with him at Sydney, but has no problem in talking to the media on the issue even before that chat! That is strange.
Saturday, December 29, 2007
India must make their own statement!
Getting up at four (IST), well an hour before the Indian batsmen undertake an arduous, rather a near impossible, journey for glory at Melbourne, reminds me of the days in the eighties when we would not be able to sleep the whole night in anticipation of a great telecast from Australia.
It used to be a tremendous telecast with crystal clear pictures and mind-blowing action replays considering the telecast standards that prevailed in India at that time. One can still recall with amusement how Srikaanth backed away nonchalantly and fooled everybody after dislodging a bail. He even had the gumption to put it back on. But for those action replays, one would have never known that kind of drama. That the Indian team was almost equal to Australia in mid-eighties also helped the matters a lot.
Coming back to Melbourne, I could not sleep tonight (the whole neighbourhood is still pitch dark), because I still hope that this Indian team can leave Melbourne with a good batting display, a display which may not win them the match, but which will surely be a solid statement for the next three matches.
India will badly need to make a statement with the bat because Ponting, by setting a target of 499 when he could have easily gone for 525-550, made a statement that the Australians were brave enough to be prepared to lose, in order to win. After all, statistically speaking, a strike rate of 47 should be good enough to take India through. Even though no team has lasted hundred overs in this match.
Now the Indians must be brave enough to resist even if they lose some early wickets. As Sunil Gavaskar had said yesterday, they must not think of 180 overs or 499 runs. They must play it ball-by-ball, session-by-session and keep rotating the strike.
They will also do well to remember Steve Waugh’s words at Sydney four years ago. Faced with a daunting Indian first innings score of around 700 and in danger of losing the final test and the series, the about-to-retire skipper had said that Australia will fight till the last man standing. And they managed to escape with a draw!
Surely, a draw is impossible here unless bad weather intervenes, and an Indian defeat looks the most likely outcome, but the visitors must go down with all guns blazing. They will make their own statement this way.
Related Links
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/if-you-do-not-score-australia-will.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/india-look-doomed.html
It used to be a tremendous telecast with crystal clear pictures and mind-blowing action replays considering the telecast standards that prevailed in India at that time. One can still recall with amusement how Srikaanth backed away nonchalantly and fooled everybody after dislodging a bail. He even had the gumption to put it back on. But for those action replays, one would have never known that kind of drama. That the Indian team was almost equal to Australia in mid-eighties also helped the matters a lot.
Coming back to Melbourne, I could not sleep tonight (the whole neighbourhood is still pitch dark), because I still hope that this Indian team can leave Melbourne with a good batting display, a display which may not win them the match, but which will surely be a solid statement for the next three matches.
India will badly need to make a statement with the bat because Ponting, by setting a target of 499 when he could have easily gone for 525-550, made a statement that the Australians were brave enough to be prepared to lose, in order to win. After all, statistically speaking, a strike rate of 47 should be good enough to take India through. Even though no team has lasted hundred overs in this match.
Now the Indians must be brave enough to resist even if they lose some early wickets. As Sunil Gavaskar had said yesterday, they must not think of 180 overs or 499 runs. They must play it ball-by-ball, session-by-session and keep rotating the strike.
They will also do well to remember Steve Waugh’s words at Sydney four years ago. Faced with a daunting Indian first innings score of around 700 and in danger of losing the final test and the series, the about-to-retire skipper had said that Australia will fight till the last man standing. And they managed to escape with a draw!
Surely, a draw is impossible here unless bad weather intervenes, and an Indian defeat looks the most likely outcome, but the visitors must go down with all guns blazing. They will make their own statement this way.
Related Links
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/if-you-do-not-score-australia-will.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/india-look-doomed.html
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Uneasy calm before Melbourne Storm
Less than 24 hours before the mega-showdown at Melbourne, nostalgia, serenity, and a sense of history enveloped Indian newspapers, succinctly described by a headline in the Times of India, calling it ‘’calm before the storm’’.
There was also an interesting piece of statistics which said Australia have won each of their last eight matches on this ground beginning with that thumping 180-run win against India in 1999. India were whitewashed 0-3 in the 1999 series – a result ‘predicted’ by the then BCCI secretary Mr Lele even before the series had started!
For India too, this is their most successful ground in Australia as they have won two matches against Australia here, the last one being that famous almost ‘walk over’ match when under Gavaskar’s leadership, Ghavri and Kapil’s heroics with the ball helped India defend a meager total and beat Greg Chappell-led Australia.
The Hindustan times had an article ‘’Bowl India Bowl..Fast’, where the writer tried to convince that ‘’given the general lack of success that finger spinners have had in Australia, a lot is going to depend on India’s pacemen.
However, her opinion goes against what many experts believe. There looks to be a general consensus among many ex-players that India must carry their best attack on this ground even if they have to have two spinners.
They believe the ground will assist spin and help India if Australia play the fourth innings with marginally defendable total. Even Australia will bank on Hogg, a relatively inexperienced spinner, to make inroads in the absence of McGill.
Yesterday, even Ponting and Gilchrist had come out in support of Hogg.An interesting item in the Indian Express was on Gujarati community. They were full of admiration for Indian cricketers, little disappointed that fellow Gujarati Parthiv Patel was not there, and celebrated the re-election of Narendra Modi!
But come tomorrow, the politics of cricket will take the centrestage among the Indians and Modi will be forgotten. As of now, both the teams look eager to take the field. While Ganguly has remarked that he is not feeling any pressure as he goes for this century, Clarke is adamant that Australia will put the pressure back on the Indians.
It is indeed uneasy calm before the storm. In the battle of words, Indians have so far proved to be equal to the Australians. Come tomorrow, and they will be eager to back their words with action.
Meanwhile, Below is the link to Christmas and New Year wishes, which I have prepared for friends and readers of this blog.http://spiritualsolace.blogspot.com/2007/12/may-this-christmas-and-new-year-endow.html
There was also an interesting piece of statistics which said Australia have won each of their last eight matches on this ground beginning with that thumping 180-run win against India in 1999. India were whitewashed 0-3 in the 1999 series – a result ‘predicted’ by the then BCCI secretary Mr Lele even before the series had started!
For India too, this is their most successful ground in Australia as they have won two matches against Australia here, the last one being that famous almost ‘walk over’ match when under Gavaskar’s leadership, Ghavri and Kapil’s heroics with the ball helped India defend a meager total and beat Greg Chappell-led Australia.
The Hindustan times had an article ‘’Bowl India Bowl..Fast’, where the writer tried to convince that ‘’given the general lack of success that finger spinners have had in Australia, a lot is going to depend on India’s pacemen.
However, her opinion goes against what many experts believe. There looks to be a general consensus among many ex-players that India must carry their best attack on this ground even if they have to have two spinners.
They believe the ground will assist spin and help India if Australia play the fourth innings with marginally defendable total. Even Australia will bank on Hogg, a relatively inexperienced spinner, to make inroads in the absence of McGill.
Yesterday, even Ponting and Gilchrist had come out in support of Hogg.An interesting item in the Indian Express was on Gujarati community. They were full of admiration for Indian cricketers, little disappointed that fellow Gujarati Parthiv Patel was not there, and celebrated the re-election of Narendra Modi!
But come tomorrow, the politics of cricket will take the centrestage among the Indians and Modi will be forgotten. As of now, both the teams look eager to take the field. While Ganguly has remarked that he is not feeling any pressure as he goes for this century, Clarke is adamant that Australia will put the pressure back on the Indians.
It is indeed uneasy calm before the storm. In the battle of words, Indians have so far proved to be equal to the Australians. Come tomorrow, and they will be eager to back their words with action.
Meanwhile, Below is the link to Christmas and New Year wishes, which I have prepared for friends and readers of this blog.http://spiritualsolace.blogspot.com/2007/12/may-this-christmas-and-new-year-endow.html
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Miandad has interesting tips for India
Media Watch, Dec 23
The former Pakistan coach and one of world’s most resilient player, he says in an interview to the Indian Express that ‘’it is (beating Australia in Australia) a tough task no doubt. But by saying that it is the toughest, you have just made it tougher than it is.’’
That is the best tip someone could have given to the Indian side. Javed has very encouraging words for the Indian team as he says that ‘’I personally do not think that it is as tough as it is being made out to be, especially considering the strength and form of the Indian side at the moment.’’
A report in the Times of India had Tendulkar saying that India have got what it takes to win the test series in Australia, but he also cautioned batsmen to be ‘’little more careful with shot selection.’’ He also said that some ‘’mental adjustments’’ were needed on this tour.
In fact, everyone is talking about the strength of the Indian batting, and that includes Australian past greats and current cricketers. They believe that India have it in them to put it across Australia. That is also representative of the cordial manner in which the series will be fought and lack of hostility should certainly help India as much as the absence of Warne and McGrath.
Australia new coach Tim Nielsen believes that ‘’The older players (in Indian team) know how to pace themselves. As you get older it is easier to lay the big games for you know how to play and recover. The same holds good for India’s top players,’’ he says.
If their reflexes manage to judge the Australian pace the same way as they did last time, India should be able to give a tough challenge. Win or lose, the fight must be good
The former Pakistan coach and one of world’s most resilient player, he says in an interview to the Indian Express that ‘’it is (beating Australia in Australia) a tough task no doubt. But by saying that it is the toughest, you have just made it tougher than it is.’’
That is the best tip someone could have given to the Indian side. Javed has very encouraging words for the Indian team as he says that ‘’I personally do not think that it is as tough as it is being made out to be, especially considering the strength and form of the Indian side at the moment.’’
A report in the Times of India had Tendulkar saying that India have got what it takes to win the test series in Australia, but he also cautioned batsmen to be ‘’little more careful with shot selection.’’ He also said that some ‘’mental adjustments’’ were needed on this tour.
In fact, everyone is talking about the strength of the Indian batting, and that includes Australian past greats and current cricketers. They believe that India have it in them to put it across Australia. That is also representative of the cordial manner in which the series will be fought and lack of hostility should certainly help India as much as the absence of Warne and McGrath.
Australia new coach Tim Nielsen believes that ‘’The older players (in Indian team) know how to pace themselves. As you get older it is easier to lay the big games for you know how to play and recover. The same holds good for India’s top players,’’ he says.
If their reflexes manage to judge the Australian pace the same way as they did last time, India should be able to give a tough challenge. Win or lose, the fight must be good
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Why India should aim for the top of the off-stump
Simply because Agarkar successfully did that in Adelaide four years ago and helped India get their first away test win over Australia in over two decades.
‘’It is simple. Just bowl on a good length and try and aim for the top of the off-stump,’’ says Agarkar about his approach in Australia in 2003-04 series.
His advise makes sense because it is easier to get carried away for a pace bowler in Australia. Listening to what he says in the Times of India will do a world of good to Zaheer and company.
Meanwhile, in his column (By Hawkeye/Chivach Sport) in the Hindu, Anil Kumble laments that ‘’Ideally, it would have been great if the weather had been kinder and we had had a good tour game but that was not to be''. He also say ideally India should have had two tour games before the first test to sort out their chinks.
Too late to say this skipper. The Team should have requested the BCCI to take note of this 'thoughtlessly done schedule' even as the itinerary was being planned.
But good preparation or not, India has some good supporters in Gilchrist and Hussey, two of Australia key players who are predicting a good, well-contested series.
Gilchrist believes that India is ‘’not underprepared’’ for the tour, and rather they are ‘’match-hardened’’ after three-four weeks of intense cricket against Pakistan. Hussey believes it is a ‘huge challenge’ for Australia as India right now have ‘good momentum’ and ‘good form’ going into the contest. Though in a separate story in the Indian Express, he also said that the Australian batsmen had plans ready for each Indian bowler.
Basically, the contest between the Australian bowlers and the Indian batsmen will decide the outcome of the series. Australian batsmen are always expected to score heavily on their pitches so do not expect much from the Indian attack. India batting can't afford to fail once or twice in their eight attempts. That will spell doom.
‘’It is simple. Just bowl on a good length and try and aim for the top of the off-stump,’’ says Agarkar about his approach in Australia in 2003-04 series.
His advise makes sense because it is easier to get carried away for a pace bowler in Australia. Listening to what he says in the Times of India will do a world of good to Zaheer and company.
Meanwhile, in his column (By Hawkeye/Chivach Sport) in the Hindu, Anil Kumble laments that ‘’Ideally, it would have been great if the weather had been kinder and we had had a good tour game but that was not to be''. He also say ideally India should have had two tour games before the first test to sort out their chinks.
Too late to say this skipper. The Team should have requested the BCCI to take note of this 'thoughtlessly done schedule' even as the itinerary was being planned.
But good preparation or not, India has some good supporters in Gilchrist and Hussey, two of Australia key players who are predicting a good, well-contested series.
Gilchrist believes that India is ‘’not underprepared’’ for the tour, and rather they are ‘’match-hardened’’ after three-four weeks of intense cricket against Pakistan. Hussey believes it is a ‘huge challenge’ for Australia as India right now have ‘good momentum’ and ‘good form’ going into the contest. Though in a separate story in the Indian Express, he also said that the Australian batsmen had plans ready for each Indian bowler.
Basically, the contest between the Australian bowlers and the Indian batsmen will decide the outcome of the series. Australian batsmen are always expected to score heavily on their pitches so do not expect much from the Indian attack. India batting can't afford to fail once or twice in their eight attempts. That will spell doom.
Dravid may not open in Boxing day test?
It looks highly unlikely but that is what the Times of India is saying quoting PTI.
Unfortunately, this source journalism has a problem that there is never any quote with a name. Whose thinking, what thinking -- is always in realm of dispute.
The report says ''Till the start of the three-day game against Victoria on Thursday, the thinking was to put Dravid at the top of the order and pitchfork VVS Laxman at number three. These two were the best bats against Australia in 2003 and the opinion was to again put them at the forefront. But both are unused to this position and Dravid is fighting his own demons, inflicted on him after his ouster from One-dayers, a few technical cobwebs as well as the new task of opening the innings.''
The reasoning is perfect, and that is the way it should be. And Veru should be happy. He certainly has very good memories of MCG with that tremendous 195.
The Report says that ''Sehwag has been put on alert and he wasted little time in rushing to the MCG indoor nets this afternoon to give himself some serious workout against bowling machines.''Good.
That will surely help him if he gets a chance for the sterner test ahead!
Unfortunately, this source journalism has a problem that there is never any quote with a name. Whose thinking, what thinking -- is always in realm of dispute.
The report says ''Till the start of the three-day game against Victoria on Thursday, the thinking was to put Dravid at the top of the order and pitchfork VVS Laxman at number three. These two were the best bats against Australia in 2003 and the opinion was to again put them at the forefront. But both are unused to this position and Dravid is fighting his own demons, inflicted on him after his ouster from One-dayers, a few technical cobwebs as well as the new task of opening the innings.''
The reasoning is perfect, and that is the way it should be. And Veru should be happy. He certainly has very good memories of MCG with that tremendous 195.
The Report says that ''Sehwag has been put on alert and he wasted little time in rushing to the MCG indoor nets this afternoon to give himself some serious workout against bowling machines.''Good.
That will surely help him if he gets a chance for the sterner test ahead!
Friday, December 21, 2007
Dravid 'may' (!) Open
Media Watch (More will follow in the same post in next one hour)
Dravid may open in the Tests. It was an interesting headline in the Hindu talking about the indications that ‘’the Indian team down under is considering the option’’ of using Dravid as opener in the first test.
It was interesting as the headlines came a day after Dravid's great resilience in making 33 not out at a strike rate of less than 30 (the match against Victoria lasted just a few overs today with Dravid still playing at 38).
Probably the paper, a tremendous source of knowledge on cricket, could have been more adventurous in saying that Dravid WILL open.
The 1st session of play yesterday at Melbourne warm up match made it more than clear that the Indian batting lineup will have Jaffer and Dravid as openers for sure, with Ganguly, Tendulkar, Laxman and Yuvraj in the middle order.
India will definitely bank on its strong middle order to click, and hope Dravid shines in his new role as opener. Hope because Dravid’s average, at 33.54 (Source ToI) is his worst in this position compared to any other he has played at. Even though he may say that he will play wherever his team wants him to be.
Sacrificing your top batsman at number three (where Dravid averages a good 57) does not really make any sense just to ensure that every middle order bat is accommodated. You can't be successful overseas without a 'comfortable' opening pair.
Dravid may open in the Tests. It was an interesting headline in the Hindu talking about the indications that ‘’the Indian team down under is considering the option’’ of using Dravid as opener in the first test.
It was interesting as the headlines came a day after Dravid's great resilience in making 33 not out at a strike rate of less than 30 (the match against Victoria lasted just a few overs today with Dravid still playing at 38).
Probably the paper, a tremendous source of knowledge on cricket, could have been more adventurous in saying that Dravid WILL open.
The 1st session of play yesterday at Melbourne warm up match made it more than clear that the Indian batting lineup will have Jaffer and Dravid as openers for sure, with Ganguly, Tendulkar, Laxman and Yuvraj in the middle order.
India will definitely bank on its strong middle order to click, and hope Dravid shines in his new role as opener. Hope because Dravid’s average, at 33.54 (Source ToI) is his worst in this position compared to any other he has played at. Even though he may say that he will play wherever his team wants him to be.
Sacrificing your top batsman at number three (where Dravid averages a good 57) does not really make any sense just to ensure that every middle order bat is accommodated. You can't be successful overseas without a 'comfortable' opening pair.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Dravid is not a Wiseman!
Even as someone named Wise was making Indians aware of what Australian conditions are all about, Dravid showed that he was not a Wise-man by ensuring that the Indians did not completely crumble.
But it may also not have been a Wise thing to resist so dourly as an opener (Dravid was unbeaten on 24 by the 25th over of the innings). It ensures that 'the wall' will open at Melbourne, something which Dravid will never be fully comfortable with at the Test level.
One wonders what is in store when Lee and Tait share the Red cherry at Australia's most hallowed ground on December 26th (if Australia get to bowl first).
(This post is purely in zest. Media watch one is below)
But it may also not have been a Wise thing to resist so dourly as an opener (Dravid was unbeaten on 24 by the 25th over of the innings). It ensures that 'the wall' will open at Melbourne, something which Dravid will never be fully comfortable with at the Test level.
One wonders what is in store when Lee and Tait share the Red cherry at Australia's most hallowed ground on December 26th (if Australia get to bowl first).
(This post is purely in zest. Media watch one is below)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Challenge is enormous!
If you take Australia's record and compare it with India's, challenge is enormous. The story below in IBN Live says that Australia win three out of their every four matches and India win one of their every three matches.
So, in lighter vain, India should be happy with a 1-2 scoreline in favour of Australia just on the basis of their respective performances in year 2000.
http://ibnlive.com/news/aussies-test-record-awesome-india-way-behind/54487-5.html
Meanwhile, here are two links on Print media's assessment on India's chances and Blog's take on that.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-will-india-be-banking-on-in.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/soaring-hopes-and-mission-not.html
So, in lighter vain, India should be happy with a 1-2 scoreline in favour of Australia just on the basis of their respective performances in year 2000.
http://ibnlive.com/news/aussies-test-record-awesome-india-way-behind/54487-5.html
Meanwhile, here are two links on Print media's assessment on India's chances and Blog's take on that.
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/what-will-india-be-banking-on-in.html
http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/soaring-hopes-and-mission-not.html
Based on quotes in Print media and Blogs' reaction to it
Please see the link below and give your comments. Blog's take in this link is based on what Kumble and Dhoni have said.
What will India be banking on in Australia
What will India be banking on in Australia
Inzy's memory is not that HUGE
It was funny to read Pakistan former Captain Inzamam-ul-Haq recently blaming Lawson’s inexperience as coach at the International level leading to recent losses against India in both ODI and Test Series. (link is . http://chennaionline.com/colnewsnew/newsitem.asp?NEWSID=%7B9B657005-0F1A-4E5D-918E-520B26003885%7D&CATEGORYNAME=Sports
It was funny indeed because it was his experienced team which had so tamely went down in the World Cup with a very experienced coach in late Bob Woolmer.
Inzamam will also do well to remember that when Pakistan had lost a test series and ODI series on its soil for the first time against India in 2004, he was the skipper (a very experienced one) and the coach of the team was Javed Miandad (another experienced campaigner).
Inzy wants some reasonable time for Malik to prove his mettle, then why not for Lawson to prove his credentials. He should rather be praising the coach and the team for ensuring that it did not go down 0-3 in the test series and at least by 1-4 margin in the ODIs.
One wonders what even Whatmore could have done with a team full with injured pacers, and trying to take on India in India.
It was funny indeed because it was his experienced team which had so tamely went down in the World Cup with a very experienced coach in late Bob Woolmer.
Inzamam will also do well to remember that when Pakistan had lost a test series and ODI series on its soil for the first time against India in 2004, he was the skipper (a very experienced one) and the coach of the team was Javed Miandad (another experienced campaigner).
Inzy wants some reasonable time for Malik to prove his mettle, then why not for Lawson to prove his credentials. He should rather be praising the coach and the team for ensuring that it did not go down 0-3 in the test series and at least by 1-4 margin in the ODIs.
One wonders what even Whatmore could have done with a team full with injured pacers, and trying to take on India in India.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Soaring Hopes and a Mission not Impossible
Media Watch Dec 18
India’s departure for Australia was the biggest news in Indian Newspapers today.
''Indians fly off Down Under with Soaring hopes in tow'', was the headline in the Indian Express as the paper quoted Skipper Kumble that the experience of previous tours will come handy.
His optimism was reflected in his comment that ‘’We have the potential and the players to win the series.
Blog's Take: However, while the batsmen in the team have over 30,000 runs collectively, over 10,000 more than what they had when they toured last, they are also older by four years. The reflexes may not hold this time round against Lee and Tait. The last chance missed (in 2003-04) may well have been their last chance.
Meanwhile, Laxman was as down to earth as he has ever been, as he talked about the Australian potential.‘’They are the best so it is pretty simple that you have got to give your best against them,’’ he said. Jaffer too said that ‘’It will be a big test for me’’.
Blog's Take: Surely, and he will also need stability at the other end whether it is Sehwag, Dravid, Yuvraj or Karthik opening the batting with him. It takes two to tango. Noting illustrates it better than the exploits of Sehwag-Aakash Combo which had set the tone for the last series.
HT, well they headlined it ‘’Mission: Not impossible’’. However, the paper did say that the lack of more than one warm up match before the first test will be a big problem for India. The Times of India simply said ‘’Team off to Oz, looking to make history.’’
Blog's Take: Kumble and company can be justifiably aggrieved. With so much at stake, the issue needs to be addressed quickly. Players are not machines that they keep on performing relentlessly at the big stage in completely different conditions without adequate preparation. The absence of that opportunity to get tuned into conditions does make it a mission impossible for a team still grappling with batting combinations at the top.
In the Times of India, there was an interview with Sourav Ganguly where he said that India had done better outside the subcontinent in last six-seven years compared to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In fact, he used the word ‘’wonderfully well’’.He felt that this knowledge of beating West Indies, Pakistan and England in away series and drawing with Australia last time, will help India immensely. He also quoted India reaching the final of ODI World Cup in 2003 and winning the 20-20 Cup as among the important factors.
Blog's Take: Ganguly has shown that he has the skills to go with the guts. A tremendous skipper, India will look at Ganguly for the kind of inspiration he showed in the recent series against Pakistan. Mission may not be possible, but that is possible!
India’s departure for Australia was the biggest news in Indian Newspapers today.
''Indians fly off Down Under with Soaring hopes in tow'', was the headline in the Indian Express as the paper quoted Skipper Kumble that the experience of previous tours will come handy.
His optimism was reflected in his comment that ‘’We have the potential and the players to win the series.
Blog's Take: However, while the batsmen in the team have over 30,000 runs collectively, over 10,000 more than what they had when they toured last, they are also older by four years. The reflexes may not hold this time round against Lee and Tait. The last chance missed (in 2003-04) may well have been their last chance.
Meanwhile, Laxman was as down to earth as he has ever been, as he talked about the Australian potential.‘’They are the best so it is pretty simple that you have got to give your best against them,’’ he said. Jaffer too said that ‘’It will be a big test for me’’.
Blog's Take: Surely, and he will also need stability at the other end whether it is Sehwag, Dravid, Yuvraj or Karthik opening the batting with him. It takes two to tango. Noting illustrates it better than the exploits of Sehwag-Aakash Combo which had set the tone for the last series.
HT, well they headlined it ‘’Mission: Not impossible’’. However, the paper did say that the lack of more than one warm up match before the first test will be a big problem for India. The Times of India simply said ‘’Team off to Oz, looking to make history.’’
Blog's Take: Kumble and company can be justifiably aggrieved. With so much at stake, the issue needs to be addressed quickly. Players are not machines that they keep on performing relentlessly at the big stage in completely different conditions without adequate preparation. The absence of that opportunity to get tuned into conditions does make it a mission impossible for a team still grappling with batting combinations at the top.
In the Times of India, there was an interview with Sourav Ganguly where he said that India had done better outside the subcontinent in last six-seven years compared to Sri Lanka and Pakistan. In fact, he used the word ‘’wonderfully well’’.He felt that this knowledge of beating West Indies, Pakistan and England in away series and drawing with Australia last time, will help India immensely. He also quoted India reaching the final of ODI World Cup in 2003 and winning the 20-20 Cup as among the important factors.
Blog's Take: Ganguly has shown that he has the skills to go with the guts. A tremendous skipper, India will look at Ganguly for the kind of inspiration he showed in the recent series against Pakistan. Mission may not be possible, but that is possible!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Kumble impervious to mind games
Former Australian coach John Buchanan believes that the Indian skipper Anil Kumble is a tough cookie who is impervious to mind games.
Below are some comments from Kumble in a website, which show that he is not bothered about what Australia have to offer.
Well, that may not win the series for him, but Kumble has surely not started on the back foot. Good omen that is.
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20070036188
Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh has questioned Brad Hogg's credentials to fit into the shoes of either Shane Warne or Stuart MacGill. So, the offensive from India has already started.From now on, one can surely bet that things are not going to be peaceful both on and off the field.
Below are some comments from Kumble in a website, which show that he is not bothered about what Australia have to offer.
Well, that may not win the series for him, but Kumble has surely not started on the back foot. Good omen that is.
http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtvcricket/cricketstory.aspx?id=SPOEN20070036188
Meanwhile, Harbhajan Singh has questioned Brad Hogg's credentials to fit into the shoes of either Shane Warne or Stuart MacGill. So, the offensive from India has already started.From now on, one can surely bet that things are not going to be peaceful both on and off the field.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Younis is a great captaincy material.....
.....but PCB will never give him another opportunity. The reasons are in the link http://atulsondhi.blogspot.com/2007/12/younis-is-great-captaincy-material.html
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Lawson has thrown the challenge which India might not accept
The final day of the Bangalore test tomorrow holds intriguing possibilities. Pakistan’s coach Geoff Lawson has thrown the challenge that they will go for a win if the score is competitive.
In other words, he has dangled a temptation for India to make it 2-0 by putting Pakistan in a position where their batsmen will go in for their shots.
However, given the fact that it is not everyday that you win a series against Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that Kumble will give them a target of around 4.5 runs per over, which is the only realistic target on this kind of pitch.
India's lead right now is 220 and if the target is to be 315-320 in about 70 overs, the Indian batsmen will have to go at five runs per over in the morning session. That way India will reach the target figure in 18-19 overs, leaving Pakistan with around 70.
But the problem with that kind of target is that it does give Pakistan a realistic chance and it is India who are leading the series right now. Lawson would not have thrown this challenge at India if Pak were leading!
India will be more comfortable with a target score of around 340-345, the same at Kolkatta, and Pakistan having about 60 to 65 overs to chase that. At least five runs per over will be what they will demand of Pakistan to make. However, that will not be the kind of target Pakistan would like to chase. They will end that pursuit after the loss of just one or two wickets.
Anything above five is virtually impossible on this track, especially on the final day, and Pakistan can not realistically expect to chase a total which might need them to go at 5.5 to 6 runs per over. If they try, they will be in real danger of losing an uneven contest.
So Mr Lawson, you can take back your challenge. India would not like to share honours in a series which they have already won.
In other words, he has dangled a temptation for India to make it 2-0 by putting Pakistan in a position where their batsmen will go in for their shots.
However, given the fact that it is not everyday that you win a series against Pakistan, it is highly unlikely that Kumble will give them a target of around 4.5 runs per over, which is the only realistic target on this kind of pitch.
India's lead right now is 220 and if the target is to be 315-320 in about 70 overs, the Indian batsmen will have to go at five runs per over in the morning session. That way India will reach the target figure in 18-19 overs, leaving Pakistan with around 70.
But the problem with that kind of target is that it does give Pakistan a realistic chance and it is India who are leading the series right now. Lawson would not have thrown this challenge at India if Pak were leading!
India will be more comfortable with a target score of around 340-345, the same at Kolkatta, and Pakistan having about 60 to 65 overs to chase that. At least five runs per over will be what they will demand of Pakistan to make. However, that will not be the kind of target Pakistan would like to chase. They will end that pursuit after the loss of just one or two wickets.
Anything above five is virtually impossible on this track, especially on the final day, and Pakistan can not realistically expect to chase a total which might need them to go at 5.5 to 6 runs per over. If they try, they will be in real danger of losing an uneven contest.
So Mr Lawson, you can take back your challenge. India would not like to share honours in a series which they have already won.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Do not get too carried away by Yuvraj's form
Certainly it was a tremendous 169 which catapulted India to a position at Bangalore where the worst thing that can happen to them is a draw.
Certainly it was a knock played under extreme duress; with India reeling at 61 for 4 and Pakistan threatening to finish them well under 150 or 200.
Certainly, he could be the most talented batsman in recent times never to have got his due.
But do not get carried away by Yuvraj’s display today and try and force his inclusion at the cost of Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly or Laxman. At least not till the Australian tour is over.
In Tests, Yuvraj has been a tremendous performer on the subcontinent pitches, and that too just against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Before the innings of 169, two of his hundreds and three fifties had come only against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He was averaging 57 from six Tests against Pakistan with two hundreds and a fifty, and 51 against Sri Lanka with two fifties.
Against other opponents, Yuvraj has never been able to average more than 25 runs per innings, and that has been disappointing even considering the fact that he never had a secure place in the test team.
Against Australia, Yuvraj has just 47 runs from two tests, against England 64 from two, against New Zealand 25 from one match, against the West Indies 104 runs from four matches and against Zimbabwe, 37 from two.
He is one of the few top class batsmen, who has played 15 tests and over 100 ODIs, with ODI average at 37 being more than the test average (33).
So do not get carried away. Praise his knock but do remember his record against other opposition, outside the subcontinent, and the two chances he got yesterday.
This talented batsman does deserve a place, but only if Dravid consents to open the innings on the Australian tour. He should certainly not be in at the cost of any of the big four in the test playing eleven for the Australian tour. That will put so much pressure on him.
Certainly it was a knock played under extreme duress; with India reeling at 61 for 4 and Pakistan threatening to finish them well under 150 or 200.
Certainly, he could be the most talented batsman in recent times never to have got his due.
But do not get carried away by Yuvraj’s display today and try and force his inclusion at the cost of Dravid, Tendulkar, Ganguly or Laxman. At least not till the Australian tour is over.
In Tests, Yuvraj has been a tremendous performer on the subcontinent pitches, and that too just against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Before the innings of 169, two of his hundreds and three fifties had come only against Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He was averaging 57 from six Tests against Pakistan with two hundreds and a fifty, and 51 against Sri Lanka with two fifties.
Against other opponents, Yuvraj has never been able to average more than 25 runs per innings, and that has been disappointing even considering the fact that he never had a secure place in the test team.
Against Australia, Yuvraj has just 47 runs from two tests, against England 64 from two, against New Zealand 25 from one match, against the West Indies 104 runs from four matches and against Zimbabwe, 37 from two.
He is one of the few top class batsmen, who has played 15 tests and over 100 ODIs, with ODI average at 37 being more than the test average (33).
So do not get carried away. Praise his knock but do remember his record against other opposition, outside the subcontinent, and the two chances he got yesterday.
This talented batsman does deserve a place, but only if Dravid consents to open the innings on the Australian tour. He should certainly not be in at the cost of any of the big four in the test playing eleven for the Australian tour. That will put so much pressure on him.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Shoaib Malik's absence blessing in disguise as Pak prepare for India at Bangalore
What could be a distressing news for the Pakistan middle order, may have some silver lining after all.
Younis Khan led from the front in the match against India at Kolkatta, and deserves to lead the side for the series saving third Test.
Considering Pakistan’s chances at Bangalore should be good, as traditionally they have dominated at this ground, they would not really like to tamper with the new think tank headed by Younis Khan
Below is the link to the story in Rediff.
http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2007/dec/06malik.htm
If one recalls, Pakistan had won the Final Banglore Test under Inzamam-ul-Haq to level the 2005 series against all odds.
They could be itching to do it once again after such a gritty display at Kolkatta.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gsG9ZKnS5MB9e50zRd6TEbMGTZQQ
Younis Khan led from the front in the match against India at Kolkatta, and deserves to lead the side for the series saving third Test.
Considering Pakistan’s chances at Bangalore should be good, as traditionally they have dominated at this ground, they would not really like to tamper with the new think tank headed by Younis Khan
Below is the link to the story in Rediff.
http://www.rediff.com/cricket/2007/dec/06malik.htm
If one recalls, Pakistan had won the Final Banglore Test under Inzamam-ul-Haq to level the 2005 series against all odds.
They could be itching to do it once again after such a gritty display at Kolkatta.
http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5gsG9ZKnS5MB9e50zRd6TEbMGTZQQ
ICL is the right destination for Kaif
Better late than never.
Something which Kaif should have thought of immediately after India's win in the Twenty20 World Cup, he is toying with now. That is joining the rebel cricket league -- the ICL.
That cataclysmic event in September had temporarily left question mark over the future of many seniors, what to talk of test and ODI discard Kaif, who seems to be having his best years behind him.
If one remembers, just before the sulking Australians (After losing the Twenty20 semifinal to India) had landed here, there were talks of having a completely young side to take on the Aussie. And it was only some splendid performances by Sachin and a reasonable show by Sourav, which had revived the faith in the seniors.
Now, the fact that he is not even among the probables for the Australian tour should ring the warning bells for Kaif.
He has not played an ODI since November 29, 2006 (against South Africa), and test after the summer series against the West Indies last year. Though there have been comebacks before, most notably by Murali Karthik, in Kaif's case it looks highly unlikely with so many batsmen vying for the middle order place. His average of 32 from 125 ODIs is still decent, but Indian cricket, when it looks for a change, will opt for fresh set of players -- the likes of Rohit Sharma.
With ICL looking to be an acceptable alternative after first few matches, it will only be prudent for the likes of Kaif to look forward, rather than hoping for something which may never materialise.
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