Rivalling The Ashes?

Well, this was the match that was thought to be worth the wait for all the cricket crazy fans over the world. For, these two have been the teams that are rated high in the minds of the cricket fans. Courtesy- the world record chase of 434 by South Africa against Australia which happened to be one rare case where Australia lost the ODI series 2-3. This I think need not be cited specially whatsoever. And, how can one ever afford to forget such a great match. From then onwards, the encounters between Australia and South Africa have been on the top of the list for all the cricket fans. Oh yes, it includes me too. Well, all that is past. However, even in the present period, things are no different either.

It is deeply rooted in the minds of the cricket fans that, if at all there is a team that could beat Australia it is South Africa. And, as all of us are aware of, South Africa did exactly that in the first two tests against Australia. Not even India or England for that matter come in for such praise. With the two tests being dominated by South Africa, the third test would have really sparked off some or much curiosity among the fans out there. A win in this test would throw Australia from their number one position in test cricket, which they (Australia) have been enjoying since the past eight years or more. With the first two days of play in hand, it is really a tough job to judge the winner right away.

Neither has Australia shown some reluctance in putting a better performance, nor the Proteas are in any mood to sacrifice the third test to Australia for having won the series already. Pressure is found to be on both the sides. If not for the series, for the top spot in world cricket. A big blow in the form of an injury to Greame Smith has found to loosen the hopes of a South African win. However, the way the tail put up a 184 run partnership in the first innings of the second test shouldn't be forgotten. By putting up a decent total of 445 on board, Australia have indicated their come back into the game once again. The proteas have still 8 wickets in hand and a lot to prove. Of course, all of us would be expecting the same ie a South African win.

In the past five years (since 2003), the Australian team has lost its place temperorily on two occasions. And both of them saw South Africa head the list for the strongest one day squad. Way back in early 2007, where South Africa had beaten world cup chokers India and Pakistan in the five match series played by a margin 5-0 and 4-1 respectively. On the other hand, for a change, Australia had lost the two out of the three finals to England in the Commonwealth Bank series 2007, followed by a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand. And in the second instance, where Australia once again lost to India in 2008, with the proteas registering wins against Bangladesh and West Indies late 2007. However, a similar fate in test cricket is yet to target the Aussies. Now, it time for that. So, can South Africa do it this time?

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.

New Zealand's Change For The Sake Of It?

Having been fed up with the developments going in scheduling the India-England test series, I decided to take a break in between, by going blogging about the developments that are and have been taking place on the other side of the cricketing world as well. So, now, the next we have the West Indies' tour of the New Zealand, that is due to start on 11th December, the day when the first test between India and England kicks off and that too in style.So, we would be having three exciting cricket series' to be watched simultaneously.Well..this is left to the viewers as to who would watch what.

Now, after the 2-0 series whitewash to the Aussies on their tour, as all the teams do, even New Zealand team has gone in for some changes. Be it worth it or not being a different issue altogether, a few changes to the changes made to the New Zealand test team that would be facing the West Indies team shortly would be worth mentioning. The team selectors have gone in for some James Franklin, the name of whom is being heard only after the world cup 2007 that was held at the Caribbean. It is being believed that this all rounder was suffering from a career threatening knee injury, which he has finally overcome.Good!

While, I wish you people take a glance at the ones who have been dropped. Well players like Chris Martin and Aaron Redmond who have a beautiful track record in international cricket for the bad and wrong reasons are worth to be dropped. For a player who has just 146 test scalps from 78 innings and the other who has played just 7 tests need not be given a nod.I agree. This also holds good for Grant Elliot, Gareth Hopkins and Peter Fulton who haven't yet made any mark in international test cricket. Bu, how come these players were chosen for the tour of Australia, where the team selection mattered the most? Did the New Zealand test team take a blow by under-estimating the Australia team who were thrashed by the Indian team before the New Zealand series took off?

And now, when these new comers could be risked with, while playing against a weak team in West indies, it is a wonder that New Zealand team selection committee went in for an injury prone Jacob Oram, who is yet to recover from a back injury which mafe him stay away from the Australia tests.Though Oram says he is fit. I still remember Tim Southee blast an unbeaten 77 off just 40 balls while trying to win a losing battle,in the match against England which New Zealand lost. I feel that this would have been the right place for the New Zealand team to take chances in selection. If one sees the test team that is bound to face the West Indies, it is clear that the New Zealand team doesn't want to take any chances for the West Indies challenge.

Well this is obvious, taking the New Zealand's worst test run, when they can be seen at the bottom of the ICC test rankings, placed only above Bangladesh. But, in the process, New Zealand is missing out on building a team for the future.

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.

Aussies Challenge An Unchallenging New Zealand

It was not long ago that the number one team in test cricket- Australia went down 0-2 to India on the recent tour to the same.This series really tested and questioned the Aussies' dominance in atleast test cricket, with the retirement of the key Aussie players at almost the same time just added fuel to fire.After that, Ponting's words meant that he would be playing tough cricket in the day to come.Of course that is anyway obvious for any team that has lost so badly which questioned its strength and guts.But, that is now the past.Now that Aussies are found them- selves back winning ,Ponting thinks that he's back with a bang after the recent 2-0 whitewash over New Zealand.

Its is true that Australia defeated New Zealand 2-0 at home.But, now the question arises whether New Zealand were or are up to the challenge posed by the mighty Aussies?What is the place that the current New Zealand team commands in the ICC test ratings?If one takes a look at the recent ICC test ratings, New Zealand is placed in the eighth position, only behind Bangladesh.And if one thinks that Aussies have dominated the test series, its mistaken.I don't find anything special in a test match, wherein the number test team beats a last placed team. And, had Australia beaten New Zealand in New Zealand, I would have given them a consolation. But, now Australia were playing at home.So....?

With the current test situation being so horrible in the cricketing world, it would not be tough for the Australian team to get back to their winning ways.Right now, there are hardly any teams who plays good test cricket.Only teams like India and South Africa are really equipped to face the challenge imposed by the Aussies.Australia has lost to India 2-0, meaning that their challenge means nothing to India and are forced to agree that India are a far better team.Now, in the days to come,Australia will be facing South Africa, which would be a better challenge for them.But, even this series is played at home for Australia.So, even an Australian win might not command their position in people's mind who have their own ratings for teams.

And, if one takes the last 4-5 tours that Australia have played test against New Zealand, we would find that Australia have just swept the New Zealand.In 2004- 05,Australia beat them 2-0,with a match drawn, owing to bad weather.And the same year, New Zealand were thrashed 2-0 when they toured Australia, 3-0 in 1999-00 in New Zealand.The last time New Zealand won a test match against Australia was way back in 1992-93 in Christchurch by 5 wickets.So, I now leave it to people to judge themselves regarding the might of the Australian team.A real test would be when Australia leaves to South Africa from february to April next year.

I never Expected This From Zimbabwe

At present, there are four international cricket tournaments in progress.But,as all of us are aware of, there are hardly any tournaments that are of much thrill and excitement that cricket used to be in the recent past or so. One tournament that was being looked upon by cricket fans in India is the tour of England.But, even that tour is a one sided affair, for England had already given it up even before playing.England never showed any sorts of teeth in restricting the Indians.Now, as expected England have lost the series already after the fourth one day at Bangalore. And the second tournament that is under progress is the tour of New Zealand to Australia. The one day record of New Zealand of New Zealand may say whatever, but, as far as their test statistics goes, I'm really sorry.Even a commanding position in the first innings could not be made use of to any greater extent.Anyway thats another issue altogether.

The third series that took place recently was the one day games between Pakistan and West Indies, which also as expected Pakistan won the series 3-0.With only two out of a lot of 11 West Indian team playing,the result could have not been any better.Some blistering knocks from Chris Gayle earning him the man of the series was a welcome relief for the West Indians.And the other tournament being Bangladesh's tour of South Africa,about which I need not mention anything.But, despite all these boring encounters, there was atleast one match that could raise eye brows.This was the third one day match between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe.With the first two games being a mis match, the third game gave it all to the fans.And finally, I was a bit relieved, as atleast once in a bluemoon I could watch a low scoring thriller.Sad that Zimbabwe lost the match at the end of the day, despite an awesome performance by the opening batsman Mazakadza.

With each and every cricket match being a boring affair these days, I pray god that atleast in the oming season there be some interesting encounters, which could make up one's day. Else, watching the hame of cricket would be a punishment rather than entertainment.Bye.

Some Grace For Australia

Well..as most of us are aware of,and most of the cricketing greats world over have put it,the Australians are no more the team what they were a couple of years ago.This was evident from the recent tour of India where they lost the series 2-0.Well..that was a series away from home.However, this time things were different as they face a different team in New Zealand,and that too at their own backyard.This yielded some benefits to the declined Australian team.Another fact is that, New Zealand have never been able to play good test cricket what-so-ever.The last time New Zealand were found beating a decent opposition was that against England earlier this year, only to lose the series 2-1 later.

Now, I hope one can imagine the Australian dominance by beating a team of the caliber of New Zealand.Anyway, had I been an Australian, I would have just welcomed this victory,despite struggling in the first innings of the same.This is no doubt an era of Australian decline.It was nice to see Australia winning the first test, at the same time,the victory was not convincing though.With New Zealand bouncing back in the series is out of question, all that one can look out is for Australia to get back and start counting the number of days they would be in the top 1 position.For, there are teams like India, Sri Lanka and England waiting for the spot.

For now,the present Australian test team is steadily declining and decelerating, which would one fine day come to a halt.Some 2 decades ago, when the West Indians were having the same go,which ultimately ended in early 90s,after which it has been South Africa for some time and then followed by Australia.Now, it is interesting to look out for who would be the next toppers.So all that is left for us to do is to wait and watch as to which team would be found doing that.

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.

Bowlers Day At Bristol?

If one could go through the third ODI between England and New Zealand at Bristol on 21st,it is a rare feat in today's cricket,which is completely filled with big six hitting-where only batting records are being bettered and more harsh rules being imposed on bowlers.Only the huge sixes being cheered by the fans/crowd watching out there.And only home team taking a wicket being given a clap.People only want a batsman in Sachin Tendulkar and not a spin wizard in Shane Warne or a line striking bowler in Glenn McGrath.

The recent encounter between England and New Zealand provided some relief to atleast me if not others watching the match.The only irritation came from the cable operator- who gave an scratchy signal,rendering an unclear vision.But,thats another issue.So chuk it!The match was a fantastic one,for it kept the audiences guessing everytime a ball was bowled and a wicket was found tumbling.

And as far as the discussion regarding the match goes,all credits for the New Zealand team-who were found to play their entire quota of 50 overs allotted.Despite losing wickets at regular intervals,when they were found reeling at 110-7.Kudos to Kyle Mills who at over a run-a-ball was found making 47 runs with no one to back him at the other end.With 2 biggies and 5 fours in his 40 ball knock.And later went on to take 2 wickets giving 42 runs.An economy of 4.2 runs an over- when the overall run rate was somewhere around 3+.Bad!!

The match saw an all invincible batsmen running for covers.Trying all that extra bit to play their full 50 overs.Guessing each and every time a bowler took to his heels.And what is the fun in a team scoring a 300+ total every now and then and that total being chased down by its opponent.In the last four to five years the record has been bettered three times-after Australia successfully chased down 329 runs against South Africa,to be bettered by New Zealand four years later and after that one comes the daddy of 'em all.The greatest ODI in the history-the maiden 400+ total by Australia chased down by South Africa.Hmm..thats was really a treat to watch.

And in between the aforementioned matches,there were two instances where New Zealand overtook Australia's 330+ total,twice did Pakistan chase down a mammoth total by India.But,in the recent past,how many of you people witnessed matches involving defending small totals?The match in the closest proximity that I can point out is the second finals of the CB series 2008 where India successfully defended a comparatively small total in 259.

Finally concluding,I would like to wind off this post by suggesting the a perfect series or a match would be that in which there is an equal tough fight between both the batsmen and the bowlers.And not to forget the fielders.It should be a display of the players' talent rather than the odds favouring only a bunch of them irrespective of weather they are talented or not.

An imbalance In The ICC Tours?

With some great plans by the international Cricket Council to globalise cricket,with sponsoring tournaments featuring teams like Bangladesh,Ireland, Kenya,Bermuda and much more,there is some thing that the cricketing world is not aware of as of yet.The thing is that not test matches of all combinations are being played.


Its been that test matches between some teams are played at regular intervals,while a preferred combination is found to be missed by fans.Some of those events that are found to happen are viz The Ashes-which takes place every two years,An Indo-Pak conflict that is found to take place every year since 2004,The Common Wealth bank Series-A tri nation tournament featuring Australia and two other teams,The Natwest Series in England....a few to name.

But,the other combinations for example:that of Australia & Pakistan,New Zealand and England,India & New Zealand etc are hardly played.The reason?

With Stats under consideration,India last played a test series against New Zealand way back in late 2003.Then an England-New Zealand conflict which is now under progress is happening after 4 years(after New Zealand last toured England in 2004).The last time Australia played Pakistan was in 2004,with the 2008 tour of Australia being in doubt.And its been almost three years since a test series between Australia and New Zealand have taken place.The (two)test series between South Africa & Australia which took place between 2005-06,was after a gap of nearly four years.

But,last year witnessed as many as 10 contests between Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.Though not that serious,I feel that the ICC has to take a re look at its tours' table,keeping in mind the frequency of games played in combination.