Well needless to be said, New Zealand beat Pakistan yesterday by 110 runs which was their first victory in world cups since 1992 (the world cup since which I have been following). I still remember New Zealand losing two games to Pakistan in the 1992 world cup, one in the league stages and the other in the semi finals which saw their fans leave the stadium in tears. Since then, New Zealand have been losing to Pakistan in 5 occasions, two each in the 1992 and 1999 editions and 1 in 1996. Since then the two teams have never met in world cups at all.
For two world cups since 1999, Pakistan have never been able to cross the first round of the world cup and the teams had been grouped in such a way that Pakistan had no chance of meeting New Zealand in the league stages of the world cup. Of course, the teams have met in the T20 world cup in all three editions with Pakistan winning two and New Zealand one. Coming to the ICC champions trophy, which is also a world cup tournament, Pakistan and New Zealand have met thrice with New Zealand winning all three in 2000, 2006 and 2009.
Yesterday, Pakistan just paid the price for not being so alert on the field when they dropped the catch of none other than Ross Taylor who was instrumental in New Zealand's 92 runs off the last four overs that laid the platform for their victory. On the other hand, New Zealand's fielding was exactly the opposite of their Pakistani counterpart. There was a warning in that game against Sri Lanka when ones turned out to be twos, easy catches were dropped and run outs were missed. Finally, Pakistan had to settle with a 11 run win which should have been 50 runs or so.
A bowler who could take three consecutive 4+ wicket hauls and claim his best favorite shot to be "anywhere for six" could only take one gifted wicket of Guptill and score 17 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 188. It is just unfortunate for Pakistan to have such an inspirational captain who can hardly take responsibility when the situations demands a captain's knock similar to that of Steve Waugh. Afridi was one among the two six hitters from Pakistan but which was hardly of any use to his team. By winning the game against Pakistan, New Zealand made their presence felt after they had lost to Australia and were likely to lose yesterday as well.
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Showing posts with label New Zealand. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Friday, January 21, 2011
John Wright has to worry
Well very few players get a chance to coach the very same team for which they were playing years ago and John Wright is one of those lucky ones to have managed that when he now stands as the coach of the New Zealand team which is totally a different team compared to the team which he was coaching some 5 years ago. John Wright coached India until 2005 and during his tenure as the Indian coach, he was successful in seeing India make it to the finals of two world tournaments namely the ICC Champions trophy 2002 and ICC world cup in 2003.
Not only did he do this but in addition, John Wright saw Indian team win against all opposition except Australia in the 2003 world cup. Now, with John Wright being the coach of his home team, he has pointed the 11 losses of his team in succession and much to anyone's amazement, all those losses that the Kiwis have suffered have been against sub continent teams which includes Bangladesh as well in addition to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. New Zealand is one of those rare teams to have had 4 losses against Bangladesh in a span of 13 days between 5th October 2010 and 17th October 2010.
Added to those 4 losses, New Zealand's one off match against Bangladesh was abandoned which made them return penniless from that tour of Bangladesh. One can recall the West Indies team being whitewashed by Bangladesh in mid 2009 with most of the performers from West Indies going on strike leaving their U-19 players to take to the field. This was not the case with New Zealand whatsoever. To make things even more worse, New Zealand's losses to Bangladesh was even more than what they faced against Sri Lanka. New Zeland lost 2 games against Sri Lanka compared to 4 against Bangladesh.
With most of the teams around the world boycotting their tour of Pakistan and New Zealand being one among them, they lost the chance of losing to Pakistan on their home soil but, that didn't stop them from favoring Pakistan when recently they lost the test series against Pakistan on their home soil 0-1. As a coincidence, new Zealand are set top play the world cup in the same venues where they have lost the aforementioned games in Dhaka, Sri Lanka and India. All these with players like Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee to name a few big hitting names. This makes Wright's job even more tough and god knows what he vows when he says this.
Not only did he do this but in addition, John Wright saw Indian team win against all opposition except Australia in the 2003 world cup. Now, with John Wright being the coach of his home team, he has pointed the 11 losses of his team in succession and much to anyone's amazement, all those losses that the Kiwis have suffered have been against sub continent teams which includes Bangladesh as well in addition to India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. New Zealand is one of those rare teams to have had 4 losses against Bangladesh in a span of 13 days between 5th October 2010 and 17th October 2010.
Added to those 4 losses, New Zealand's one off match against Bangladesh was abandoned which made them return penniless from that tour of Bangladesh. One can recall the West Indies team being whitewashed by Bangladesh in mid 2009 with most of the performers from West Indies going on strike leaving their U-19 players to take to the field. This was not the case with New Zealand whatsoever. To make things even more worse, New Zealand's losses to Bangladesh was even more than what they faced against Sri Lanka. New Zeland lost 2 games against Sri Lanka compared to 4 against Bangladesh.
With most of the teams around the world boycotting their tour of Pakistan and New Zealand being one among them, they lost the chance of losing to Pakistan on their home soil but, that didn't stop them from favoring Pakistan when recently they lost the test series against Pakistan on their home soil 0-1. As a coincidence, new Zealand are set top play the world cup in the same venues where they have lost the aforementioned games in Dhaka, Sri Lanka and India. All these with players like Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori, Tim Southee to name a few big hitting names. This makes Wright's job even more tough and god knows what he vows when he says this.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Down Down New Zealand
Well if one can go through cricinfo's latest article, wherein it has been expected out of New Zealand to take home some face before they leave the country, I can no doubt tell all you people out there that New Zealand has to play some lesser teams like say West Indies or Bangladesh (against which their next series is due) to gain some confidence before they take on the world's major teams in the 10th edition of the world cup coincidentally held in few of the same venues where they lost their first three encounters against India, not before losing the test series.
Prior to the tournament, the new Zealand captain was found talking some positive stuff when he indicated that his team would gain a lot of exposure from the tours of India and Bangladesh prior to the world cup. But, if this is what the Kiwi captain is found to take home from this series, one can hope to see New Zealand wait until the next world cup in 2015 which luckily is scheduled on their home soil. Atleast, New Zealand should have won one of the one dayers to have been alive in the series if not the complete series.
Needless to be said, New Zealand managed to draw the first two tests before their loss to India in the third test at Nagpur by an innings and 198 runs. In both the innings, New Zealand failed to go past the 200 run mark. After the test series, may be India realized that they should have rested the key players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh for the test series as well as it has been the case in the ongoing one dayers. When Harbhajan Singh was able to smash the Kiwi bowlers 7 times out of the ground, their caliber is well in front of all of us.
Though in case New Zealand manage to win the remaining two one day internationals against India, it would be India who would be experimenting with their opponenets rather than to say that New Zealand played decent cricket. If Gambhir plans to experiment with his team for the remaining two ODIs, may be New Zealand can take home a couple of wins. But, the ultimate loser would obviously be New Zealand who could not tackle a team with most of its key players being reserved. I hope the Kiwis should take lessons from Bangladesh who made history from an under - rated WI team last year.
Prior to the tournament, the new Zealand captain was found talking some positive stuff when he indicated that his team would gain a lot of exposure from the tours of India and Bangladesh prior to the world cup. But, if this is what the Kiwi captain is found to take home from this series, one can hope to see New Zealand wait until the next world cup in 2015 which luckily is scheduled on their home soil. Atleast, New Zealand should have won one of the one dayers to have been alive in the series if not the complete series.
Needless to be said, New Zealand managed to draw the first two tests before their loss to India in the third test at Nagpur by an innings and 198 runs. In both the innings, New Zealand failed to go past the 200 run mark. After the test series, may be India realized that they should have rested the key players like Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag and Harbhajan Singh for the test series as well as it has been the case in the ongoing one dayers. When Harbhajan Singh was able to smash the Kiwi bowlers 7 times out of the ground, their caliber is well in front of all of us.
Though in case New Zealand manage to win the remaining two one day internationals against India, it would be India who would be experimenting with their opponenets rather than to say that New Zealand played decent cricket. If Gambhir plans to experiment with his team for the remaining two ODIs, may be New Zealand can take home a couple of wins. But, the ultimate loser would obviously be New Zealand who could not tackle a team with most of its key players being reserved. I hope the Kiwis should take lessons from Bangladesh who made history from an under - rated WI team last year.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Vettori's dream for his team
If New Zealand can make it to the finals of a world cup for the first time in its 29 year old history, why should that not make the New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori happy atleast in his dreams. The reason why the world dream is mentioned here is because, like the Kiwis, even the Aussies would be touring India for a full fledged series before New Zealand make it there. Of course, that might not have anything to do with New Zealand trying to make hay is this sunshine. But, it is needed to be mentioned that preparations for the same need much more planning than this.
I can show you that Australia neither prior to the 2003 world cup at South Africa nor the 2007 world cup at West Indies had ever toured the same but at the end not only did Australia win the world cup but also did they do the same without losing even a single game en route. New Zealand had beaten Australia 3-0 in the three match one day series in the Chappel - Hadlee series just a month before the world cup in 2007. But, in the big stage, New Zealand failed miserably by losing the super eights game to Australia by a margin of 233 runs.
New Zealand were partly responsible in throwing off Australia from their number 1 spot in world cricket when they did the above mentioned feat. Not only did New Zealand beat Australia but they also had two successful run chases of 337 and 347 respectively in the 2nd and the 3rd one day internationals. Perhaps, that was the only instance where two score above 330 were chased successfully by any team. Even today, these two scores stand in the 2nd and the 3rd place when it comes to the most successful run chases in one day internationals. At the same time, the 233 run loss was the 2nd worst defeat in the 2007 world cup after Bermuda's 257 run loss to India.
Daniel Vettori's words no doubt is of much concern for, a practice at a venue which in six month's time would host the biggest events of cricket will surely add to one's fortune and a fortune for New Zealand would be that they might make it to the finals of the world cup for the first time and break the jinx. Luckily, they are bound to play Bangladesh in Bangladesh and India in India. And, one more thing that would be rejoiced would be that New Zealand would be playing a full fledged series against India and in India after 7 years, when New Zealand last toured India in late 2003 for a two test series.
I can show you that Australia neither prior to the 2003 world cup at South Africa nor the 2007 world cup at West Indies had ever toured the same but at the end not only did Australia win the world cup but also did they do the same without losing even a single game en route. New Zealand had beaten Australia 3-0 in the three match one day series in the Chappel - Hadlee series just a month before the world cup in 2007. But, in the big stage, New Zealand failed miserably by losing the super eights game to Australia by a margin of 233 runs.
New Zealand were partly responsible in throwing off Australia from their number 1 spot in world cricket when they did the above mentioned feat. Not only did New Zealand beat Australia but they also had two successful run chases of 337 and 347 respectively in the 2nd and the 3rd one day internationals. Perhaps, that was the only instance where two score above 330 were chased successfully by any team. Even today, these two scores stand in the 2nd and the 3rd place when it comes to the most successful run chases in one day internationals. At the same time, the 233 run loss was the 2nd worst defeat in the 2007 world cup after Bermuda's 257 run loss to India.
Daniel Vettori's words no doubt is of much concern for, a practice at a venue which in six month's time would host the biggest events of cricket will surely add to one's fortune and a fortune for New Zealand would be that they might make it to the finals of the world cup for the first time and break the jinx. Luckily, they are bound to play Bangladesh in Bangladesh and India in India. And, one more thing that would be rejoiced would be that New Zealand would be playing a full fledged series against India and in India after 7 years, when New Zealand last toured India in late 2003 for a two test series.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Inspired By Sehwag
So far, if not for greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Muttiah Muralitharan, there have hardly been any followers for any of the existing players in international cricket. In fact, players like Dhoni and Sehwag have been inspired from Sachin Tendulkar to make it to the big stage. One has to ask Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara or Muttiah Muralitharan as to who or what on earth inspired them to take cricket as a career. Of course, though money factor exists in today's cricket, that was not the case some decade ago when Muttiah Muralitharan and Sachin Tendulkar were in their initial stages of their career.
Today's cricketers are more inspired by money and fame rather than the game or the challenges that come from within. Anyways, coming to the matter, a New Zealand cricketer Peter Ingram has said that it was after watching India's dashing opener Virender Sehwag that made him take the bat in his hands. The influence of Virender Sehwag on Ingram is to such an extent that though Peter Ingram has been repeated criticism for his lack of footwork, Ingram terms it to be the replica of his so called idol Virender Sehwag's style. If one goes by nature, their dates of birth differ by just 5 days.
At the same time, if their success in international cricket is considered, they stand way apart. Sehwag has gone too forward with two triple hundreds and six double centuries against his name in international test cricket which is bettered by only Sir Don Bradman, Walter Hammond and Brian Lara. Not even Sachin Tendulkar (Sehwag's batting idol) has been able to achieve the same in test cricket. It has been equaled by Pakistan's Javed Miandad and Sri Lanka's Marvan Attapattu, both of whom have 6 double hundreds against their names. However, this has to be justified if at all one has to believe that Sehwag is Ingram's batting idol.
Idols have to always stand apart from their followers in any field or else, who on earth would follow them? Likewise, cricketing greats like Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd and Ian Botham have been an inspiration to batting youngsters after their retirement and so has been the case with bowlers like Shaun Pollock and Glenn McGrath. They were an inspiration after their team started making news for the good reasons. Likewise, someone like Andrew Flintoff and Craig McDermott could not be an inspiration though deserving to be so. Jonty Rhodes has hardly inspired anyone to take fielding as a career option.
Today's cricketers are more inspired by money and fame rather than the game or the challenges that come from within. Anyways, coming to the matter, a New Zealand cricketer Peter Ingram has said that it was after watching India's dashing opener Virender Sehwag that made him take the bat in his hands. The influence of Virender Sehwag on Ingram is to such an extent that though Peter Ingram has been repeated criticism for his lack of footwork, Ingram terms it to be the replica of his so called idol Virender Sehwag's style. If one goes by nature, their dates of birth differ by just 5 days.
At the same time, if their success in international cricket is considered, they stand way apart. Sehwag has gone too forward with two triple hundreds and six double centuries against his name in international test cricket which is bettered by only Sir Don Bradman, Walter Hammond and Brian Lara. Not even Sachin Tendulkar (Sehwag's batting idol) has been able to achieve the same in test cricket. It has been equaled by Pakistan's Javed Miandad and Sri Lanka's Marvan Attapattu, both of whom have 6 double hundreds against their names. However, this has to be justified if at all one has to believe that Sehwag is Ingram's batting idol.
Idols have to always stand apart from their followers in any field or else, who on earth would follow them? Likewise, cricketing greats like Vivian Richards, Clive Lloyd and Ian Botham have been an inspiration to batting youngsters after their retirement and so has been the case with bowlers like Shaun Pollock and Glenn McGrath. They were an inspiration after their team started making news for the good reasons. Likewise, someone like Andrew Flintoff and Craig McDermott could not be an inspiration though deserving to be so. Jonty Rhodes has hardly inspired anyone to take fielding as a career option.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Why Does ICC Want To Finish Off U-19 WC in a hurry
Well the seventh under 19 world cup is on its way with as many as four matches namely-West Indies vs Pakistan, India vs Afghanistan, Ireland vs South Africa and last but not the least Canada vs Zimbabwe about to make a start on the first day itself. One has to really wonder as to why does the ICC want to finish off the mega event in a span of just 15 days, with four matches scheduled everyday and obviously at four different venues. The final of the tournament is scheduled on the 30th of this month, with as many as 40+ matches to be held inbetween.
It is really fascinating to see some new teams like Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and United States of America (USA)who are yet to make it to the senior world cup that is held once in four years making a mark in the U-19 world cup. United States and Hong Kong have made it to the international arena previously as well, the former in the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 and the latter in the two editions of the Asia Cup in 2004 and 2008. Though there are hardly any takers for the matches involving the aforementioned teams, one fine day, they can be considered to take the game of cricket forward.
Is it because there are no takers for these matches that the ICC is scheduling these games in such a tight schedule or is it because that the ICC wants the U-19 players concentrate on some other issues may be outside the cricket world. The major world cup the is held once in four years spans over two months, with the players from all the major cricketing nations having a year round schedule excluding their domestic tournaments and the IPLs. Even the lesser events like the ICC Champions trophy and ICC world T20 that are held once in every 2 years spans slightly more than 15 days.
Whatever be the case, there is no cricket tournament that hosts four matches daily. The maximum that has been hosted in a single day is three, with one game involving only minnows. It is just not understandable as to why 4 matches are held simultaneously. Is it the lack of viewers who watch these games? T20 world cup hosts 2 matches daily unlike 4 in U-19 WC. I wonder as to how come the TV channels who have bagged the telecast rights of these matches can show the viewers the match of their interest. Can anyone of you readers of this blog give me an answer for "What other commitments do these U-19 players have other than this U-19 WC?".
With so much loop holes that the ICC is not bothered about despite things being clear, it looks that the ICC just wants to finish off the U-19 world cup as a formality than ancourage the yourgsters take to the game of cricket.
It is really fascinating to see some new teams like Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong, Afghanistan and United States of America (USA)who are yet to make it to the senior world cup that is held once in four years making a mark in the U-19 world cup. United States and Hong Kong have made it to the international arena previously as well, the former in the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 and the latter in the two editions of the Asia Cup in 2004 and 2008. Though there are hardly any takers for the matches involving the aforementioned teams, one fine day, they can be considered to take the game of cricket forward.
Is it because there are no takers for these matches that the ICC is scheduling these games in such a tight schedule or is it because that the ICC wants the U-19 players concentrate on some other issues may be outside the cricket world. The major world cup the is held once in four years spans over two months, with the players from all the major cricketing nations having a year round schedule excluding their domestic tournaments and the IPLs. Even the lesser events like the ICC Champions trophy and ICC world T20 that are held once in every 2 years spans slightly more than 15 days.
Whatever be the case, there is no cricket tournament that hosts four matches daily. The maximum that has been hosted in a single day is three, with one game involving only minnows. It is just not understandable as to why 4 matches are held simultaneously. Is it the lack of viewers who watch these games? T20 world cup hosts 2 matches daily unlike 4 in U-19 WC. I wonder as to how come the TV channels who have bagged the telecast rights of these matches can show the viewers the match of their interest. Can anyone of you readers of this blog give me an answer for "What other commitments do these U-19 players have other than this U-19 WC?".
With so much loop holes that the ICC is not bothered about despite things being clear, it looks that the ICC just wants to finish off the U-19 world cup as a formality than ancourage the yourgsters take to the game of cricket.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
By Hooks or Crooks, New Zealand beat Pakistan
Pakistan might have lost out on an opportunity to host a test match but has not yet lost out on winning a test series. This despite the fact that Pakistan lost the first test to New Zealand yesterday at Dunedin by 32 runs. Thanks to some one man show by Shane Bond in terms of the bowling department of New Zealand who took 8 wickets to earn the man of the match. However, the batting department didn't lag far behind when the lower middle order batsman in Daniel Vettori bought up all his experience to miss another century by 1 run and in addition some contributions from Guptill and Taylor as well.
Despite all these positives from the New Zealand batsmen and Shane Bond and with the fact that New Zealand won the first test, I'd still say that it was a fluke that New Zealand won the match and not by talent. A close look at the New Zealand players irrespective of which department they belonged to, their body language was never found to speak for them whatsoever. Except for Shane Bond, none of the New Zealand players ever showed any sort of enthusiasm in game for reasons best known to them personally. There was hardly any passion for the game from the New Zealand side.
On the other side, the Pakistani players were in the game until they lost their last wicket. The last three wicket partnership for Pakistan in the second innings lasted for as long as 17 overs and nothing would have been possible without the presence of Shane Bond. Where were the players from New Zealand when they had to face the Pakistani bowlers who just dumbfounded most of the New Zealand batsmen when they lost all their wickets for a partly score of just 153? It was not a big deal to have posted a just above 400 runs in the first innings after being put to bat by Pakistan.
It was not a bad move when the Pakistani captain chose to field first after winning the toss for, not only did bowlers from Pakistan have the guts to put pressure on the New Zealand batsmen but also that the New Zealand batting line up was thought to never rise up which unfortunately didn't happen. Once again Shane Bond's presence played a crucial role here when he took 5 Pakistani wickets restricting them for 332. That was not a bad total whatsoever by Pakistan. It was some luck that saw New Zealand score 429 runs which eventually saw them end up victorious.
One has to just wait and see how far can New Zealand can go from here onwards. Can the Kiwis win atleast one of the remaining 2 matches to win the series?
Despite all these positives from the New Zealand batsmen and Shane Bond and with the fact that New Zealand won the first test, I'd still say that it was a fluke that New Zealand won the match and not by talent. A close look at the New Zealand players irrespective of which department they belonged to, their body language was never found to speak for them whatsoever. Except for Shane Bond, none of the New Zealand players ever showed any sort of enthusiasm in game for reasons best known to them personally. There was hardly any passion for the game from the New Zealand side.
On the other side, the Pakistani players were in the game until they lost their last wicket. The last three wicket partnership for Pakistan in the second innings lasted for as long as 17 overs and nothing would have been possible without the presence of Shane Bond. Where were the players from New Zealand when they had to face the Pakistani bowlers who just dumbfounded most of the New Zealand batsmen when they lost all their wickets for a partly score of just 153? It was not a big deal to have posted a just above 400 runs in the first innings after being put to bat by Pakistan.
It was not a bad move when the Pakistani captain chose to field first after winning the toss for, not only did bowlers from Pakistan have the guts to put pressure on the New Zealand batsmen but also that the New Zealand batting line up was thought to never rise up which unfortunately didn't happen. Once again Shane Bond's presence played a crucial role here when he took 5 Pakistani wickets restricting them for 332. That was not a bad total whatsoever by Pakistan. It was some luck that saw New Zealand score 429 runs which eventually saw them end up victorious.
One has to just wait and see how far can New Zealand can go from here onwards. Can the Kiwis win atleast one of the remaining 2 matches to win the series?
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, April 6, 2009
India Versus Weather?
Well all tongues have started wagging in the favour of team India as favourites to win the test series against New Zealand in New Zealand may be for the first time in the history of Indian cricket if the experts are to be believed. And this looked pretty obvious and is still looking the same despite some or rather frequent disruptions from weather that is trying to play a spoilsport at Wellington. And even if rain or weather gods prefer New Zealand over India, the result sheet would still read "India have won the test series against New Zealand 1-0". The only disappointment would be due to the fact that despite fighting so hard a 2-0 result could not be achieved.
Had it been some two or three years down the lane, in the sense when it was either Rahul Dravid or Sourav Ganguly who were captaining the Indian side, even a 1-0 margin would have bought up smiles of joy on the faces of the Indian players. Because, that was all that the then Indian team under Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly or even Anil Kumble for that matter could do. But, that does not seem to be the case with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ever since he has captained the Indian side, the worst result he could expect was a draw. A loss to M S Dhoni is still far off I believe.
Ever since Mahendra Singh Dhoni has taken over from the shoes of Anil Kumble, or even earlier to that, the team has been not only victorious but also in a dominating position in every department of the game and in all three forms of the game too. The worst series result for M S Dhoni being the 1-0 series win against England where the second test ended in a draw. Otherwise it has been 1 out of 1 against the Proteas, two out of two against the Aussies, not two out of two against the Kiwis as well. Compared to Dhoni's, if Dravid is placed at the other end, his tally reads 1 out of 3 against England in 2007, 1 out of 4 against the West Indies in 2006 and a win in South Africa only to lose the 2nd and 3rd test.
Likewise, Anil Kumble has had successes like 1 out of 3 against Pakistan late 2007 followed by 2 draws against the Aussies in the B-G trophy in the tests which he captained. Well lets not go to the days where Mohammed Azharuddin and Sourav Ganguly had captained the team. The weather is found threatening to see a 1-0 result for Dhoni as well. This being evident from the days 3 and 4 where play could not be completed as per plan. In case the weather behaves to be neutral, like the umpires on the field, then 2/2 for Dhoni thins time is already carved on stones. But, will that really happen? Lets wait and watch.
Had it been some two or three years down the lane, in the sense when it was either Rahul Dravid or Sourav Ganguly who were captaining the Indian side, even a 1-0 margin would have bought up smiles of joy on the faces of the Indian players. Because, that was all that the then Indian team under Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly or even Anil Kumble for that matter could do. But, that does not seem to be the case with Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Ever since he has captained the Indian side, the worst result he could expect was a draw. A loss to M S Dhoni is still far off I believe.
Ever since Mahendra Singh Dhoni has taken over from the shoes of Anil Kumble, or even earlier to that, the team has been not only victorious but also in a dominating position in every department of the game and in all three forms of the game too. The worst series result for M S Dhoni being the 1-0 series win against England where the second test ended in a draw. Otherwise it has been 1 out of 1 against the Proteas, two out of two against the Aussies, not two out of two against the Kiwis as well. Compared to Dhoni's, if Dravid is placed at the other end, his tally reads 1 out of 3 against England in 2007, 1 out of 4 against the West Indies in 2006 and a win in South Africa only to lose the 2nd and 3rd test.
Likewise, Anil Kumble has had successes like 1 out of 3 against Pakistan late 2007 followed by 2 draws against the Aussies in the B-G trophy in the tests which he captained. Well lets not go to the days where Mohammed Azharuddin and Sourav Ganguly had captained the team. The weather is found threatening to see a 1-0 result for Dhoni as well. This being evident from the days 3 and 4 where play could not be completed as per plan. In case the weather behaves to be neutral, like the umpires on the field, then 2/2 for Dhoni thins time is already carved on stones. But, will that really happen? Lets wait and watch.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A Crappy New Zealand Side
Well this has become the fate of most of the major cricket playing countries may be since the introduction of the T20 format of the game and more so after the introduction of the devils of the game namely the IPL and ICL. None of the teams are found to put up a good performance for, their national side, the money that it offers is equivalent to a tip that either ICL or IPL offers. If not for Australia, South Africa and India, no other team in the world is today found playing good test cricket. If not, there was no reason absolutely for New Zealand to take the visitors for a ride at Willington.
Not only this, but New Zealand weren't even able to make the second test theirs despite having a 200+ run lead, wherein New Zealand could have even imposed a follow-on. The test went on to yield a null result when all the eyes were on the New Zealand team. The lag that India sufferred in the first innings of that test hardly matterred the Indians who were then under Virender Sehwag. As an Indian cricket fan, I should welcome that. But, as an avid cricket enthusiast, no. It was India who emerged the winers in that game, for they escaped from the jaws of defeat without any pressure upon them whatsoever.
That is a forgotten issue now. However, in the on going third and final test at Willington, the result seems obvious on the second day's play itself, where the New Zealand team crumbled like a baked cookie. It is just funny to even think about a team of the caliber of New Zealand to have had such a disastrous tour and that too being the hosts. The only cheers that the New Zealand team can boast about is owing to the fact that they didn't lose the first test by an innings but only by 10 wickets. The margin of victory being reduced and in turn the woes of the New Zealand team.
And the third test that is ongoing is giving hints of a 2-0 victory for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. Whether India deserve the victory or not, Vettori does deserve to be on the losing side. It looks likt the motivating factor that the New Zealand team had in the 2007 world cup has gone away with Stephen Fleming. If the scoreboard cites the 9 wickets that India lost on day 1, the fact of 345 run on the board was also equally true. But, still, if Vettori deserves a pat on his back for getting India all out for 379, what has Vettori got to say regarding his batsman's debacle, who could pile up just 197 runs on the board? Now, the lead being 233, the match is bound to end on day four itself, taking into account New Zealand's first innings score.
Was this the way test matches were used to being played until the introduction of IPL and ICL?
Not only this, but New Zealand weren't even able to make the second test theirs despite having a 200+ run lead, wherein New Zealand could have even imposed a follow-on. The test went on to yield a null result when all the eyes were on the New Zealand team. The lag that India sufferred in the first innings of that test hardly matterred the Indians who were then under Virender Sehwag. As an Indian cricket fan, I should welcome that. But, as an avid cricket enthusiast, no. It was India who emerged the winers in that game, for they escaped from the jaws of defeat without any pressure upon them whatsoever.
That is a forgotten issue now. However, in the on going third and final test at Willington, the result seems obvious on the second day's play itself, where the New Zealand team crumbled like a baked cookie. It is just funny to even think about a team of the caliber of New Zealand to have had such a disastrous tour and that too being the hosts. The only cheers that the New Zealand team can boast about is owing to the fact that they didn't lose the first test by an innings but only by 10 wickets. The margin of victory being reduced and in turn the woes of the New Zealand team.
And the third test that is ongoing is giving hints of a 2-0 victory for Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men. Whether India deserve the victory or not, Vettori does deserve to be on the losing side. It looks likt the motivating factor that the New Zealand team had in the 2007 world cup has gone away with Stephen Fleming. If the scoreboard cites the 9 wickets that India lost on day 1, the fact of 345 run on the board was also equally true. But, still, if Vettori deserves a pat on his back for getting India all out for 379, what has Vettori got to say regarding his batsman's debacle, who could pile up just 197 runs on the board? Now, the lead being 233, the match is bound to end on day four itself, taking into account New Zealand's first innings score.
Was this the way test matches were used to being played until the introduction of IPL and ICL?
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
An Incomplete Tour Comes To An End
Well at last, the West Indies' tour of New Zealand comes to an end. A winner at the end of an incomplete tour turns out to be New Zealand who were very fortunate to have had that taste in such a boring encounter whatsoever. Else, who does bother as to who wins or who loses at the end of the day. All would be looking forward as to when would such a series come to an end. And not only that. All would be praying that such a series never takes off anywhere in the world. Let alone in New Zealand. I think this is the first time I have ever come across such a series, where only one match turns out not to be truncated.
This was the case since the test series began. Both the tests not only ended in a draw, but also were truncated and compromised with rain gods. Then, the first T20 game happens to be a tie, wherein the super over had to come into the scene in order to decide as to who the official winner was. However, the next T20 game was played full fledged, with New Zealand winning the same. Then, the one day matches come into picture, to disappoint the fans. Not even one single one day match went on as per scheduled. Since the first one day match, either the matches have been truncated or have been cancelled.
The scheduled five one day series was eventually played as a three match one day series. Thanks to the rain gods for making this series a memorable one for different reasons. While, the remaining three one day encounters were truncated, with the West Indies winning one and New Zealand two. This was something like a lucky dip, where New Zealand won the lot. Well, until the four one day matches, it was all disappointment. However, the fifth one day match was expected to take off as per schedule. Yes it did! How long? Until West Indies put up a massive total of 293 and New Zealand started playing hide n seek before once again rain gods did their duty.
Adding to this was the caliber of the teams battling it out there. Rather than considering West Indies to be one spot above New Zealand, better say the New Zealand are placed one position below the West Indies at number 8. This would be the ideal statement. There is no point in disputing the Duckworth-Lewis method, for none of us can come out with a better idea. Neither can one stop the showers, like making it to rain when there are no rains by rain seeding. Technology needs to be improved. Thank god that the West Indies-New Zealand series is over.
This was the case since the test series began. Both the tests not only ended in a draw, but also were truncated and compromised with rain gods. Then, the first T20 game happens to be a tie, wherein the super over had to come into the scene in order to decide as to who the official winner was. However, the next T20 game was played full fledged, with New Zealand winning the same. Then, the one day matches come into picture, to disappoint the fans. Not even one single one day match went on as per scheduled. Since the first one day match, either the matches have been truncated or have been cancelled.
The scheduled five one day series was eventually played as a three match one day series. Thanks to the rain gods for making this series a memorable one for different reasons. While, the remaining three one day encounters were truncated, with the West Indies winning one and New Zealand two. This was something like a lucky dip, where New Zealand won the lot. Well, until the four one day matches, it was all disappointment. However, the fifth one day match was expected to take off as per schedule. Yes it did! How long? Until West Indies put up a massive total of 293 and New Zealand started playing hide n seek before once again rain gods did their duty.
Adding to this was the caliber of the teams battling it out there. Rather than considering West Indies to be one spot above New Zealand, better say the New Zealand are placed one position below the West Indies at number 8. This would be the ideal statement. There is no point in disputing the Duckworth-Lewis method, for none of us can come out with a better idea. Neither can one stop the showers, like making it to rain when there are no rains by rain seeding. Technology needs to be improved. Thank god that the West Indies-New Zealand series is over.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
West Indies Win The Lucky Draw
Well with as many exciting encounters in cricket at present in progress, there are equal number of boring encounters as well on the other side of the cricketing world. The excitement includes the ongoing clash between Australia and South Africa for the number one spot in test cricket and the boring one being the West Indies' tour of New Zealand, which has so far not been taken seriously by either of the teams out there. None of the test matches that were played, were played with the spirit of winning or atleast having the opposition in a spin. Such was the situation with teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. But, the late entries to the same have been West Indies and New Zealand.
Both the teams out there are found to play the games just for the sake of it. Thank god that they were not played in a cricket crazy country like India. Had it been, the sponsors would have had to think twice before going in for such matches. And that too in this era where recession has taken a toll! Anyway, issues like that should not really matter us. However, this is been found to clash with the timings of the Australia-South Africa test matches. The preference obviously going to this rather than the West Indies-New Zealand stuff. But, what about the ones who'd prefer a one day match over a test?
And also its been a long time since a one day international has been up. And the cricket fans would obviously be craving to watch some wonderful one day encounters. But, thanks to the boring West Indies-New Zealand series which has stripped them of the spirit of waiting for a one day match to kick off. This leaves the cricket fans wth no other option than to wait for the one day series between Australia and South Africa to kick off after the third test and the two T20 matches that follows. Neither were the two T20 games interesting if the expectations are to be believed. So, will the game of cricket be able to flourish in these nations wtih such a bad approach?
Lest, there are three more one day matches to go. The first one being cancelled and the second was reduced to 28 overs a side, which the West Indies clinched luckily. None of the players from both the teams making the talk of the hour makes the matter still more worse. Especially after the retirement of Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond, the New Zealand team have no big names that would be found on the fans' lips, with someone like Scott Styris and Jacob Oram making news only for injuries rather than the way they play their game of cricket. And even the West Indies are no different in this regard, with the only consolation being Shivnarine Chanderapaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan. Ok..a little bit of Chris Gayle. Not too bad....
Both the teams out there are found to play the games just for the sake of it. Thank god that they were not played in a cricket crazy country like India. Had it been, the sponsors would have had to think twice before going in for such matches. And that too in this era where recession has taken a toll! Anyway, issues like that should not really matter us. However, this is been found to clash with the timings of the Australia-South Africa test matches. The preference obviously going to this rather than the West Indies-New Zealand stuff. But, what about the ones who'd prefer a one day match over a test?
And also its been a long time since a one day international has been up. And the cricket fans would obviously be craving to watch some wonderful one day encounters. But, thanks to the boring West Indies-New Zealand series which has stripped them of the spirit of waiting for a one day match to kick off. This leaves the cricket fans wth no other option than to wait for the one day series between Australia and South Africa to kick off after the third test and the two T20 matches that follows. Neither were the two T20 games interesting if the expectations are to be believed. So, will the game of cricket be able to flourish in these nations wtih such a bad approach?
Lest, there are three more one day matches to go. The first one being cancelled and the second was reduced to 28 overs a side, which the West Indies clinched luckily. None of the players from both the teams making the talk of the hour makes the matter still more worse. Especially after the retirement of Stephen Fleming and Shane Bond, the New Zealand team have no big names that would be found on the fans' lips, with someone like Scott Styris and Jacob Oram making news only for injuries rather than the way they play their game of cricket. And even the West Indies are no different in this regard, with the only consolation being Shivnarine Chanderapaul and Ramnaresh Sarwan. Ok..a little bit of Chris Gayle. Not too bad....
Friday, December 19, 2008
Chandreapaul And The Rest
Well..the series between New Zealand and the West Indies is found to witness some of the great encounters, with West Indies unexpectedly putting up a tough fight against the New Zealand. This was not completely confirmed, in the first test, and, in the ongoing second test at Napier, it is pretty evident that the West Indies have realized as to what position in the world of cricket they stand today. Else, what else was possible by the West Indies team, other than improving their performance atleast a little bit? In the first test at Dunedin, West Indies fell just 15 runs short of the first innings total of 365 in the first innings. At the end, the match was forced to draw, for reasons well known. However, the West Indies did have something to prove what so ever.
And in the second test at Napier, things are pretty much clear, when West Indies tried to show what they are capeable of doing. Still, things are not satisfactory, as far as the West Indies are concerned. This because, it has been a one man show for the West Indies, not only in the ongoing series against New Zealand, but from a long period of time. It is Chanderapaul most of the time who comes in handy for West Indies, whenever their face needs to be saved. And things were no different this time either. It was Chanderapaul's unbeaten 126 that helped West Indies put up a score of 300+ in the first innings at Napier. This especially afte the retirement of Brian Lara after the world cup in 2007.
Even in the last series against Australia, it was Chandrapaul who was awarded the man of the series, despite West Indies losing the series 2-0. This was for the scores of 118 & 11, 107* & 77*, 79* & 50 in the three tests that were played. The rest of the players' discussion is meaninglss here. In the earlier tests against Sri Lanka, Chandrapaul scored 86* to level the series. May be this time for a change, there were others like Ramnaresh Sarwan and co to support this man. 118 in the first innings at Port Elizabeth had earlier seen West Indies snatch a rare win against the Proteas, only to lose the series 2-1, where Chandrapaul scored 65* & 70* at Cape Town, and in the following game he was forced to keep himself away from the Durban test.
At last, I would like to cite the scores of the same in the tests against England in May-July 2008, 74 at Lords, 50* and 126* in the third test at Manchester (after being absent for the second test), followed by 136* & 70 in the fourth test at Chester Le Street, and despite all these mind blowing performances, West Indies lose the series to England 3-0. This is only some of the many instances where it has been only Chandrapaul and the others failing miserably. This I've seen in Inzy, who in between 2004 and 2007 used to be the architect of many Pakistani wins just like Chandrapaul for West Indies. I still remember the way West Indies were crushed by England 7-0 in two four match test series in 2004, and Chandrapaul being awarded the man of the series.
I hope that now one would wonder as to why West Indies never turn out to shine and end up losing so miserably against each and every opposition. And the result could be no different with only one out of the eleven playing to his capability. For, there are players like Sarwan and Gayle who can with the bat, and Edwards who can with the ball. And imagining the fate of West Indies cricket with Chandrapaul retiring?
And in the second test at Napier, things are pretty much clear, when West Indies tried to show what they are capeable of doing. Still, things are not satisfactory, as far as the West Indies are concerned. This because, it has been a one man show for the West Indies, not only in the ongoing series against New Zealand, but from a long period of time. It is Chanderapaul most of the time who comes in handy for West Indies, whenever their face needs to be saved. And things were no different this time either. It was Chanderapaul's unbeaten 126 that helped West Indies put up a score of 300+ in the first innings at Napier. This especially afte the retirement of Brian Lara after the world cup in 2007.
Even in the last series against Australia, it was Chandrapaul who was awarded the man of the series, despite West Indies losing the series 2-0. This was for the scores of 118 & 11, 107* & 77*, 79* & 50 in the three tests that were played. The rest of the players' discussion is meaninglss here. In the earlier tests against Sri Lanka, Chandrapaul scored 86* to level the series. May be this time for a change, there were others like Ramnaresh Sarwan and co to support this man. 118 in the first innings at Port Elizabeth had earlier seen West Indies snatch a rare win against the Proteas, only to lose the series 2-1, where Chandrapaul scored 65* & 70* at Cape Town, and in the following game he was forced to keep himself away from the Durban test.
At last, I would like to cite the scores of the same in the tests against England in May-July 2008, 74 at Lords, 50* and 126* in the third test at Manchester (after being absent for the second test), followed by 136* & 70 in the fourth test at Chester Le Street, and despite all these mind blowing performances, West Indies lose the series to England 3-0. This is only some of the many instances where it has been only Chandrapaul and the others failing miserably. This I've seen in Inzy, who in between 2004 and 2007 used to be the architect of many Pakistani wins just like Chandrapaul for West Indies. I still remember the way West Indies were crushed by England 7-0 in two four match test series in 2004, and Chandrapaul being awarded the man of the series.
I hope that now one would wonder as to why West Indies never turn out to shine and end up losing so miserably against each and every opposition. And the result could be no different with only one out of the eleven playing to his capability. For, there are players like Sarwan and Gayle who can with the bat, and Edwards who can with the ball. And imagining the fate of West Indies cricket with Chandrapaul retiring?
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.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
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.
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.
Sunday, June 22, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Brendon McCullum:A New Age Entertainer
After writing the coloumn titled "Back to the Pivilion",I had totally lost faith on England cricket team and had pledged not to watch or discuss about the same anymore.But,this man didn't allow me to do so.The New Zealand innings in the third one dayer against England was really a treat to watch.It was as though I was watching a T20 game on my television sets.
After England team got bundled out for a mere total of 130,it was as though another boring encounter would witnessed here.But,thanks to Brendon McCullum-who blasted a whirlwind 80 off just 47 deliveries that included 5 sixes and 8 fours.
That was the second time I saw a McCullum of that calibre.The last time was against Bangladesh when he scored 80 off just 28 balls(9X4,4X6)-finishing the match in just 6 overs chasing a total of 93.But,that match was not considered to be one of those-coz it came against Bangladesh.
But,the man showed his power against a decent team like England on tuesday.The other recent highlightes of Brendon McCullum being a 21 ball 52 against Canada in WC 2007,With big hitters in the side like Jacob Oram and Brendon McCullum,the New Zealand cricket should not be complaining at all. Great going New Zealand.Cheers!!!
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