Indians Haven't Learnt From The Past

Well as the fear was still on, the most unexpected happened as far as the Indian team is concerned. Rain interrupts the match which has finally been forced to be declared as a draw, thus bringing all the good work from the Indian players and Gautam Gambhir especially to an abrupt end. Although nothing could be done regarding the pouring showers, something could have really been done by Mahendra Singh Dhoni in particular to see India sneek a 2-0 triumph. But, unfortunately that never meant so at Wellington. More of the blame from me would be on M.S.Dhoni for such a debacle.

For, this is not the first time that India have been a part of such an anti climax. Atleast not so if the past one year or so is taken into consideration for India. The last time, in the recent past, I still remember in the second test match against England in December last year, India lost an opportunity to win the series 2-0 and instead won it by 1-0. In the second test at Mohali, India imposed a target of 453 on the fifth, which was always threatened by showers to play a spoilsport and which actually happened. And the result as expected was accepted.

Despite rain interruptions since day 1 of that test match at Mohali, there was no point in imposing a mammoth target of 453, with just few hours of play left. A target of 453 would mean to England to be an impossible target which the England team eventually decided not to go chasing it. Likewise, if a feasible target was imposed, England would have made an attempt to chase down that target and a few tricks from the Indian bowlers would have got them the match. The thinking from Mahendra Singh Dhoni was no different this time either at Welington.

The game was in favor of team India since day 1. Not only did India score a decent 379, but also bowled the New Zealand side for a low score of 197, in the process taking a lead of 182 runs. This was the scenario at the end of the second day's play. So, with three more days of play still left and with hints of rain very much on the cards, a little bit of thinking from Dhoni was expected. A lesser target of somewhere around say 450 would have been ideal, taking into account the batting strength of the New Zealand side. Also, if not for Zaheer Khan, none of the Indian bowlers viz Ishanth Sharma, Munaf Patel were found bowling with a determination. Someone like Sachin was able to capture 2 wickets and the so called frontline bowlers could not do so.

So, it was not just rain that spoilt India's chance of taking a 2-0 win but also on the Indian team to a greater extent.

A Test Match Chemistry

On 19th of December, two tests were scheduled. one of them being the second test between India and England, and the other one being the second test between West Indies and New Zealand. Both of them being the second, as well as the last test of the respective series. Both of them ending in a draw. And what is more coincidence that can be expected? Both the test series India-England and West Indies-New Zealand had both the tests starting on the same day. of course they ended too on same dates need not be said. The first test of both the series started on 11th December and the second test on 19th of the same month.

Something more special would be that once the test series that I mentioned above gets over, there will be exchange of the teams for the next series that is under schedule as per the ICC test tours table. India would be facing New Zealand in March-May coming year after the series against England is over. And on the other hand, England would be facing the West Indies, once the series against India gets over. This would happen somewhere in the month of January. Thanks to the cancellation of India's tour to Pakistan, which made this chemistry happen. Isn't this somewhat fascinating?

Another chemistry would be that Autralia will be touring South Africa once the current South African tour of Australia is done. This as you might be thinking may not be something special. But, guys please wait. More treat is yet to come. Let us go back some three years down the lane where South Africa visits Australia prior to the then VB series in December 2005, following which Australia tour the same South Africa during February the coming year in 2006. The history is found to repeat once again this year too. Noticed!!! Then, Australia had won 5 out of the scheduled 6 tests. If this time, South Africa be able to grab 5 out of 6 test matches, that would be really awesome.

And if one is ready to down the lane to the late 2003, there was the Border-Gavaskar trophy in December 2003, and the next one in October 2004 in India. Even in late 2007 there was Border-Gavaskar trophy held in Australia, and the following one in October 2008 (the coming year). India had retained it at the end of the 2003-04 series and passed it on to Australia in 2004. Similarly, Australia retained it in 2007-08 and passed it on to India in 2008. These series' are not scheduled like the Ashes (that are held for every two years). This is pure coincidence.

Rahul Dravid : Back To The Pavilion

On the first day of the second test match between India and England, at Mohali, it was all cheers for Mr Dependable of Indian cricket batting- Rahul Dravid. As all expected, Rahul Dravid did make his critics come false what so ever. by scoring a fighting 136. All this happened in a test match which was a nerve testing one, especially for Rahul Dravid, whom the selectors had decided to send him down the batting order, or drop him from the coming test matches. None of which happened. And that wouldn't have been fair for a batsman of the caliber of Rahul Dravid, given his run in test cricket, that has lasted for more than a decade or so.

And it was as though the selectors, as well as captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who was right not to have dealt with Rahul Dravid, in the ways that were said. So did the man himself prove on day 1 of the second test at Mohali, by scoring a much needed knock of 136, to put India in a commanding position, with the innings ending at 453 and Rahul Dravid having a 319 run partnership with Gautam Gambhir. Else, one could as to what would have been the fate of team India, in the Mohali test. A mere 134 run contribution from the blades of the rest put together. So, Dravid did need a pat on his back for this.

And if this knock was thought to be enough to douse the fire that was found to burn RahulDravid, there was yet another spark that was found to alight the doused fire, which came in the second innings of the Mohali test, where Rahul Dravid scored another 19 ball duck. This time being bowled by Stuart Broad. And at a time when the going wasn't too good either. None of the other Indian batsmen barring Gautam Gambhir led the Indian assault and the regained form of Rahul Dravid was the quint-essential of the day. But no. Anotherdisappointment was awaiting Rahul Dravid and his fans.

Nevermind that India have taken an unbeatable lead in the series, and, the second test is heading towards a draw, with most of the play delayed owing to bad light. And I feel that this would over shadow the downfall of Rahul Dravid. For the saying goes "All Is Well That Ends Well", when the series has not witnessed anything unwanted, I don't think that Rahul Dravid should do it either. And God knows as to when would India be playing their full fledged test series, with the series against Pakistan being canceled. So, according to the ICC tours table, the next major test series would be somewhere in March 2009, which is a long way from now. So, until then, there is no reason as to why Rahul Dravid shouldn't improve his performance.

Finally England Gets Deceived

I wonder as to what would have been going on in the minds of the England captain Kevin Pietersen, after losing the first test at Chennai to India. Kevin Pietersen would have had some great plans to rejoice the victory against India, once the first innings of both the teams was over, and he had declared the innings, imposing the mammoth total of 387. But, finally...I wonder as to how could have Kevin Pietersen even dreamt of that! I wish he has to pinch himself and say that it is India whom his team is facing and that too at home. Not a team like Bangladesh or West Indies. And I'm sure that he'll convince himself regarding the same.

Of course..England did take a good first innings lead. But, was it India who conceded a lead to England or whether it was England who took the lead? The answers are right here. What sort of a captain is Kevin Pietersen for have underestimated a team like India? Is he a real professional? I wish Kevin Pietersen had taken some tips before dreaming from his fellow team mates namely Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison, who have had the punch from the fists of the Indian batsmen. If one still thinks that England did have an upper hand in the test, I wish one goes and takes a look at the run rate of both the teams in their innings.

While India have had their run rate close to four in both the innings, England's run rate was somewhere below 3.0 runs per over. In the sense, England did the same what Ponting's men did on their tour to the same a few months back. Isn't this just lack of proper game planning? England should have, by now got the answers for their stupidity, when they were not able to defend a mammoth total of 379, with only a day's play left. It is just foolish to expect for England to be able to do what even Australia couldn't do.

Despite being given such a easy chance to break through, England couldn't make much of the same. Had England been really determined, they would have taken up this opportunity with both hands and put India in trouble what-so-ever. Despite a first innings lead and imposing such a stiff target, all England could do was just be a mute spectator to the shots hit with guts and glory by Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh. And not to forget Harbhajan Singh in the first innings where he scored 40 along with captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni who scored 53. Now, I think one can surely term England to be real underdogs when they couldn't take control, despite being given a golden opportunity.

Where Is Murali Karthik?

Well after the retirement of Anil Kumble, there was much speculation being made, as to who will be replacing the void left by Anil Kumble? Some names that were suggested were Amit Mishra and Piyush Chawla. Well..the idea is not bad. And not good either I can say. For, someone like Amit Mishra who made his test debut five years after coming to the international scene, after the ICC world cup 2003, in the triangular series involving Bangladesh, India and South Africa, that ws held in Bangladesh. God knows as to where Amit Mishra was hiding in all these five years. And whenever the question of a leg spinner is posed, this man was not even available in the minds of the selectors. And today Amit Mishra is considered to be the future of Indian leg spin, taking over the shoes of legendary Anil Kumble.

So, does one five wicket haul make one's international career certain?And as far as Piyush Chawla is considered, till now his name has not been figured out. But, the selectors have not yet put a full stop for this man. Well as far as his talent and hard work goes, there is absolutely nothing to complain about. But, I don't think this is the right time to bring someone like Piyush Chawla into the big stage. Else, it would be wiser to bring in someone who has been waiting to prove a point in the international stage since years. And not without a splendid performance needless to say. One doesn't expect the BCCI selectors to compromise with hard work, talent and performance. But, why should one lose out for just being old?

Why shouldn't a rotational policy be followed by the BCCI, in the process giving a chance for each and every player to prove his worth? I even today remember Murali Karthik returning to team India for the 7th ODI against Australia from some commentary stuff and bagging 6/27 and further adding 27* runs to see India through. The bowling average is not different from Piyush Chawla, whose name pops up for every team selection. And how does one put a full stop, without giving him a chance for almost five years? And apart from a five wicket haul in the test against Australia at home, and that too on turning track, the services of Amit Mishra is limited I can say.

Isn't there any other leg spinner or a left arm orthodox spinner in a country with 1 billion people, who can make it to the playing eleven? only 3 out of a billion?So what percent?I'm really scared! Hmm..the way the selection of players goes on cannot be guessed what-so-ever. I think that this is the reason as to why team India is not possible to look out for replacements, in case of injury to a player or in case a player retires. In the inaugural edition of the IPL, we could see so many players, whom we had never heard of till then, put up splendid performances. Where have they all gone? It would be nice if the BCCI puts up a criteria for the players are needed to prove in order to make it to the national side. Else, it would only be the part played by luck for a player to be a part of the side.

It would have been nice, had it been possible to bring down ones age!

A Cool First Day For England

Well..finally there was a bit relief for me that finally I could watch some great cricketing action. At the same time, I was afraid for ending up watching a boring and colourless encounter, wherein team England would succumb to the sub-continent conditions, and also owing to lack of match practice, it was all believed that a boring encounter is always going to be on the cards. But, thank god..that was not the case. England showed that they were the creators of the game of cricket way back in the eighteenth century. However, this is still not enough. I wish there is still some greater action to come in the days ahead of the test series

For the exception of Andrew Strauss and Alister Cook, the rest of the English batsmen weren't up to the mark. And on the part of the Indians, they just showed that they were the home team and had always had an upper hand in the test series. The match was a perfect mixture of some great cricketing shots, good bowling from the Indian counterparts, a wrong decision that bought frustration in the eyes of the Englishmen, when Paul Collingwood was given out caught behind to a delivery that was found to miss the gloves by some 6 inches. Something that favoured the English batsman was the toss that Kevin Pietersen won and chose to bat. Otherwise, I guess things would have been different.

There is still four more days to go in this trest match, things may or may not be the same. England might get back to their basics of getting their tactics wrong, thus, in the process falling prey to Indian hunters. Spin, that has always been a problem for Western countries, may once again put pressure on the English batsmen. Likewise, a hint of the same was observed, when Yuvraj Singh made an impact no different compared to regular spinners- Harbhajan Singh or Amit Mishra for that matter. And I wish the way Zaheer Khan posed threats to the English batsmen during India's tour to England in 2007, is still in the minds of the English batsman. This is evident for the first day's play, when Zaheer Khan had Kevin Pietersen and Ian Bell in his wickets tally.

It looked as though lack of practice for the English batsmen didn't prove to be a major set back, taking into consideration their run on day 1. This could also be attributed to the pitch, that was seen to be a batsmen's paradise, with the earlier match having Virender Sehwag scoring his second triple hundred and had recorded totals of 540 and 647. So, assuming that England had the upper hand on day 1's play might be just an illusion. And one should not forget the depth in India's batting line up, which is needless to be said. As an Indian fan, an Indian victory is always welcome. But, an equal resistance from the opposition would be a treat to watch. I wish England plays the game with full determination, showing their courage and power. So do the Indians.

Finally The Flight Takes Off !!!

After much speculations regarding the continuation of the India-England test series, finally, it is really nice to see the India-England first test above to take off at Chepauk stadium in Chennai. This gave much relief to atleast me, for, days and weeks altogether without international cricketing action kept me cursing me all these days. So, finally, thanks to the Chennai test which I believe will go ahead successfully, without any weather interuptions and security fears. Lets all hope that there will be a good contest between India and England team, with both of them putting up a tough fight to overcome the opposition, unlike the English team did in the one day series, by losing all five games without any resistance.

I wish the lack of practice for the English team would not mind them from putting up a better performance what-so-ever. For, where there is a will, there is a way. This could be drawn from the fact that team India won the inaugural T20 world cup at South Africa without a permanent coach. With players like Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen, Steve Harmison, Ian Bell, Paul Collingwood and others, the England team should not be complaining at all, as far as their talent goes. If the England team is given a glance, it looks a rather balanced team. We all hope that the weather gods do not come in the way of a fantastic encounter out there at the Chepauk stadium.

For the first time, the Indian team will take on the field without Sourav Ganguly. Even the pinch of missing Anil Kumble will be felt deeply by the fans I guess. And, for heaven's sake, the only delight being is the presence of Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar and V V S Laxman, whom we have been seeing for a decade or so. Irrespective of their form and fitness, their absense will be really felt. Obviously, team India is bound to have an upper hand in the series, and it is upto England to make use of the talent in the team, keeping in mind the lack of weakness in the Indian side.

If the recent past is considered, none of the teams, barring India have played really good and decent cricket. Even the mighty Aussies were found striking a bad patch during their tour of India. Not only for losing the series, but, also for showing no signs of chasing targets and defending their low totals. Matches are won in such a way that neither the winning team rejoices nor the losing team gets humiliated. Neither the losing team makes up its mind to be in the driver's seat in the coming games, thus drawing lessons from the previous one. Now, I hope that the days of drought in cricket are over with the India-England teams resuming their tours.The best of all cricketing action is yet to come.Cheers!!!

How Long Will This Hide & Seek Go On?

Well since that sixth and seventh one day matches between India and England got canceled, there has always been hide and seek whether or not to go ahead with the series. And each day I open the newspaper to get the latest progress about the series, I end up finding something new and something different from what I read in the earlier ones. And the news right now is that the first test between England and India will be, by all means played on the scheduled date itself that is on the 11th of this month. And, I am not yet sure about this, atleast until the series not only takes off, but also until the second test ends.

Now, the news is that Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison will be joining the squad for the test series. The two had decided to stay off from the tour fearing security concerns.Well that is always welcome. And another doubt that as arisen in the minds of the English team is that "how far is Mohali, which is close to the borders of Pakistan, safe for playing, as far as the England team is concerned?" And the recent cyclone (as I've already said in many of my earlier posts) in Chennai is always a threat to the game going on smoothly. So, I ask to myself is "whether the series will really take off?"

The speculation is true indeed, for the vanue in Mohali is no different from Ahmedabad, for, both the venues are close to Pakistan borders. And even to this moment I can't understand as to what would the English cricket team get in return, for choosing Abu Dhabi as a venue to carry on their practice games? Are the conditions in Abu Dhabi same as that in India, or atleast in the venues that are scheduled in India? Likewise, Sri Lanka would have been a better place for them to practice for their upcoming Indian tour. Now, if the recent newspaper reports are to be believed, talks are on for the Mohali test to be held either in Bangalore or Hyderabad. So, what next?

I wonder as to what will be the outcome of such a tour, where the English team's focus is all regarding the security, which is not at all their cup of tea. Rather than concentrating on cricket, much of the fuss is being made on the security concerns. I wish they would have got answers, when the security cover was so tight that even the media persons were not given a free pass. Is the seurity issue still haunting team England? If yes, I wish you guys pack up your bags. With hardly any practice for the upcoming tour, I wish as to that the English players will give in the matches to come. Already, the England team are yet to come out of the 5-0 whitewash they suffered in the in one day series. And if their recent test performance is considered, they have no reason to feel comfortable, for they lost the last test series to South Africa.

Well, at the end of the day, as a cricket fan, all I would be lookingis for some really decent, entertaining action from not only the Indian side, but also the English side. And I just hope that the teams out there will be just doing that. So, all I would be doing for these two days is to just wait until the series takes off in style and in patience.

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.

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!

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.

Stupidity At its Peak

Well after much condemnation for the recent ghastly terror attacks in Mumbai's Taj Palace last week, I thought that the test series that were supposed to follow the one day international matches (that were canceled) would also be canceled in the same manner.But, no.Anyway that is another issue altogether.Finally, the BCCI after holding talks with the ECB officials, decided to continue with the test series, but, for a change at a different venue.And as one never guessed, the vanues are selected that are even more worse as far as the situation of holding a test match goes.Is there any end to the foolishness of the BCCI?

I wonder as to what does one really get out of such hopeless tours.It looks like the test series is played just for the sake of it and for no other reason.Well the security concern for the players could be understood.Both Ahmedabad and Mumbai offlate have a poor track record as far as security concern goes.Now, the new venues for the two tests starting on December 11th to 15th at Mohali instead of Ahmedabad and Chennai instead of Mumbai.How come one assumes that the new venues could go cool with hosting the test match?Are the players, especially those from England mentally ready to play test cricket?

I don't know about Mohali.But, as far as Chennai is concerned, there is little chance of the game taking off and continuing smoothly.Not because of any security threat or any intelligence reportsof a bomb blast.But, due to the recent rains that had almost washed Chennai, as a result of a cyclone.And this was the situation a week back.Now,can anyone assure a test match at such a venue?For that matter the situation is no better in any of the stadium in South India like Bangalore.And playing somewhere in Northern part of India is totally out of question.I wish atleast the Mohali test takes off smoothly.

And one more thing that is to be taken into consideration is that the warm up match that was to be held in vadodara tomorrow has been scraped.Well the reasons are quite obvious and can be understood.But, proceeding further without a practice game before going to the test series be a bad decision?After going through all these, I feel that the decisions regarding hosting the India-England test series is being done in a hurry.The series has very litttle or absolutely no gains at all.A decision to withdraw the test series would have been a better choice.or a delayed or split tour would have helped matters.Now, with such a hasty decision by the BCCI, the test series can only be thought of to be a formality and nothing else.

A Baseless Funda Altogether

Well it was nice to know that the rest of the one day international matches between India and England have been canceled,thanks to the deadly blasts that rocked Mumbai a couple of days ago,targeting especially UK citizens.But,another funny aspect that really made me think about was that the test series is still on.It is just unbelievable.When the remaining two one day international matches can be canceled,how come the test series can take off smoothly if the BCCI officials are to be believed?For,the test matches only follow the remaining two one day internationals.This post is least bothered about the cotinuation of the series,but, it is the drama that pisses me to this extent.

If the blasts are to be taken into account for deciding whether the series has to continue or not,the blasts are targeted at the five star hotels where the team officials are staying rather than on the cricket stadium.Canceling the remaining two one day matches would mean that the England cricket team will be having a day off at the hotel rooms where the real threat lies.Or, the other idea would be for the England to go back home and then arrive once again for the test matches that follow.And if at all the tour has to be scrutinized taking security into consideration,I wish the entire tour be canceled or postpone the remaining two matches as well along with the test games that follow.

And in the recent past or so, in India, tickets are purchased only after the train departs.One waits for a terror strike to happen and then do some stupid things like calling an emergency situations or canceling some major events that are supposed to take place.This circle repeats every now and then.This has been the case in India in recent times.First it was low intensity blasts,followed by a high intensity one.In the beginning it would be after a gap of nearly a month and now it hapens on consecutive days or at the worst after every fortnight.From blasts in markets that could be termed as a cowadly act,the situation has now become an open one where the terrorist is caught on cameras firing.Things are never bound to improve.And I don't think there are any fools who are in the view of "Oh! no not again".

And coming back to the India-England one day and test matches, I wonder whether one fears a terror attack on the cricket field?Is the security in India really gone to such a bad depth?With the recent times taken,it wouldn't be wrong to assume even such a situation.Once the assigned job has been completed successfully by the terrorists,I wonder whether they will come back and do the same,especially when the security people are on their toes?Canceling the tour means just foolishness and nothing else.The damage is already done.Tight security would have meant averting the tragedy and not taking drastic steps in future.And the option that I would suggest is "wait for another major tragedy to happen,so that the security that was until then relaxed could be then beefed up once again".Well..if the BCCI is going through this post,I wish they go and get the correct meaning of security before using the same repeatedly without knowing the meaning.

Are England Really Interested in One Day Cricket?

Well after the fifth one day international between England and India at Cuttack yesterday,which England lost yet again,one thing that is going on in my mind is that are team England really interested in playing quality cricket-be it test or one day international?For, in none of the one day matches in India,the England team have ever risen to the occasion and put up a tough fight.Since the England team have landed in India, all the one day matches that have been played so far in this series,none of them have been close encounters.Was this the team that boasts of being in the finals of a world cup on three occasions?Was this the nation that put forward the idea of the game of cricket in the 18th century in front of the world?

In the fifth one day international, I was really satisfied with the way Kevin Pietersen and co. batted in the first innings to put up a tough stand compared to the previous matches.But, it was evident that the England batsmen didn't do anything in particular even with the bat for the pitch behaved as the batsmen wanted it to.The bowlers showed absolutely no signs in restricting the home team.With a win out of question, the English bowlers were found giving too many short pitched deliveries which helped four out of six of the Indian batsman to notch up a half century and get only one batsman out for a score less than 50.I wonder as to why should a team look forward to playing against such nations who are hare only to have a tour rather than play cricket?Why does one need players of the caliber of Sachin and Yuvraj to tackle this England team.

I just cannot recall as when England last won a one day series outside England. England has been playing cricket for centuries altogether.Though there are teams like Bangladesh,West Indies and Zimbabwe who are far below par when compared to England, it is worth mentioning that these teams are not gifted with talented players of the caliber of Andrew Flintoff, Kevin Pietersen,Steve Harmison and much others. With the English football team making waves all over, whats wrong with their cricket?It just looks like England are not at all interested in playing one day cricket and T20,although their test team is a pretty decent.For the number of wickets England had in hand,the total should have well crossed 300.But,no.

One more interesting aspect of the England squad is that in the current cricket squad that is under tour, three of the English players namely Ravi Bopara,Samit Patel,Owais Shah are of the sub continental origin.Are England short of players in their country for they hire players from the sub continent?

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.

Singh Is King!

Well the Hindi movie starring Akshay Kumar and Katrina Kaif named "Singh is King" proved itself on Thursday when in the ODI series against England so far has been dominated by Singhs alone.As all of us are aware of,the first two one day matches was dominated by the great sixer hero-Yuvaraj Singh who not only turned the match towards the Indian side with the bat,but also with the ball.Much was expected from this southpaw by the masses over there in Kanpur,who were excited to see him put up another 100+ score, which would have been his third in succession, which eventually didn't turn out.But, still, all was not lost by the fans over there,as there was another Singh ready to make a mark.And that is Harbhajan Singh for you.

Harbhajan Singh's magic worked out well against England in the third one day international here at Kanpur,which India won by 16 runs batting second.Imagine how?Very rarely,England put up a decent show and thank god that Yuvraj Singh showed some mercy and saved the English faces.But,Harbhajan Singh didn't spare them what-so-ever.A 3 wicket haul,which in the process bought up his personal landmark of 200 ODI wickets.The two singhs who bowled came up with 4 wickets between them,as Yuvraj Singh took one.Not to forget the support given by another Singh in Mahendra Singh Dhoni be it behind the stumps,or with the bat or be it as a captain who could hold the entire team together.

Even the third Singh in the team,Mahendra Singh Dhoni was not less when it came to displaying his powerss,for he had as many as three stumpings and one catch and finally played a crucial role in chasing a modest English total of 240 by scoring unbeaten 29 not forgetting the partnership he had with Yuvraj Singh and Yousuf Pathan.Well thats the power of Singhs I believe.So once again all of us together "SINGH IS KING"

Drop Yuvraj Singh For the Series Against England

With India beating Australia 2-0 in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar trophy, several questions were being raised about India's would be dominance in the all three formats game of cricket.But,as I've stated in most of my earlier posts regarding Border-Gavaskar trophy,it was partly due to the depletement of the Australian test team that landed in India,and partly for some superb performances from the likes of Ishanth Sharma and Zaheer Khan-who bowled splendidly in the series,and some blistering fireworks from the blades of V V S Laxman, M S Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir-who made most out of the flat tracks that suited the Indian style of batting.No marks to the spinners what-so-ever.

Now,team India is found to overwhelm England-the starters of cricket in the 18th century.Now,with the recent past of England cricket team's performance taken into consideration,they had defeated South Africa 4-0 in the one day series that were held in September after being defeated 2-1 against the same in the test series.And before that, there was New Zealand's tour of England,in which England won the test series and lost the one day series.But,these defeats were not that embarrassing as they are in the current tour of India.For,atleast team England were found giving a tight reply to the visitors.No matter..the England were hosting these teams,which is not the case here.With England being hosts,when the results are so horrible,one can imagine the fate when England is hosted and that too in a sub continent nation?

Irreective of the match result,what matters is the way the teams out there play the game of cricket with full spirit and never-say-die attitude.But,England was never found doing it.In the first ODI,England captain won the toss and chose to put India into bat,thinking that the pitch would be a batting heaven (which it was) and chasing any total would not be difficult.The decision was right although, but,things were not made use of by the England batsmen.When India made a score of 387,a score of atleast 300+ would have made the viewers take to guessing.But,a score of just 229 in just 37 overs is something that a non-test playing nation would be found doing.And in the 2nd ODI,despite having India reeling at 29/3 in 7.3 overs,England not only allowing India put up a big total,but lost wickets in quick succession to someone like Yuvraj Singh-who is not a bowler by anymeans.I wouldn't even give him the tag of part-time-bowler.

Whether England wins or loses the series is a different issue altogether,but,if there is to be some enthusiasm for viewers to go and watch the match in the stadium,I wish there should be atleast some restriction from the opposite team,which would make the match interesting.With the Australian team that toured India not being able to take none other than a man of the match award in the last test,I feel the die hard fans in India would be thinking twice before going out to watch a cricket match if this continues.Just imagine the fate of the sponsorers who have invested millions of dollars in IPL & ICL (keeping in mind the craze for cricket in the country),if the fans-who give their life for cricket, get bored of cricket and give up watching.

It never looks as though the England team will atleast now wake up to put up a though fight against an in-form Indian team.A solution to this would be to reduce the strength of the current Indian team to be in par with the opposition it is facing,so that the matches would be a bit more interesting with lesser one sided games.Else,be prepared for empty stands.

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..

England:Gearing up For The Next Ashes?

In the morning when I picked up the newspaper,I just turned to page 21 of the times to read about the second round of ICL.But,I also found something special that bought delight in my eyes.That was England's test win over New Zealand.

The two teams met each other after a span of almost four years,after whitewashing the touring team 3-0 in England.One of the strongest oppositions then,England had white washed New Zealand 3-0 during its last tour down under,but after the Ashes victory, England were totally relieved until they lost 5-0 in the next Ashes to be reminded to the depth they have fallen.Next came the 1-0 series loss to India at home followed by the same result against Sri Lanka.

But after the second test win by England,it looked as though there was some hunger to win more test matches by England,when they beat New Zealand by 126 runs.it was then that I came to know that even England can win test matches outside.Well with the next Ashes due in England,keeping in fact Australia's dismal show in the recent series against India,it looks like England have a better chance now than compared to in 2005 of beating the Aussies provided they keep up the winning momentum as it did in the second test against New Zealand.

Well,a better picture of England would be clear after the third test against the same on March 22nd.