Now that Pakistan has been excluded as the venue for the 2011 world cup owing to the security over that place, it would be nice to know where the games that were previously to be held in Pakistan would be held now. India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh being the other hosts, hosting the Pakistan matches there would not be a good idea, for they are packed with enough number of games and having more games there would be saturation point in these countries. And not only this, but, even the other three venues are likely to cause some or the other security concerns for the players.
One has to recall the blasts in the Indian cities that the country has witnessed and no assurance regarding avoiding the same in future as well. So, India can be just be considered to be better than Pakistan. Despite these blasts that are more or less targetted towards people from the West, Australia and England in particular, it is a wonder that hardly anyone has made an attempt to reconsider their decision of touring India. Blasts keep happening in one or the other city in India atleast once in a month. So, do you consider India as a safe option?
One fears that Pakistan might influence the ICC regarding the security in India taking into account the blasts in Indian cities that have rocked them. But, why should Pakistan do that? The ICC can itself come to a conclusion when it analuses the security suituation in India. Indian newspapers would be the best judge for that. And then, Bangladesh is just another Pakistan, where even the situation cannot be considered to be different. For the moment, there might not be any problems. But, can the Pakistan influence upon the country be given a pass? May be by 2011, situation in Pakistan be well under control and not regarding Bangladesh or India.
And neither is Sri Lanka safe. Of course, the target of the bombers there in Sri Lanka may not be the West world. But, bombs are not gifted with brains to strike only the target alone. Security is making rounds in Sri Lanka equally as it is being done in Pakistan. At present, Sri Lanka is no different than Pakistan when it comes to security concerns. Both the Pakistan as well as the Sri Lankan captains have been stroke recently. So, if these issues cross the line, the ICC world cup 2011 might go the ICC Champions Trophy 2008 way. As a reminder, Australia/New Zealand have last hosted a world cup or an international cricket even way back in 1992 for the Benson & Hedges world cup.
Showing posts with label ICC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ICC. Show all posts
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sunday, January 11, 2009
What Does The ICC Gain By Such Schedules?
Well, these days the jobless ICC is looking each and every method possible to make the game of cricket as boring as it can be. If not, how can one bring up and further implement the idea of having a tri series wherein, the three nations involved play just one match against each other, before advancing to the finals of the same. On one hand, the ICC has made a triangular series rare, by converting the even the periodic tri nation tournaments such as the Commonwealth Bank series (that used to be played in Australia in December every year) and the Nat West series (that is played in England every year) into bi lateral series and whenever it thinks of having a tri series, in addition to having teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe participating, the teams out there play each other just once-as I mentioned earlier.
This is not the first instance wherein the ICC has had such boring and inconsequential tournaments. Last year, just before the Asia cup, there was a tri series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where the teams played each other just once. Months later, a series between Bermuda, Canada and West Indies was also scheduled in the same manner. In 2004, a tri series at Holland was held, wherin, exactly, the three teams-India, Australia and Pakistan played each other just once, with two out of the three round robin games being washed out due to rain and the remaining one (India vs Pakistan) was cut short to 32 overs a side.
And that saw the Australian team enter the finals of the same without even bowling a single delivery. This is not all. One more thing is that the ICC schedules events, wherein two of the participating teams would be under-rated ones and are coupled with a strong team that is bound to win the tri series. In this case, two weak teams in Bangladesh & Zimbabwe are grouped with Sri Lanka. In the earlier case, Canada & Bermuda were teamed up with the West Indies. A situation where the result is a certainty rather than a toss. And also the venues that hosts these series are just funny. Someone like Holland & Malaysia have hosted such tournaments.
I wonder as to what the ICC gains by conducting such events, that are held just for the sake of it? Is the ICC trying to include such tri series' just to fill in the time gaps before the teams involved are ready for another competition. Else, what would one watch out for in a bi-lateral series, where the two teams play each other four teams, like it happened just before the world cup 2007, where India played a bi lateral series involving four matches against the West Indies and Sri Lanka? With a 2-2 result much likely! This is of course allowed in tests, where draw is always on the cards. But not in one dayers or T20 games. Some concession could be well given in case the teams battling it out are strong. But, whats the use when that is not the case?This shows that there is no one to question the ICC when it takes such foolish and illogical decisions repeatedly.
This is not the first instance wherein the ICC has had such boring and inconsequential tournaments. Last year, just before the Asia cup, there was a tri series involving India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, where the teams played each other just once. Months later, a series between Bermuda, Canada and West Indies was also scheduled in the same manner. In 2004, a tri series at Holland was held, wherin, exactly, the three teams-India, Australia and Pakistan played each other just once, with two out of the three round robin games being washed out due to rain and the remaining one (India vs Pakistan) was cut short to 32 overs a side.
And that saw the Australian team enter the finals of the same without even bowling a single delivery. This is not all. One more thing is that the ICC schedules events, wherein two of the participating teams would be under-rated ones and are coupled with a strong team that is bound to win the tri series. In this case, two weak teams in Bangladesh & Zimbabwe are grouped with Sri Lanka. In the earlier case, Canada & Bermuda were teamed up with the West Indies. A situation where the result is a certainty rather than a toss. And also the venues that hosts these series are just funny. Someone like Holland & Malaysia have hosted such tournaments.
I wonder as to what the ICC gains by conducting such events, that are held just for the sake of it? Is the ICC trying to include such tri series' just to fill in the time gaps before the teams involved are ready for another competition. Else, what would one watch out for in a bi-lateral series, where the two teams play each other four teams, like it happened just before the world cup 2007, where India played a bi lateral series involving four matches against the West Indies and Sri Lanka? With a 2-2 result much likely! This is of course allowed in tests, where draw is always on the cards. But not in one dayers or T20 games. Some concession could be well given in case the teams battling it out are strong. But, whats the use when that is not the case?This shows that there is no one to question the ICC when it takes such foolish and illogical decisions repeatedly.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Where Do The Other Teams Stand?
Since the day South Africa beat Australia at Perth, chasing a total that went into the record books for the second highest run chase in tests, and more so after recently South Africa beat them once again in the second test to win the three match test series, all cricket bloggers have been writing posts citing the end of Aussie dominance. Yes ! This is true to a very great extent. And their recent 2-0 series loss to India in the Border-Gavaskar trophy need not be mentioned separately either. However, casting our eyes upon other teams as well would certainly give us a better idea as to who fare and how. Yes or No?
The recent test scorers off late have been of course India and South Africa undisputedly. And what about the other seven teams out there? Of course regarding teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it is a gone case. Then on the table there are the West Indians and New Zealanders at position eight and seven respectively. While the West Indies team have a beautiful track record of losing since a decade or so, New Zealand have joined them surprisingly of late. Keep aside their loss to Australia recently when they toured the same. For, some things can never be expected. And team India's run in tests outside home is still in a balance.
This conclusion not being drawn only owing to their test series loss to Sri Lanka in August earlier last year, but also due to the fact that they have hardly toured any nation down under. With the tour of Pakistan out of the list, the next test to watch would be against the Kiwis, when they will be touring the same in March. Still, that tour even if India wins, would not be satisfactory, given the New Zealand's poor run. And one more unnoticed aspect being that India haven't been able to grab any opposition completely. Only series wins and not whitewashes have been where India have restricted themselves to.
India beat the Aussies 2-0 out of 4 matches, a 1-0 win against England in 2 match test series, 1-1 against the Proteas and a 1-0 series win over Pakistan in December 2007. While, for South Africa it has been a 2-0 win over NZ in NZ last December, a 2-1 against Pakistan in Pakistan in October 2007, 2-1 win against in the 4 match test series against England and 2-0 against Aussies in the 2 games that have been played so far. Keeping these stats in mind, one can come to conclusions. Next team is England, who have series loss to South Africa, Sri Lanka (last December) and India of late, and wins against only New Zealand in the Nat West series. If not for the series win against India, Sri Lanka have nothing at stake, after their recent performance against Bangladesh. And last but not the least we have Pakistan, who have enjoyed more than anyone else with their wives & kids for the past one year.
Keeping these facts about other teams in mind, Australia have nothing to fear about despite their poor run in cricket. It was a misfortune that Australia faced the two teams that were of really some concern for them. Anyway, the Ashes are bound to remain in Australia this year too. This if Australia don't make 2005 once again.Bye..
The recent test scorers off late have been of course India and South Africa undisputedly. And what about the other seven teams out there? Of course regarding teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it is a gone case. Then on the table there are the West Indians and New Zealanders at position eight and seven respectively. While the West Indies team have a beautiful track record of losing since a decade or so, New Zealand have joined them surprisingly of late. Keep aside their loss to Australia recently when they toured the same. For, some things can never be expected. And team India's run in tests outside home is still in a balance.
This conclusion not being drawn only owing to their test series loss to Sri Lanka in August earlier last year, but also due to the fact that they have hardly toured any nation down under. With the tour of Pakistan out of the list, the next test to watch would be against the Kiwis, when they will be touring the same in March. Still, that tour even if India wins, would not be satisfactory, given the New Zealand's poor run. And one more unnoticed aspect being that India haven't been able to grab any opposition completely. Only series wins and not whitewashes have been where India have restricted themselves to.
India beat the Aussies 2-0 out of 4 matches, a 1-0 win against England in 2 match test series, 1-1 against the Proteas and a 1-0 series win over Pakistan in December 2007. While, for South Africa it has been a 2-0 win over NZ in NZ last December, a 2-1 against Pakistan in Pakistan in October 2007, 2-1 win against in the 4 match test series against England and 2-0 against Aussies in the 2 games that have been played so far. Keeping these stats in mind, one can come to conclusions. Next team is England, who have series loss to South Africa, Sri Lanka (last December) and India of late, and wins against only New Zealand in the Nat West series. If not for the series win against India, Sri Lanka have nothing at stake, after their recent performance against Bangladesh. And last but not the least we have Pakistan, who have enjoyed more than anyone else with their wives & kids for the past one year.
Keeping these facts about other teams in mind, Australia have nothing to fear about despite their poor run in cricket. It was a misfortune that Australia faced the two teams that were of really some concern for them. Anyway, the Ashes are bound to remain in Australia this year too. This if Australia don't make 2005 once again.Bye..
Monday, December 29, 2008
And finally, Ponting's Nerves Start Ringing
Gone are the days when Ricky Ponting was in all praise for lifting the world cup on two occasions, to be in par with the West Indian legend Clive Lloyd. Gone are the days when Ricky Ponting had 16 consecutive test wins and had 22 consecutive unbeaten test streak. Gone are the days when no matter who was the opposition and who was batting or having a ball, but, the result being the same. Australia win by _ runs or _wickets. Full marks to Greame Smith for taming the not-mighty Aussies. Needless to be said, Austrlia's No 1 test position is numbered. No matter who the successor will be. Doesn't mind as to who will be the king of the test throne.
All the good work done by the then legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer and many others are now coming to an end. Neither are Ricky Ponting & Hayden at their best, nor is Brett Lee at his bowling best. And thinking about replacements for the aforementioned legends would be just a waste of time. Now, that they have lost a test series to the Proteas at home, the fate of the present Australian team, which was until then the future of the present Australian team, is clear. This victory should not be taken for granted that South Africa dominate test cricket. Though the fact is that Australia no more dominate.
Even a single test win out of the series involving 3 matches, or for the sake, even a draw against the world dominating Australian team would have raised eye brows. But, it would be no surprise even if South Africa go on to win the test series 3-0. This owing to the fact that Australia is just another team and nothing else. Australia haven't been able to win a single test series outside, after winning the Ashes in 2007 (post Warne/McGrath). And could only manage to whitewash Sri Lanka just before the B-G trophy in Australia in 2007, which Sri Lanka came so close to winning-courtesy: Kumara Sangakkara's 192.
Now, Australia has proved where they now stand in test cricket. However, the Proteas now have a long way to go, in case they need to prove their worth in test cricket. For, a test series victory against Australia could also see South Africa lose to a comparatively weaker side like Sri Lanka on their tour. It is no great achievement for any team to beat the current Australian team, when the same team could not even settle for a draw during the days when Australia dominated world test cricket. And not a mean achievement either. This barring teams like Bangladesh whose ability to even draw a test match comes in for much praise.
All the good work done by the then legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer and many others are now coming to an end. Neither are Ricky Ponting & Hayden at their best, nor is Brett Lee at his bowling best. And thinking about replacements for the aforementioned legends would be just a waste of time. Now, that they have lost a test series to the Proteas at home, the fate of the present Australian team, which was until then the future of the present Australian team, is clear. This victory should not be taken for granted that South Africa dominate test cricket. Though the fact is that Australia no more dominate.
Even a single test win out of the series involving 3 matches, or for the sake, even a draw against the world dominating Australian team would have raised eye brows. But, it would be no surprise even if South Africa go on to win the test series 3-0. This owing to the fact that Australia is just another team and nothing else. Australia haven't been able to win a single test series outside, after winning the Ashes in 2007 (post Warne/McGrath). And could only manage to whitewash Sri Lanka just before the B-G trophy in Australia in 2007, which Sri Lanka came so close to winning-courtesy: Kumara Sangakkara's 192.
Now, Australia has proved where they now stand in test cricket. However, the Proteas now have a long way to go, in case they need to prove their worth in test cricket. For, a test series victory against Australia could also see South Africa lose to a comparatively weaker side like Sri Lanka on their tour. It is no great achievement for any team to beat the current Australian team, when the same team could not even settle for a draw during the days when Australia dominated world test cricket. And not a mean achievement either. This barring teams like Bangladesh whose ability to even draw a test match comes in for much praise.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
England's Test Debacle
Well most of the world is now casting its eyes of the decline of the world dominating Australian team. Since the retirement of many greats of the caliber of Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and lot others, this has been the case. And more so after Australia failed to continue their winning streak of 16 consecutive wins in tests. And this followed by a 2-0 defeat at the hands of old foes India recently. Adding fuel to the fire would be the loss to South Africa despite posing them with a stiff target of 414 at Perth on Sunday, which they did it with ease. This is needless to be said I suppose.
Anyway, a lot has been spoken about the issue in recent times. However, in addition to Australia who is facing a major set back in tests, there is another test team who was once upon a time one of the opponents who had posed a threat to the then mighty Aussies. This was England, when they regained the Ashes in 2005, after beating the No 1 Australian team 2-1. This was no fluke. Similar to Australia, even England was found to destroy the opposition in test cricket until then. This had also seen England being placed in the No 2 position as per the then ICC test rankings. And most of the cricket stalwarts were of the opinion that England should have been No1.
Until the Ashes victory in 2005, England had beaten all the major test teams in world cricket namely South Africa, Australia, New Zealand & West Indies. Of course Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. The stats of England until then read : 7 wins out of 8 tests against West indies, 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand, 2-1 series win against Australia, 2-1 series win in the 4 match series against South Africa. The only loss being at the hands of Sri Lanka, in late 2003, which saw England draw the first test by batting the fifth day with only one wicket in hand. This was the caliber of the then England test team.
The only team that England hadn't faced during that period was India and Pakistan. Finally a series against Pakistan was on the cards, and the unexpected happened. England lost the 3 match test series 2-0, with the third test by an innings in early 2005. Still, all was not lost for England though. They later beat Pakistan at home, which is famous for the DarrelHair episode and then a series level against India in 2006.England had still made it to the No 2 position, despite leveling the home series against Sri lanka later that year. It all started with the next Ashes, where England were brutally thrashed by Australia 5-0, which started the end of England's dominance. And until today, England have never been able to wake up for that trauma.
Anyway, a lot has been spoken about the issue in recent times. However, in addition to Australia who is facing a major set back in tests, there is another test team who was once upon a time one of the opponents who had posed a threat to the then mighty Aussies. This was England, when they regained the Ashes in 2005, after beating the No 1 Australian team 2-1. This was no fluke. Similar to Australia, even England was found to destroy the opposition in test cricket until then. This had also seen England being placed in the No 2 position as per the then ICC test rankings. And most of the cricket stalwarts were of the opinion that England should have been No1.
Until the Ashes victory in 2005, England had beaten all the major test teams in world cricket namely South Africa, Australia, New Zealand & West Indies. Of course Zimbabwe and Bangladesh. The stats of England until then read : 7 wins out of 8 tests against West indies, 3-0 whitewash of New Zealand, 2-1 series win against Australia, 2-1 series win in the 4 match series against South Africa. The only loss being at the hands of Sri Lanka, in late 2003, which saw England draw the first test by batting the fifth day with only one wicket in hand. This was the caliber of the then England test team.
The only team that England hadn't faced during that period was India and Pakistan. Finally a series against Pakistan was on the cards, and the unexpected happened. England lost the 3 match test series 2-0, with the third test by an innings in early 2005. Still, all was not lost for England though. They later beat Pakistan at home, which is famous for the DarrelHair episode and then a series level against India in 2006.England had still made it to the No 2 position, despite leveling the home series against Sri lanka later that year. It all started with the next Ashes, where England were brutally thrashed by Australia 5-0, which started the end of England's dominance. And until today, England have never been able to wake up for that trauma.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Who Will Be The Top 1 Test Team?
Well..as an Indian cricket fan, it was nice to know that India would be once again in the second spot, as per the latest ICC test Championship ratings, in case they win the series against. Even a 1-0 win for India would find themselves in the second spot. Coooool!India are showing signs of even making the ongoing test series 2-0, given their form and consistency in the series, especially after the victory in the first test at Chennai. All this after South Africa grabbed the place by defeating Bangladesh 2-0 in the recently concluded test series. Both the teams equally deserve it. And at the end, the best team gets it.
However, if teams India and South Africa are taken into consideration, it is really difficult to say as to which team deserves the honour. India, as I said in one of my earlier posts, have defeated stronger teams like England and Australia, to be considered in the race. And on the other hand, South Africa, are the only team in the world to have beaten a test playing nation on their home soil. This they achieved, when they beat England 2-0 in the four match test series the was a part of the Nat West series. And even beaten India on their home ptich, though the series was levelled.
South Africa even beat New Zealand in the two match test series last December 2-0. On the other hand, India have won the aforementioned test series' at home. Be it in the Border-Gavaskar trophy or in the ongoing test series against England. They lost the series against Sri Lanka, on their tour to the same 2-1, while South Africa have not lost any of the series what- so-ever. In India, they levelled with the home team. No series that India won were outside their home ground. The last test series which India won outside home was against England in mid 2007, when the first test (which India should have lost) was washed out by rain and India won the second, with the third being drawn.
Now, this shows that both the teams India and South Africa are equally in level compared their strengths, it is now the question as to who would be the number 1 team. Of course not Australia. It is the good work done by the retired lot, that Australia is now enjoying the top spot. Else their test record is no better than India or South Africa. I'm sick of citing their 2-0 loss to India. However the whitewash of New Zealand cannot be taken into consideration, bacause of the current form of New Zealand and also that was a match played at home. The ongoing test series against South Africa will surely test Australia's myth in test cricket. However, a series win for oz shouldn't be enough to convince. The only win outside their home nation was against West Indies, which should have been 3-0 ended in 2-0.
The series that would really test the Aussies' myth would be their tour to South Africa earlier next year in Feb-Apr 2009. The other team that would be a tough nut for Australia to crack would be Sri Lanka. But, a series between the two is nowhere in the near future. So, the South African tour would give a better picture as to whether Australia still deserve their top 1 spot in tests.
However, if teams India and South Africa are taken into consideration, it is really difficult to say as to which team deserves the honour. India, as I said in one of my earlier posts, have defeated stronger teams like England and Australia, to be considered in the race. And on the other hand, South Africa, are the only team in the world to have beaten a test playing nation on their home soil. This they achieved, when they beat England 2-0 in the four match test series the was a part of the Nat West series. And even beaten India on their home ptich, though the series was levelled.
South Africa even beat New Zealand in the two match test series last December 2-0. On the other hand, India have won the aforementioned test series' at home. Be it in the Border-Gavaskar trophy or in the ongoing test series against England. They lost the series against Sri Lanka, on their tour to the same 2-1, while South Africa have not lost any of the series what- so-ever. In India, they levelled with the home team. No series that India won were outside their home ground. The last test series which India won outside home was against England in mid 2007, when the first test (which India should have lost) was washed out by rain and India won the second, with the third being drawn.
Now, this shows that both the teams India and South Africa are equally in level compared their strengths, it is now the question as to who would be the number 1 team. Of course not Australia. It is the good work done by the retired lot, that Australia is now enjoying the top spot. Else their test record is no better than India or South Africa. I'm sick of citing their 2-0 loss to India. However the whitewash of New Zealand cannot be taken into consideration, bacause of the current form of New Zealand and also that was a match played at home. The ongoing test series against South Africa will surely test Australia's myth in test cricket. However, a series win for oz shouldn't be enough to convince. The only win outside their home nation was against West Indies, which should have been 3-0 ended in 2-0.
The series that would really test the Aussies' myth would be their tour to South Africa earlier next year in Feb-Apr 2009. The other team that would be a tough nut for Australia to crack would be Sri Lanka. But, a series between the two is nowhere in the near future. So, the South African tour would give a better picture as to whether Australia still deserve their top 1 spot in tests.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
After pakistan, Its Sri Lanka
Well, in one of my earlier posts, I had written about the fortune that Pakistan cricketers faced, when they are on a roll to overcome the record for most consecutive victories in one day internationals, that is currently held by Australia, for winning 21 consecutive one day matches, between V B Series 2002 to their West Indies tour in 2003, just after the world cup the same year. Currently, Pakistan have 14 consecutive one day victories, with five each against minnows namely Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, and three against West Indies. The fourteenth one being against India in the Asia cup 2008.
Now, even another team in Sri Lanka are having the same luck, after whitewashing Zimbabwe recently, now, they are heading towards facing another minnow Bangladesh, which can assure Sri Lanka a seven straight win, with a match against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe due in the month of January 2009. But, it seems like the Sri Lankan cricket is shying away from achieving this, by scheduling a tour to Pakistan in January 2009, in case India fail to do so. I hope that the Sri Lankan Cricket is not aware of this for the moment. Else, Sri Lankan Cricket may re-consider their decision of touring Pakistan.
This is very much evident, bacause, Sri Lankan Cricket, earlier refused to have a bi-lateral series against England, owing to a $40 million deal with the IPL. Money gaining precedence over nation. And even this move would not be surprising either. Touring Pakistan may narrow its chances of achieving a consecutive one day win track record. For, the chances of a Sri Lankan win over Pakistan is unlikely as far as history and the current form of the Sri Lankan cricketers goes. Even Pakistan would find itself being deceived from having been given a chance to surpass the Aussie record for the most consecutive one day victories.
With the Sri Lanka- Pakistan series resulting always beng in a toss, a Pakistan win is as unlikely as a Sri Lankan win. But, this is not the case regarding Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. So, I would suggest both the PCB and SLC to re-consider their decision to hold a bi-lateral series.
Now, even another team in Sri Lanka are having the same luck, after whitewashing Zimbabwe recently, now, they are heading towards facing another minnow Bangladesh, which can assure Sri Lanka a seven straight win, with a match against Bangladesh and Zimbabwe due in the month of January 2009. But, it seems like the Sri Lankan cricket is shying away from achieving this, by scheduling a tour to Pakistan in January 2009, in case India fail to do so. I hope that the Sri Lankan Cricket is not aware of this for the moment. Else, Sri Lankan Cricket may re-consider their decision of touring Pakistan.
This is very much evident, bacause, Sri Lankan Cricket, earlier refused to have a bi-lateral series against England, owing to a $40 million deal with the IPL. Money gaining precedence over nation. And even this move would not be surprising either. Touring Pakistan may narrow its chances of achieving a consecutive one day win track record. For, the chances of a Sri Lankan win over Pakistan is unlikely as far as history and the current form of the Sri Lankan cricketers goes. Even Pakistan would find itself being deceived from having been given a chance to surpass the Aussie record for the most consecutive one day victories.
With the Sri Lanka- Pakistan series resulting always beng in a toss, a Pakistan win is as unlikely as a Sri Lankan win. But, this is not the case regarding Bangladesh or Zimbabwe. So, I would suggest both the PCB and SLC to re-consider their decision to hold a bi-lateral series.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
New Zealand Justify Their No 8 Position
It is all confusion as far as the first test match between New Zealand and the West Indies. The match ended in a boring draw no doubt. All thanks to the overnight rain showers and bad light for the day. However, the three days of play that one witnessed, is more than enough to determine whos who of the test series. In the beginning of the test series, I had termed New Zealand as the winners of the game over West Indies. But, not anymore. Despite being the home team, New Zealand couldn't extract much out of the test match held in Dunedin.
The match was, in a way similar to the first test match between India and England, wherein, the team that was considered to be as underdogs, came up with a decent performance. yes, they did lose the test match. But not the honour and pride. Well..that is a different issue altogether. May be that since the ground was hosting its second test, things would have not been as per expec-tations went. As I have quoted in one of my earlier posts, considering New Zealand's history of having poor run in test matches, not as bad as the one that would fall prey to the West Indies.
If New Zealand are a poor test playing nation, so are the West Indies. West Indies are having a greater problem with their test record, which has seen it in the bottom of the ICC test championships table. The last time West Indies have beaten a decent opposition was in March, where West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the second test at Queen's Park Oval. And before that a victory against South Africa in St George's Park by 128 runs. And as far as a series win goes, West Indies had last won a test series against Bangladesh in 2004. A decent test series achieved by the West Indies was in 2003 against Sri Lanka 1-0.
And New Zealand failed to restrict the West Indies team who have such a great record of losing test matches. New Zealand are now placed at the 7th position in the ICC test Championship rankings.This I had thought was owing to their dismal performance against top teams like South Africa, England and Australia. But, not anymore, after the first test against the West Indies got over. A tail end bats- man in Jerome Taylor was found blasting a century and a first innings lead of just 15 runs, which should have been more than 100. It was a long way since I had seen a decent team finding themselves in trouble against West Indies. So, New Zealand now joins Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
A decent stuff from New Zealand should have seen the test match coming to the fourth innings, with New Zealand making themselves comfortable by batting well in their second innings. Anyway, there is rain to take the blame for anything and everything.
The match was, in a way similar to the first test match between India and England, wherein, the team that was considered to be as underdogs, came up with a decent performance. yes, they did lose the test match. But not the honour and pride. Well..that is a different issue altogether. May be that since the ground was hosting its second test, things would have not been as per expec-tations went. As I have quoted in one of my earlier posts, considering New Zealand's history of having poor run in test matches, not as bad as the one that would fall prey to the West Indies.
If New Zealand are a poor test playing nation, so are the West Indies. West Indies are having a greater problem with their test record, which has seen it in the bottom of the ICC test championships table. The last time West Indies have beaten a decent opposition was in March, where West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 6 wickets in the second test at Queen's Park Oval. And before that a victory against South Africa in St George's Park by 128 runs. And as far as a series win goes, West Indies had last won a test series against Bangladesh in 2004. A decent test series achieved by the West Indies was in 2003 against Sri Lanka 1-0.
And New Zealand failed to restrict the West Indies team who have such a great record of losing test matches. New Zealand are now placed at the 7th position in the ICC test Championship rankings.This I had thought was owing to their dismal performance against top teams like South Africa, England and Australia. But, not anymore, after the first test against the West Indies got over. A tail end bats- man in Jerome Taylor was found blasting a century and a first innings lead of just 15 runs, which should have been more than 100. It was a long way since I had seen a decent team finding themselves in trouble against West Indies. So, New Zealand now joins Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.
A decent stuff from New Zealand should have seen the test match coming to the fourth innings, with New Zealand making themselves comfortable by batting well in their second innings. Anyway, there is rain to take the blame for anything and everything.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Fate Of Pakistan Cricket?
Well it is nothing new that the Pakistan Cricket team has not yet played and is not going to play even a single test this year, if the ICC international test time table is to be believed. It was obvious for any team to boycott their tour to an insecurity prone country like Pakistan, and India to some extent. But, I wonder as to what was the mistake of Pakistani cricket fans, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and not to forget the players of Pakistan cricket? I don't know as to which curse is haunting them for the moment. A lot of coincidences, as a result of which the eventual user turning out to be the Pakistan Cricket Board. Why?
A talented team like Pakistan was being missed out by fans in the ICC world cup 2007 at the Caribbean, after the team lost out to Ireland, by under-estimating a weak opponent in the same. Now, since a year or so, there is news about Pakistan cricket only for the bad and wrong reasons. The last test that Pakistan played was against India on their tour late last year. I pity the poor fans who miss out the action of some of the big names like Shoaib Akthar, Sohail Tanvir and others in Pakistan cricket. The situation in Pakistan is so bad that the players are not paid their due if news papers are to be believed. If this contiues, we can look out for another Zimbabwe, to lose their test status, atleast by the fans, if not by the ICC.
The coincidence being that even the fate has played a spoilsport with Pakistan cricket. Because, there were no tours that Pakistan were to play outside their country what-so-ever. Any tours concerning Pakistan involved countries touring Pakistan rather than Pakistan touring other nations. Even the ICC Champions Trophy was to be held in Pakistan, from which, each and every country pulled out one by one, forcing the ICC to postpone the same to next year. Now, even the BCCI is thinking twice to send its players to Pakistan to play a test cum bi lateral series. Such things add just fuel to fire. The only positive being that the Asia cup went on smoothly, and Pakistan played a three match ODI series against West Indies in Abu Dhabi and won 3-0.
Imagine the fate of the players who would be without international cricket for a year. All these not owing to any injury. I feel really afraid upon thinking about the players, once they are back from exile to international cricket, whether they will be able to give their everything to the game of cricket? Can they play cricket with the same passion and enthusiasm as before? A year's gap really means a lot, in any field what-so-ever. And this is not West Indies or Bangladesh, who play test cricket only for the sake of it.Without adding any aggretion or any colour to it. The number of test playing nations under ICC was reduced to nine, after Zimbabwe were stripped off their test status in 2005.And everyone knows the caliber of Bangladesh in test cricket. Now, if Pakistan follow suit, what would be the fate of cricket in the world of sports?
Pakistan is a really talented team, with stunning match winners in Shoaib Akthar, Shoaib Malik, Misbah and lots. I am really eager to see the Pakistani cricketers back in action as soon as possible.
A talented team like Pakistan was being missed out by fans in the ICC world cup 2007 at the Caribbean, after the team lost out to Ireland, by under-estimating a weak opponent in the same. Now, since a year or so, there is news about Pakistan cricket only for the bad and wrong reasons. The last test that Pakistan played was against India on their tour late last year. I pity the poor fans who miss out the action of some of the big names like Shoaib Akthar, Sohail Tanvir and others in Pakistan cricket. The situation in Pakistan is so bad that the players are not paid their due if news papers are to be believed. If this contiues, we can look out for another Zimbabwe, to lose their test status, atleast by the fans, if not by the ICC.
The coincidence being that even the fate has played a spoilsport with Pakistan cricket. Because, there were no tours that Pakistan were to play outside their country what-so-ever. Any tours concerning Pakistan involved countries touring Pakistan rather than Pakistan touring other nations. Even the ICC Champions Trophy was to be held in Pakistan, from which, each and every country pulled out one by one, forcing the ICC to postpone the same to next year. Now, even the BCCI is thinking twice to send its players to Pakistan to play a test cum bi lateral series. Such things add just fuel to fire. The only positive being that the Asia cup went on smoothly, and Pakistan played a three match ODI series against West Indies in Abu Dhabi and won 3-0.
Imagine the fate of the players who would be without international cricket for a year. All these not owing to any injury. I feel really afraid upon thinking about the players, once they are back from exile to international cricket, whether they will be able to give their everything to the game of cricket? Can they play cricket with the same passion and enthusiasm as before? A year's gap really means a lot, in any field what-so-ever. And this is not West Indies or Bangladesh, who play test cricket only for the sake of it.Without adding any aggretion or any colour to it. The number of test playing nations under ICC was reduced to nine, after Zimbabwe were stripped off their test status in 2005.And everyone knows the caliber of Bangladesh in test cricket. Now, if Pakistan follow suit, what would be the fate of cricket in the world of sports?
Pakistan is a really talented team, with stunning match winners in Shoaib Akthar, Shoaib Malik, Misbah and lots. I am really eager to see the Pakistani cricketers back in action as soon as possible.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
What About Tri Series'?
Well..since a year or so, or even before that, there has hardly been any cricket which involves thee nations or more. All the cricket that is now being seen is a bi-lateral series, that is preceded or followed by a test match series. Even if the recent past is being taken into consideration, we can come across series like India-England, South Africa- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka- Zimbabwe, Pakistan- West Indies and so on.This was however the case even before that as well. But, my patience didn't curb until then. Now, this is being taken too far.We hardly getting to watch any good cricket in a tri series or a quadrangular series.
The last time that I remember watching a tri nation tournament or a tournament involving three or more nations is the Asia Cup that was held somewhere in June-July in Karachi. And a week or so before that, we had a tri nation tournament just for the sake of it. A tri nation tournament involving Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, (Kitply Cup) with each team playing against each the other just and only once. And the earlier tri series before that Kitply Cup being the Common Wealth Bank series in Australia. And another triangular series that went off quietly in the mean time was a lesser known one in the series involving West Indies, Bermuda and Canada, held at Canada.
Meaning, in the past year or so, there were only four such multi nation tournaments featuring three or more countries. And only three out of four being major ones, the other one involving minnow nations. If the same is taken in the previous year, excluding that of the world cup, a tournament featuring Scotland, Irelands and the Netherlands is the only one that was being held. Even the earlier ones being held were like- Kenya-Scotland & Canada, ICC World Cricket League Division One which featured only minnows. Its frustrating that most of are not aware that we are really missing out on these tournaments. Even the Sharjah Cup that used to be played is now dropped, god knows why. I can't recall as to when the last Sharjah Cup was played. All I can remember is the one in which Jayasuriya scored 189 and India being all out for 54.
If one is aware, Natwest Series that is played every year in England is now played as a bi-lateral series in England since 2006. The last such triangular series that was played as a part of the Nat West series was in 2005 featuring Australia-England & Bangladesh. I really cannot figure out as to what made the English Cricket Authorities take such a step? Things were going on well.The only multi-nation tournament that can now be witnessed is the Common Wealth Bank series held in Australia in the beginning of every year. And news regarding this series in 2009 is not yet sure. Because, Australia will be playing New Zealand as a continuation of New Zealand's Oz tour from where they left after losing the test series 2-0.
From January 16th (the period during which C B series is usually played), there will be a 5 match ODI series involving Australia and South Africa, following which thre will be New Zealand-Autralia one day series. This one too being bi-lateral. So, no Common Wealth Bank Series this year? Aren't we really fed up with these boring bi-lateral series'? When ICC thinks about bringing in more colour to cricket, involving T20 cricket, and in addition to saving the test cricket, the ICC has to now look upon not to lose out on multi- nation tournaments featuring three or more nations. Else, even the one day matches would turn out to be like boring test matches, which do not attract crowds.
The last time that I remember watching a tri nation tournament or a tournament involving three or more nations is the Asia Cup that was held somewhere in June-July in Karachi. And a week or so before that, we had a tri nation tournament just for the sake of it. A tri nation tournament involving Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, (Kitply Cup) with each team playing against each the other just and only once. And the earlier tri series before that Kitply Cup being the Common Wealth Bank series in Australia. And another triangular series that went off quietly in the mean time was a lesser known one in the series involving West Indies, Bermuda and Canada, held at Canada.
Meaning, in the past year or so, there were only four such multi nation tournaments featuring three or more countries. And only three out of four being major ones, the other one involving minnow nations. If the same is taken in the previous year, excluding that of the world cup, a tournament featuring Scotland, Irelands and the Netherlands is the only one that was being held. Even the earlier ones being held were like- Kenya-Scotland & Canada, ICC World Cricket League Division One which featured only minnows. Its frustrating that most of are not aware that we are really missing out on these tournaments. Even the Sharjah Cup that used to be played is now dropped, god knows why. I can't recall as to when the last Sharjah Cup was played. All I can remember is the one in which Jayasuriya scored 189 and India being all out for 54.
If one is aware, Natwest Series that is played every year in England is now played as a bi-lateral series in England since 2006. The last such triangular series that was played as a part of the Nat West series was in 2005 featuring Australia-England & Bangladesh. I really cannot figure out as to what made the English Cricket Authorities take such a step? Things were going on well.The only multi-nation tournament that can now be witnessed is the Common Wealth Bank series held in Australia in the beginning of every year. And news regarding this series in 2009 is not yet sure. Because, Australia will be playing New Zealand as a continuation of New Zealand's Oz tour from where they left after losing the test series 2-0.
From January 16th (the period during which C B series is usually played), there will be a 5 match ODI series involving Australia and South Africa, following which thre will be New Zealand-Autralia one day series. This one too being bi-lateral. So, no Common Wealth Bank Series this year? Aren't we really fed up with these boring bi-lateral series'? When ICC thinks about bringing in more colour to cricket, involving T20 cricket, and in addition to saving the test cricket, the ICC has to now look upon not to lose out on multi- nation tournaments featuring three or more nations. Else, even the one day matches would turn out to be like boring test matches, which do not attract crowds.
Friday, December 5, 2008
India-England...?What Next?
At last, the test series between India and England is on the verge of commenc- ing, despite the threat of a terror attack, as well as security concerns that are obviously bound to concern the English players in particular.The decision to call off the last two one day matches owing to security reasons was justified.So was the decision to call off the test series as well.But, to some of our excitement, the tests will go on in time and the last two one day matches will be lost. I wonder as to how come the tests matches will be considered to go on smoothly, and what would have been the factor governing the security of the English cricketers had they played the last two one day games as well?
I wish the last two one day games also be held on, but at a later date and at a different venue, rather than to cancel them altogether.Perhaps! Had the last two one day games also had taken off, one could have seen a team going in for a 7-0 whitewash. But, unfortunately, that didn't happen and is no more the case that is bound to happen. And, even today I cannot find the funda in holding a two match test series involving India and England, after a seven match one day series. Of course..two match test series have been played earlier as well.But, not after a seven match one day series.The combination till then had been like "two ODIs followed by one test", "three test and five one day matches", "seven ODIs and five/three tests".But, this combination really makes me think as to what the funda could be?
Leaving this peculiar case behind, and coming back to the tour, if one goes by the recent reports concerning security, there were threats received by the intelligence agencies, owing to which security has been beefed up at all major national airports.And, the fun is that the English team is not at all worried about this hiccups.Does it mean that tha ECB and the BCCI had taken the issue too far?Of course not.I know that.Why was the practise game involving Indian Board President's XI and India XI-that was supposed to have begun on 3rd December canceled? Had this match went on, some idea regarding the pitch conditions inIndia could have been gained by the English players.
Had the BCCI and the ECB made up their minds, the entire tour could have went on smoothly, including the last two one day internationals as well as the practise game, probably at a different venue rather than having it at Vadodara.With team England's next international tour likely in only late January, and India's next international schedule only in January 6th, and not to forget that the tour still hangs in balance, the current tour of England, could have well went on as per plans.May be the date extended.All these with no changes being made to the future tours involving both India and England.
And at last I would really thank god for being mercifull on the English players who had a narrow escape from the Mumbai seige, for they were scheduled to stay in the same Taj hotel where the tragedy took place.Great Britian indeed!
I wish the last two one day games also be held on, but at a later date and at a different venue, rather than to cancel them altogether.Perhaps! Had the last two one day games also had taken off, one could have seen a team going in for a 7-0 whitewash. But, unfortunately, that didn't happen and is no more the case that is bound to happen. And, even today I cannot find the funda in holding a two match test series involving India and England, after a seven match one day series. Of course..two match test series have been played earlier as well.But, not after a seven match one day series.The combination till then had been like "two ODIs followed by one test", "three test and five one day matches", "seven ODIs and five/three tests".But, this combination really makes me think as to what the funda could be?
Leaving this peculiar case behind, and coming back to the tour, if one goes by the recent reports concerning security, there were threats received by the intelligence agencies, owing to which security has been beefed up at all major national airports.And, the fun is that the English team is not at all worried about this hiccups.Does it mean that tha ECB and the BCCI had taken the issue too far?Of course not.I know that.Why was the practise game involving Indian Board President's XI and India XI-that was supposed to have begun on 3rd December canceled? Had this match went on, some idea regarding the pitch conditions inIndia could have been gained by the English players.
Had the BCCI and the ECB made up their minds, the entire tour could have went on smoothly, including the last two one day internationals as well as the practise game, probably at a different venue rather than having it at Vadodara.With team England's next international tour likely in only late January, and India's next international schedule only in January 6th, and not to forget that the tour still hangs in balance, the current tour of England, could have well went on as per plans.May be the date extended.All these with no changes being made to the future tours involving both India and England.
And at last I would really thank god for being mercifull on the English players who had a narrow escape from the Mumbai seige, for they were scheduled to stay in the same Taj hotel where the tragedy took place.Great Britian indeed!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Too Much or No Cricket
Well these days, as I have stated in some of my earlier posts, there was a time when there was absolutely no cricket played.It all started with the cancellation of the ICC Champions trophy 2008, which was to be held in Pakistan, citing security reasons.Then, we had almost a month and a half with out cricket.Not even some county league not any premier tournament like the ICL or the IPL.Thus, wasting so much time without any entertainment to the viewers nor any revenue to the sponsors and the cricket boards.And there was abandonment of the last two one day matches involving India and England.Well the action is justified.This was also the case with the second edition of the Indian Cricket League.
And finally there was a break when the Border-Gavaskar trophy kicked in.This was held in conjunction with the Bangladesh-New Zealand tests and one day matches.Once this got over, there were as many as five tournaments taking off simultaneously.This included England's tour of India,West Indies versus Pakistan at Abu Dhabi,Bangladesh in South Africa and New Zealand's tour of Australia, Sri lanka versus Zimbabwe, all these in addition to the second edition of the Indian Cricket League.Which one to watch and which one to leave?Out of these six tournaments, I hope none of them were worth the praise what-so-ever.All the matches were equally predictable and one sided.
Now, the drought has once again found to hit international cricket,starting with the cancellation of the last two one day matches and the Indian Cricket League games.I wonder what would be the fate of the test series involving India and England, with England going into the series without even a warm up game.The test matches involving Australia and New Zealand are over.So are the matches between South Africa & Bangladesh and WestIndies vs Pakistan.The one day series involving New Zealand and Australia would be held somewhere in February 2009.It looks like the scoreboard on my blog would be empty for another week or so.
So it would be on 11th of December when we get to watch an international game, when the first test between West Indies and New Zealand kicks in.On the same day, the first test between India and England takes off in style.God knows as to why two tours start and end on the same day.Even the dates during which the second test involving the teams mentioned above takes off at the same time on 19th December.What does the ICC get out of such bad timings of scheduling? Perhaps! Two days prior to the second test between India & England, the first test between South Africa and Australia takes off.So, then we would be having three test series' going on simultaneously.
I wish that the ICC plan the schedule of international tours in such a way that there is cricket round the clock.No clash betwen two series' happens and no situation arises where one keeps waiting for a series to kick in.Because, even the viewers are also the part of the game similar to the umpires and players.
And finally there was a break when the Border-Gavaskar trophy kicked in.This was held in conjunction with the Bangladesh-New Zealand tests and one day matches.Once this got over, there were as many as five tournaments taking off simultaneously.This included England's tour of India,West Indies versus Pakistan at Abu Dhabi,Bangladesh in South Africa and New Zealand's tour of Australia, Sri lanka versus Zimbabwe, all these in addition to the second edition of the Indian Cricket League.Which one to watch and which one to leave?Out of these six tournaments, I hope none of them were worth the praise what-so-ever.All the matches were equally predictable and one sided.
Now, the drought has once again found to hit international cricket,starting with the cancellation of the last two one day matches and the Indian Cricket League games.I wonder what would be the fate of the test series involving India and England, with England going into the series without even a warm up game.The test matches involving Australia and New Zealand are over.So are the matches between South Africa & Bangladesh and WestIndies vs Pakistan.The one day series involving New Zealand and Australia would be held somewhere in February 2009.It looks like the scoreboard on my blog would be empty for another week or so.
So it would be on 11th of December when we get to watch an international game, when the first test between West Indies and New Zealand kicks in.On the same day, the first test between India and England takes off in style.God knows as to why two tours start and end on the same day.Even the dates during which the second test involving the teams mentioned above takes off at the same time on 19th December.What does the ICC get out of such bad timings of scheduling? Perhaps! Two days prior to the second test between India & England, the first test between South Africa and Australia takes off.So, then we would be having three test series' going on simultaneously.
I wish that the ICC plan the schedule of international tours in such a way that there is cricket round the clock.No clash betwen two series' happens and no situation arises where one keeps waiting for a series to kick in.Because, even the viewers are also the part of the game similar to the umpires and players.
Monday, December 1, 2008
At Times Luck Favours South Africa
Well as I would love to call it, the South African cricket team is a mixture of good and bad lucks. This was after all of us saw them as to how they were found to make a mess of their own game in the world cups from 1992 to 2003.And then in the inaugural edition of the world T20 Championship at home,which South Africa lost after losing to India, which was their first ever defeat in that tournament.Well I don't intend in going to the details of the same.At times, despite their wonderful performance, South Africa are found to make a mess of their own game, like it happened in the world cup 2003, where South Africa got itself omitted itself from the tournament, citing a calculation mistake as a reason.
Well, despite all these at times, there are silver linings in South Africa's cloud.On two occasions, South Africa emerged as the top team in the ICC one day rankings, and this time South Africa have regained the second position in the latest ICC test rankings, overtaking India.In the year 2007, just prior to the world cup at the caribbean,South Africa topped the ICC one day rankings, courtesy-Australia's consecutive five match loss to England and New Zealand just before the world cup.And earlier, when South Africa beat teams like West Indies and Bangladesh to be on par with the Aussies-who were still at their peak in March earlier this year. All because of the Australia's loss of the Commonwealth Bank series to India.
And imagine how! South Africa beat Bangladesh in the two test series, both of them by an innings.And this was enough for the Proteas to get on the top of the ICC test rankings after Australia.Well if India beat a no 1 team in Australia to move up the rankings in the ICC test points table, South Africa beat the weakest team in the game to surpass the same India. Howzaat!This hapens as long as there are teams like Bangladesh and West Indies playing test cricket out there.
Well, despite all these at times, there are silver linings in South Africa's cloud.On two occasions, South Africa emerged as the top team in the ICC one day rankings, and this time South Africa have regained the second position in the latest ICC test rankings, overtaking India.In the year 2007, just prior to the world cup at the caribbean,South Africa topped the ICC one day rankings, courtesy-Australia's consecutive five match loss to England and New Zealand just before the world cup.And earlier, when South Africa beat teams like West Indies and Bangladesh to be on par with the Aussies-who were still at their peak in March earlier this year. All because of the Australia's loss of the Commonwealth Bank series to India.
And imagine how! South Africa beat Bangladesh in the two test series, both of them by an innings.And this was enough for the Proteas to get on the top of the ICC test rankings after Australia.Well if India beat a no 1 team in Australia to move up the rankings in the ICC test points table, South Africa beat the weakest team in the game to surpass the same India. Howzaat!This hapens as long as there are teams like Bangladesh and West Indies playing test cricket out there.
Friday, November 7, 2008
India Win The Border-Gavaskar Series
All cheers for team India for taking a 1-0 lead in the second test atMohali.But, winning the series 3-0 or even 2-0 would be a good result I believe.Looks like that is not bound to happen as long as there are curators of the likes of Radhey Shyam Sharma,who prepares the pitches taking into consideration only the Indian aspect of the game.With India being 1-0 up in the series,it looks like the pitch curators will adapt all sorts of unfair means to see that the opponents do not come back in the series.Is this the sportsmanship that is expected from the Indian sides?When Indian cricket fans can condemn the Sydney test episode,isn't there anything that is to be said regarding these kind of tests which happen in India only when India takes an initial lead in the series?
This is not the first time that team India has undergone through such tests at home after taking a lead in the initial stages.In the recent past,this type of gimmicks.In the recent past,every series has such kind of a pitch which assists the batsmen owing to which the match ends in a pale draw.In the India-Pakistan series late last year,which India won 1-0 too,the second and third games were high scoring,which eventually ended in a draw.Such type of pitches suit the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Wassim Jaffer,who can only prove their myths on a belter like those.If such is the case,why go in for a three match series and why not a one match series?
The cunning face never ends there.Take for example the series against South Africa earlier this year.India had gone one down in the second test,after drawing the first. And for their fortune,all the pitch for third test just did was to turn the ball even for the likes of Virender Sehwag.This aided a team like India who are a good spinning side.(In the sense spinning the ball and not the match).Harbhajan Singh made full use of such a turning track to level the series 1-1.The last time any opponent has bounced back after being down in the series is in 2006 during England's tour of India ,where England levelled the series 1-1,thrshing India by a whooping 300 runs.
Since then,Indian pitch curators have taken to this idea to save India from the jaws of defeat.Is this the reason as to why team India gets punished on tours abroad despite a series win at home against the same opposition?The last time India have won a series abroad is against the West Indies 1-0,after the then West Indies team led by Brian Lara,shattered Rahul Dravid's team India from taking home a 3-0 series victory. Remember the tour of India to South Africa in late 2006,which South Africa won 2-1 after being 1-1.Time will tell even if teams like Australia and England follow the same, when England won the Ashes in 2005,after being 1-1 with the third match drawn.And Australia after being 2-1 up against India in early this year,drew the fourth test.
At the end,such issues cannot be dealt with,with each one finding an unfair means to tackle the opposition.After all,even the ICC is governed by humans.Ha ha ha..
This is not the first time that team India has undergone through such tests at home after taking a lead in the initial stages.In the recent past,this type of gimmicks.In the recent past,every series has such kind of a pitch which assists the batsmen owing to which the match ends in a pale draw.In the India-Pakistan series late last year,which India won 1-0 too,the second and third games were high scoring,which eventually ended in a draw.Such type of pitches suit the likes of Gautam Gambhir and Wassim Jaffer,who can only prove their myths on a belter like those.If such is the case,why go in for a three match series and why not a one match series?
The cunning face never ends there.Take for example the series against South Africa earlier this year.India had gone one down in the second test,after drawing the first. And for their fortune,all the pitch for third test just did was to turn the ball even for the likes of Virender Sehwag.This aided a team like India who are a good spinning side.(In the sense spinning the ball and not the match).Harbhajan Singh made full use of such a turning track to level the series 1-1.The last time any opponent has bounced back after being down in the series is in 2006 during England's tour of India ,where England levelled the series 1-1,thrshing India by a whooping 300 runs.
Since then,Indian pitch curators have taken to this idea to save India from the jaws of defeat.Is this the reason as to why team India gets punished on tours abroad despite a series win at home against the same opposition?The last time India have won a series abroad is against the West Indies 1-0,after the then West Indies team led by Brian Lara,shattered Rahul Dravid's team India from taking home a 3-0 series victory. Remember the tour of India to South Africa in late 2006,which South Africa won 2-1 after being 1-1.Time will tell even if teams like Australia and England follow the same, when England won the Ashes in 2005,after being 1-1 with the third match drawn.And Australia after being 2-1 up against India in early this year,drew the fourth test.
At the end,such issues cannot be dealt with,with each one finding an unfair means to tackle the opposition.After all,even the ICC is governed by humans.Ha ha ha..
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Where Have The other Teams Gone?
Hmm..at times,its too much cricket and during other periods,it absolutely no cricket at all.Reason?Well..right now,there are only two test series' in progress,namely,the Australian tour of India and the other being the New Zealand's tour of Bangladesh. The latter tour is almost over,with the second test's play in doubt after the first three days of play were taken care of by rain.Even the Border Gavaskar trophy is nearing its climax, with the third test match in progress and the fourth to be concluded somewhere next week or so.And upon searching through some cricket websites,no clue upon the current or the forth coming cricket series are available.
So,the scenario right here is that only two teams out of nine are holding their cricket kits and the rest of them have hung them up for a certain period of time.October is over,and in November,we have Sri Lankan tour of Zimbabwe,which is packed with only 5 ODIs and England's tour of India in late November and to be concluded in early December.The other series off late is New Zealand's tour to Australia-where they will face each other in two tests and five ODIs.The next time when one can see a match involving South Africa,Sri lanka and the West Indies is somewhere in January nest year.And regarding Pakistan,its a gone case.
The busiest team at the moment would be Australia,who will be hosting New Zealand next month,followed South Africa,and the hosting the same in February next year. And Sri Lanka would be playing a full fledged cricket tournment would be in April next year,when they tour England.Even that tour stands in a balance,with the SLC permitting its players to feature in the IPL second edition,by signing a contract worth $40 million with the BCCI,with money gaining precedence over country contracts. Pakistan's next international series would be involving India in February 2009,with more than a year gone without playing a test match.I wish atleast this series takes off without any problems whatsoever.Sri Lanka would be playing a test series after a long gap of 8 months,South Africa after 4 months and the great West Indies will be paying New Zealand in December,5 months after concluding a test tour against Australia.
With keeping in mind the ICC tables and the ongoing cancellations of cricket tours,be it either for security concerns or the greed for money owing to which some cricket boards prefer to cancel their internatioal tours,the future tours are always in a toss.
So,the scenario right here is that only two teams out of nine are holding their cricket kits and the rest of them have hung them up for a certain period of time.October is over,and in November,we have Sri Lankan tour of Zimbabwe,which is packed with only 5 ODIs and England's tour of India in late November and to be concluded in early December.The other series off late is New Zealand's tour to Australia-where they will face each other in two tests and five ODIs.The next time when one can see a match involving South Africa,Sri lanka and the West Indies is somewhere in January nest year.And regarding Pakistan,its a gone case.
The busiest team at the moment would be Australia,who will be hosting New Zealand next month,followed South Africa,and the hosting the same in February next year. And Sri Lanka would be playing a full fledged cricket tournment would be in April next year,when they tour England.Even that tour stands in a balance,with the SLC permitting its players to feature in the IPL second edition,by signing a contract worth $40 million with the BCCI,with money gaining precedence over country contracts. Pakistan's next international series would be involving India in February 2009,with more than a year gone without playing a test match.I wish atleast this series takes off without any problems whatsoever.Sri Lanka would be playing a test series after a long gap of 8 months,South Africa after 4 months and the great West Indies will be paying New Zealand in December,5 months after concluding a test tour against Australia.
With keeping in mind the ICC tables and the ongoing cancellations of cricket tours,be it either for security concerns or the greed for money owing to which some cricket boards prefer to cancel their internatioal tours,the future tours are always in a toss.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Referral System-The Need Of The Hour
Well the umpire referral system which was put into trial in the recently concluded India-Sri Lanka series was thought to bring about some relief to cricket fans, players and also prove a more accurate means of providing justice to the teams and the game of cricket.But,its really sad that the system never got scaled up to a bigger level despite some ugly decisions, especially the one in the Sydney test between India and Australia that is still afresh in people's minds.Its really confusing to guess as to what the ICC is upto.What does the ICC want?When things like a super sup were in place for almost a year or so,and the rule of an extended power play , a free hit that was derived from the T20 cricket and the match being reduced to 20 over to declare a team as a winner (previously 25 overs) which was not a necessity is still ruling cricket.
Are the umpires the heart and soul of a cricket match?Aren't umpires bound to make any mistakes in decisions?The ICC bought some smiles on the faces of the players atleast after so much fuss that went on for decades altogether,that the ICC introduced the referral system.But,god knows what on earth stopped them from continuing the same.If not all,atleast some decisions like the caught behind, lbw and run outs could have been given a second chance.For these decisions are more likely to be misread by umpires.I wish theses referral system had been introduced long back by taking umpires to be humans and not gods altogether.
The very first test series involving India and Australia-the Border Gavaskar Trophy has seen as many as four wrong decisions.A caught and bowled off Kumble to Ponting,a leg before turned down by Pakistani umpire A M Saheba, the leg before of Ponting that was found missing the leg stumps and Matthew Hayden's caught behind.Does the ICC consider even these many decisions that took place in a single day as a human error?
With all these happening in the very first day of play, it would be fantastic to watch out for what all miracles would happen in the remaining four days.An amazing feat being that these things happen mostly in an Australia-India series, and most in test matches involving Australia.If the referral system is not re-introduced into test matches (not to forget the other forms of cricket also), the game of cricket will not be between 22 players divided between two teams,but between only two umpires.Then, would be similar to boxing or any other 1:1 game.Ha ha ha..
Are the umpires the heart and soul of a cricket match?Aren't umpires bound to make any mistakes in decisions?The ICC bought some smiles on the faces of the players atleast after so much fuss that went on for decades altogether,that the ICC introduced the referral system.But,god knows what on earth stopped them from continuing the same.If not all,atleast some decisions like the caught behind, lbw and run outs could have been given a second chance.For these decisions are more likely to be misread by umpires.I wish theses referral system had been introduced long back by taking umpires to be humans and not gods altogether.
The very first test series involving India and Australia-the Border Gavaskar Trophy has seen as many as four wrong decisions.A caught and bowled off Kumble to Ponting,a leg before turned down by Pakistani umpire A M Saheba, the leg before of Ponting that was found missing the leg stumps and Matthew Hayden's caught behind.Does the ICC consider even these many decisions that took place in a single day as a human error?
With all these happening in the very first day of play, it would be fantastic to watch out for what all miracles would happen in the remaining four days.An amazing feat being that these things happen mostly in an Australia-India series, and most in test matches involving Australia.If the referral system is not re-introduced into test matches (not to forget the other forms of cricket also), the game of cricket will not be between 22 players divided between two teams,but between only two umpires.Then, would be similar to boxing or any other 1:1 game.Ha ha ha..
Saturday, October 11, 2008
New Zealand Is The Newest Victim
Well..so far it was only Pakistan, Sri Lanka, India, Australia and South Africa who had fallen prey to false belief by under estimating minnows like Bangladesh and end up making news for the wrong reasons.And even West Indies despite their loss to Kenya in the 1996 world cup,lost to Bangladesh in the inaugural T20 world cup.Anyway,then it was a better Bangladesh team compared to the West Indies team which was filled only by batsmen and no bowlers.But,now,the only one out of the two teams who are yet to face some music from the minnows New Zealand when they lost to Bangladesh on 9th October 2008 at Dhaka in the first ODI.
If the players make up their mind,they can rewrite history by making records in all parts of the game.For example,we have Gibbs who belted six consecutive sixes against Holland,Glenn McGrath despite being an awesome pacer,has his best bowling performance of 7/15 against Namibia in the 2003 world cup and much more.Even the recent 12 sixes in an ODI innings by a West Indian was against Canada and New Zealand's record of 401 runs came against Ireland.
Well India can boast of being the only team to have lost twice to Bangladesh,and England has a reason to smile for being the only team not to have lost to a minnow, whatsoever.The team that comes after Bangladesh who can boast of upsets is Kenya who have defeated teams like India,West Indies,Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.Even,this time its India who have lost to Kenya on two occasions.Oh! What a record?The other instances include Pakistan's loss to Ireland,which I think is the only instance of a strong team being stunned by a kid like team.
The test match is perhaps free from such debacles,or else each and every test would have seen a new record, forcing some legends like Bradman, Sobers and Lara to commit suicide.A hint was observed when Roy and Mankad's record was surpased by Mckenzie and Smith against Bangladesh.An amazing feat being that no batsmen has ever scored a triple hundred against either Bangladesh or Zimbabwe (barring Hayden's 380).
Well..if the ICC with an intension to globalise cricket gives the minnows a consession,I wonder how foolish the game of cricket would ever be.Ha ha ha..
If the players make up their mind,they can rewrite history by making records in all parts of the game.For example,we have Gibbs who belted six consecutive sixes against Holland,Glenn McGrath despite being an awesome pacer,has his best bowling performance of 7/15 against Namibia in the 2003 world cup and much more.Even the recent 12 sixes in an ODI innings by a West Indian was against Canada and New Zealand's record of 401 runs came against Ireland.
Well India can boast of being the only team to have lost twice to Bangladesh,and England has a reason to smile for being the only team not to have lost to a minnow, whatsoever.The team that comes after Bangladesh who can boast of upsets is Kenya who have defeated teams like India,West Indies,Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.Even,this time its India who have lost to Kenya on two occasions.Oh! What a record?The other instances include Pakistan's loss to Ireland,which I think is the only instance of a strong team being stunned by a kid like team.
The test match is perhaps free from such debacles,or else each and every test would have seen a new record, forcing some legends like Bradman, Sobers and Lara to commit suicide.A hint was observed when Roy and Mankad's record was surpased by Mckenzie and Smith against Bangladesh.An amazing feat being that no batsmen has ever scored a triple hundred against either Bangladesh or Zimbabwe (barring Hayden's 380).
Well..if the ICC with an intension to globalise cricket gives the minnows a consession,I wonder how foolish the game of cricket would ever be.Ha ha ha..
Monday, August 18, 2008
Too Much Of Mendis?
Well..in the past three or four months, one devil that continues to haunt the Indian batsmen is Ajantha Mendis. It all started since the Asia cup in Pakistan, where Mendis ended up taking 16 wickets, that included a career best of 6-13 in the finals. This was followed by his record of a 26 wicket tally in the recently concluded test series against India. And in the first one dayer against the same India, this man was found to trouble the Indian batsmen once again, by tackling three batsman, the must watch delivery being that which was bowled to Yuvraj Singh, that deceived the batsman- who,misjudged it to be fairly outside the leg stump, only to realise it too late that the ball was found to straighten. Full marks for this delivery of Ajantha Mendis.
However, this man has off-late been found to show his skills only against India. To remind, there are as many as 9 test playing nations in the cricketing world.No doubt that this man shows all signs of making it big but, it would be wise not to assume too many things for the moment. And coming to the first ODI betwen India and Sri Lanka, in addition to praising Mendis for his devastating spell, isn't it India also who are making it too big in Mendis? Have they really given it all to Mendis, for they are found to come up with all praise for this man whenever they lose, despite this feat being repeated for not once but for the fifth time in succession.
Do the Indian batsmen have any plans to tackle Mendis? Either they (Indians) take the opposition lightly or they come in for full praise for the same rather than think as what could be done regarding the same. Like Anil Kumble- who before the test series bagan, took the same Mendis lightly. This was not the way the Indians were found playing during their tour of Australia earlier this year. The team that had some success against that best team in the world, is now rather giving it up against a team which is placed below in the ICC points table. All that is needed for the moment is their will to win matches. And until this happens, the result will never change I believe.
Some foolishness in the commentary team should also be noticed. This was observed when one of the commentators were found utterring "It looks like Munaf Patel has done the job for his team (after sending back Sangakkara when the score board read 45-2)", and then after a while, "Sri Lanka in deep trouble now...eight more wickets from here onwards would see India through this game..."..I wonder if anyone is unaware of the fact that each team has 10 wickets to go? Anyway thanks commentators for informing us. Thanks a lot..
However, this man has off-late been found to show his skills only against India. To remind, there are as many as 9 test playing nations in the cricketing world.No doubt that this man shows all signs of making it big but, it would be wise not to assume too many things for the moment. And coming to the first ODI betwen India and Sri Lanka, in addition to praising Mendis for his devastating spell, isn't it India also who are making it too big in Mendis? Have they really given it all to Mendis, for they are found to come up with all praise for this man whenever they lose, despite this feat being repeated for not once but for the fifth time in succession.
Do the Indian batsmen have any plans to tackle Mendis? Either they (Indians) take the opposition lightly or they come in for full praise for the same rather than think as what could be done regarding the same. Like Anil Kumble- who before the test series bagan, took the same Mendis lightly. This was not the way the Indians were found playing during their tour of Australia earlier this year. The team that had some success against that best team in the world, is now rather giving it up against a team which is placed below in the ICC points table. All that is needed for the moment is their will to win matches. And until this happens, the result will never change I believe.
Some foolishness in the commentary team should also be noticed. This was observed when one of the commentators were found utterring "It looks like Munaf Patel has done the job for his team (after sending back Sangakkara when the score board read 45-2)", and then after a while, "Sri Lanka in deep trouble now...eight more wickets from here onwards would see India through this game..."..I wonder if anyone is unaware of the fact that each team has 10 wickets to go? Anyway thanks commentators for informing us. Thanks a lot..
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
PCB's Double Standards
Hmm..from the least couple of months or so,the man who has been in the news was found to be Shoaib Akthar.But,now it seems another fellow Pakistani cricketer has taken a share in what is now another scandal in Pakistan cricket.The man is Mohd Asif.And mind you it is the second time the man has stepped into this controversy of doping.And Wah!Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)-for the second time in succession is trying to cover Mohd Asif for an act that is supposed to have been critisised in the most harsh way possible.But,look at what the PCB is upto?When it came to banning Shoaib Akthar for up to 5 years along with a fine of around Rs 200 crore,the PCB once again failed to disclose the misdeeds done by Shoaib Akthar.It was the same PCB that held hand in hand with Shoaib Akthar when it came to his illegal bowling action. But,always makes news for making the same Shoaib Akthar a scape goat whenever possible.Probably for the third time I believe!
And,now when the ICC detains Mohd Asif in Dubai,alleging him of doping charges,the PCB is nowhere near to joining and seeing to that the truth never dies.One can imagine the multi standards of the PCB.Is this the kind of motivation the the PCB gives its upcoming younger cricket players?Well..if there is an Australia who can do things whatever they want when they are at the receiving ends,one has to also take into consideration that there is also a PCB that supports its players even when they are found to be guilty of something they have to be ashamed of.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Selfish BCCI
Well with the second round of the Indian Cricket League began,I was surprised by the fact that even the second round was being hosted by the same ground at Panchkula.It was then that I came to know the reason that the culprit in this case was none other than the BCCI-who was not happy with the new turn that was taking place in the history of Indian cricket.It was shocking to hear that the BCCI has given the players to choose weather playing for India or the Rebel League.With neither the money nor the selection panel being a problem for the BCCI,it was just not acceptable by the BCCI to do this act.
As all of us know,there can be at the most some 15-30 players who are contracted by the BCCI.But,with a country with approximately about 1000+ players all over,is there any place for these players to display their talent?Players like Tamil Kumaran, Tejinder Pal Singh,Manish Sharma,Rakesh Patel and much more players who are playing for the ICL are hardly known by us.Do we?
And also,players like Dinesh Mongia,Ritinder Singh Sodi,Sridaran Sriram etc were axed after a couple of appearences.How -if the BCCI is questioned, should these players earn their day's bread with these rules put by BCCI?With such raw talent within them,why should they be denied a chance to showcast their talents?
As a matter of fact,the Ranji,Duleep,Irani trophies hosted by the BCCI are just boring.Does anyone make up their mind to switch on to a channel that is telecasting these matches?And,adding to this is the low money being paid to players for these tours.Isn't it rubbish by the BCCI in denying them a chance to play for the country, just because they've signed up by their Rebel League?
Well with this kind of decision taken by the BCCI,I feel that the BCCI is worried about losing money that they receive as bribes from players for allowing them to play for the nation.If not,Why aren't guys like Laxmipathy Balaji,Murali Karthik,Avishkar Salvi and others not making news despite proving themselves when given a chance,when the likes of Parthiv Patel,Dinesh Karthik,Yousuf Patel flash into the minds of selectors every now and then?
yes!It is high time that the cricket fans of the nation criticize such a shameful,cheap & selfish attitude of the richest cricket board of the world- BCCI.
As all of us know,there can be at the most some 15-30 players who are contracted by the BCCI.But,with a country with approximately about 1000+ players all over,is there any place for these players to display their talent?Players like Tamil Kumaran, Tejinder Pal Singh,Manish Sharma,Rakesh Patel and much more players who are playing for the ICL are hardly known by us.Do we?
And also,players like Dinesh Mongia,Ritinder Singh Sodi,Sridaran Sriram etc were axed after a couple of appearences.How -if the BCCI is questioned, should these players earn their day's bread with these rules put by BCCI?With such raw talent within them,why should they be denied a chance to showcast their talents?
As a matter of fact,the Ranji,Duleep,Irani trophies hosted by the BCCI are just boring.Does anyone make up their mind to switch on to a channel that is telecasting these matches?And,adding to this is the low money being paid to players for these tours.Isn't it rubbish by the BCCI in denying them a chance to play for the country, just because they've signed up by their Rebel League?
Well with this kind of decision taken by the BCCI,I feel that the BCCI is worried about losing money that they receive as bribes from players for allowing them to play for the nation.If not,Why aren't guys like Laxmipathy Balaji,Murali Karthik,Avishkar Salvi and others not making news despite proving themselves when given a chance,when the likes of Parthiv Patel,Dinesh Karthik,Yousuf Patel flash into the minds of selectors every now and then?
yes!It is high time that the cricket fans of the nation criticize such a shameful,cheap & selfish attitude of the richest cricket board of the world- BCCI.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)