Well with countdown beginning for the world cup starting 19th of this month, even my eyes are set on the same. And, this has made me go through the past 9 editions of the same starting from 1975 when I was still not born. Well, with that being a different issue, casting our eyes on the statistics would mean a lot with the ongoing excitement in the wait game in all our minds. Starting from the 1975, 1979 and 1983 world cups in England, the semi final match was the first between the two teams under consideration for West Indies never played Pakistan in 1975 before the semis.
Since 1992, the semi finals of the world cup has been a repeat of the match that was played earlier at one point of the tournament be it in the league stages or in the earlier rounds like the super sixes and the super eights. Starting from 1992, the semis was Pakistan v New Zealand and England v South Africa with the results being the same. Pakistan had beaten New Zealand earlier by 7 wickets at Christchurch and England had beaten South Africa by 3 wickets. In 1996, for a change only one result happened to be the same with Australia winning the semis against West Indies which was opposite of what happened in the league stages.
In 1999 world cup as well, the result of the two semi finals happened to be the same with Australia beating South Africa by 5 wickets in the super six stage and Pakistan beating New Zealand by 69 runs in the league stage before Australia beat RSA by 0 runs and Pakistan beat New Zealand by 9 wickets. In 2003 as well, the semifinals were India v Kenya and Australia v Sri Lanka, the results being the same as was in their earlier encounter. India had beaten Kenya by 7 wickets in the super sixes while Australia had beaten Sri Lanka by 96 runs.
In the 2007 edition as well, the semi finals of the tournament was a replica of what happened in the earlier encounters be it in the super eight stage or the round robin stage. Sri Lanka had beaten New Zealand earlier in the super eight stage by 6 wickets while Australia had beaten South Africa by 83 runs in the round robin stage of the tournament. Another interesting fact is that since 1999, one semi finals is the one played between the same two teams in super sixes with the other being played in the league stages barring 2003. For some more feats regarding world cups come back tomorrow to the site.
Showing posts with label South Africa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label South Africa. Show all posts
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Thursday, January 27, 2011
South Africa has to learn fro India experience
Well as I have written in most of my earlier posts related to India's recent tour of South Africa which South Africa win with a lot of ups and downs, South Africa have only managed to take home the series and emerge as official winners of the bilateral series. But, as most of them have out it, it was India who took home more benefits from the tour compared to South Africa if not the series. A series that South Africa should have won 5-0 was won by a 3-2 margin. Had this been a 3 match bilateral series, India would have won 2-1.
There should have been no reason for South Africa to have lost both the second as well as the third one dayer with the expectations being so low. Chasing down a mere total of 191 on the board should have been no big task and, with 8 wickets in hand that too obtained at crucial moments of the match, defending 220 in the 3rd One dayer was also not acceptable at any cost. Things are worse for the feat happened to be achieved by South Africa at home. So, one can imagine what might happen when South Africa tour for the world cup with India being one of the hosts.
This has been realized earlier by Dale Steyn prior to other members of the South African team. South Africa, as said above will be heading towards the sub continent shortly for the mega event and unluckily, they are grouped with none other than India, the team which tested its guts on home soil. But, once again, luck stays in favor of South Africa this time with Nagpur being set to host the India - South Africa match, the venue where South Africa claimed an innings win in the first test in early 2010. And adding to that, though South Africa have been unlucky in world cups, they are not as unlucky in the pool stages.
South Africa have managed 5/5 in the group stage of the 1996 world cup, 4/5 in the 1999 world cup. However, though RSA won just 1/2 in 2007, Australia was a better team than RSA. So was the case in 2003 where New Zealand and West Indies both beat RSA before they tied with Sri Lanka. And, in case South Africa lose to India, they have matches against England and West Indies, against which winning can be considered to be easy for South Africa. But, Dale Steyn has to be careful about his team's performance with Smith having decided to quit as captain after the world cup.
There should have been no reason for South Africa to have lost both the second as well as the third one dayer with the expectations being so low. Chasing down a mere total of 191 on the board should have been no big task and, with 8 wickets in hand that too obtained at crucial moments of the match, defending 220 in the 3rd One dayer was also not acceptable at any cost. Things are worse for the feat happened to be achieved by South Africa at home. So, one can imagine what might happen when South Africa tour for the world cup with India being one of the hosts.
This has been realized earlier by Dale Steyn prior to other members of the South African team. South Africa, as said above will be heading towards the sub continent shortly for the mega event and unluckily, they are grouped with none other than India, the team which tested its guts on home soil. But, once again, luck stays in favor of South Africa this time with Nagpur being set to host the India - South Africa match, the venue where South Africa claimed an innings win in the first test in early 2010. And adding to that, though South Africa have been unlucky in world cups, they are not as unlucky in the pool stages.
South Africa have managed 5/5 in the group stage of the 1996 world cup, 4/5 in the 1999 world cup. However, though RSA won just 1/2 in 2007, Australia was a better team than RSA. So was the case in 2003 where New Zealand and West Indies both beat RSA before they tied with Sri Lanka. And, in case South Africa lose to India, they have matches against England and West Indies, against which winning can be considered to be easy for South Africa. But, Dale Steyn has to be careful about his team's performance with Smith having decided to quit as captain after the world cup.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Unbelievable!
Well once again, you readers might go misled by the title which might make you think that the post is written regarding India's comeback in yesterday's match against South Africa after at one stage of the game reeling at 119 runs on the board losing 8 wickets leaving the tail enders a rather impossible job to accomplish. But, my post is regarding the man of the match award going in favor of Hashim Amla and the man of the series award favoring Morne Morkel, both of which were not justified. Of course, it was Amla who did a fab job for his team which emerged victorious.
My man of the match would have been none other than Yousuf Pathan who not only took the match from nowhere towards the target but was also speed in doing so. People might have come across batsmen who would have seen their team victorious after seeming to be impossible at one stage, losing quick wickets in important stages of the match and with limited overs to play. But, the pace at which they would have scored the winning runs would be nowhere close to what Yousuf Pathan was seen doing yesterday. Of course, Zaheer Khan gave him a good support from the other end.
I can recall the semi finals of the world cup in between Australia and West Indies in 1996 and against South Africa in 1999, both matches which Michael Beaven set right for his team. But, the rate at which Beaven scored his runs was very careful unlike a 68 ball hundred by Yousuf Pathan yesterday. Another match that I would like to cite here is the one between India and Australia at Hyderabad played in October 2009 where Sachin Tendulkar scored 175 runs while chasing a target of 350 and eventually falling short by 3 runs. In that match though India lost, Sachin Tendulkar was awarded the man of the match.
And coming to the man of the series award, Morne Morkel stood no chance with the likes of Hashim Amla, Yousuf Pathan being right there. Morkel was not even the highest wicket taker in the series but rather comes in the 2nd place with 12 scalps after Tsotsobe who had 13 of them against his name. Likewise, Hashim Amla topped the charts for the highest run getter in the series amassing 250 runs from the five games he played. Also, Duminy was a contender with 244 runs from 5 matches. But, Morkel stood nowhere for the award with Yousuf Pathan also well in the race.
My man of the match would have been none other than Yousuf Pathan who not only took the match from nowhere towards the target but was also speed in doing so. People might have come across batsmen who would have seen their team victorious after seeming to be impossible at one stage, losing quick wickets in important stages of the match and with limited overs to play. But, the pace at which they would have scored the winning runs would be nowhere close to what Yousuf Pathan was seen doing yesterday. Of course, Zaheer Khan gave him a good support from the other end.
I can recall the semi finals of the world cup in between Australia and West Indies in 1996 and against South Africa in 1999, both matches which Michael Beaven set right for his team. But, the rate at which Beaven scored his runs was very careful unlike a 68 ball hundred by Yousuf Pathan yesterday. Another match that I would like to cite here is the one between India and Australia at Hyderabad played in October 2009 where Sachin Tendulkar scored 175 runs while chasing a target of 350 and eventually falling short by 3 runs. In that match though India lost, Sachin Tendulkar was awarded the man of the match.
And coming to the man of the series award, Morne Morkel stood no chance with the likes of Hashim Amla, Yousuf Pathan being right there. Morkel was not even the highest wicket taker in the series but rather comes in the 2nd place with 12 scalps after Tsotsobe who had 13 of them against his name. Likewise, Hashim Amla topped the charts for the highest run getter in the series amassing 250 runs from the five games he played. Also, Duminy was a contender with 244 runs from 5 matches. But, Morkel stood nowhere for the award with Yousuf Pathan also well in the race.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Something similar between Lara & Sachin
It is not an undisputed fact that Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar are the finest of all batsmen of their era. The decade has seen batsmen like Inzamam Ul Haq who could pull his team out from the jaws of defeat in the semi finals of the 1992 world cup which Pakistan eventually won. Then there is Shahid Afridi, who claims that his favourite shot is "anywhere for six" and holds the record for the fastest hundred in ODIs and then there is Jayasuriya who holds the record for the maximum number of sixes in one day cricket. Otherwise also we have gr8 batsmen like Ponting, Gilchrist, Symonds etc who have been exceptional with the willow.
However, the world of cricket, if the last 15 years or so are considered, the only batsmen who have been enjoying a huge fan following are only two- Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. No one would dare to rate any other batsmen among these two greats and so would I. A Sachin fan can justify himself with most of the batting records in both formats of the game belonging to him. But, as far as Brian Lara is considered, if not for the unbeaten score of 400 against England, none of the records really belong to him in either formats of the game.
If Lara is given a little bit of concession, he held the world record for the highest number of runs in international test cricket until it was broke by none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Lara stands fifth when it comes to the number of 100s scored behind Sachin, Jayasuriya, Ponting & Ganguly. Lara's place when it comes to the highest run aggregate would be behind Dravid, Ganguly, Inzy, Jayasuriya and of course Sachin. But, there was one thing that struck my mind when Sachin scored an unbeaten 200 yesterday against South Africa.This was Sachin's 2nd score over 180 which is in par with two 350+ scores of Lara in tests.
It was somewhere in October 2003 that Australia's Mathew Hayden scored 380 runs against Zimbabwe to break the old record of 375 put up by Lara against England in 1994. Exactly six months later, Brian Lara notched up the first quadruple hundred in test cricket that broke Mathew Hayden's record and also was a new landmark in tests. Similarly, in ODIs, in August 2009, Charles Coventry scored an unbeaten 194 against Bangladesh which broke Saeed Anwar's record of the same score without the asterik symbol following it. And exactly after the same duration of 6 months, Sachin scores 200* which also put up a new landmark but in ODIs. Moreover, both Lara & Sachin use bats that are sponsored by MRF.
However, the world of cricket, if the last 15 years or so are considered, the only batsmen who have been enjoying a huge fan following are only two- Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara. No one would dare to rate any other batsmen among these two greats and so would I. A Sachin fan can justify himself with most of the batting records in both formats of the game belonging to him. But, as far as Brian Lara is considered, if not for the unbeaten score of 400 against England, none of the records really belong to him in either formats of the game.
If Lara is given a little bit of concession, he held the world record for the highest number of runs in international test cricket until it was broke by none other than Sachin Tendulkar. Lara stands fifth when it comes to the number of 100s scored behind Sachin, Jayasuriya, Ponting & Ganguly. Lara's place when it comes to the highest run aggregate would be behind Dravid, Ganguly, Inzy, Jayasuriya and of course Sachin. But, there was one thing that struck my mind when Sachin scored an unbeaten 200 yesterday against South Africa.This was Sachin's 2nd score over 180 which is in par with two 350+ scores of Lara in tests.
It was somewhere in October 2003 that Australia's Mathew Hayden scored 380 runs against Zimbabwe to break the old record of 375 put up by Lara against England in 1994. Exactly six months later, Brian Lara notched up the first quadruple hundred in test cricket that broke Mathew Hayden's record and also was a new landmark in tests. Similarly, in ODIs, in August 2009, Charles Coventry scored an unbeaten 194 against Bangladesh which broke Saeed Anwar's record of the same score without the asterik symbol following it. And exactly after the same duration of 6 months, Sachin scores 200* which also put up a new landmark but in ODIs. Moreover, both Lara & Sachin use bats that are sponsored by MRF.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Bangladesh a busy outfit
Well Bangladesh may not have been successful in drawing crowds to the stadium. Nor they might have been able to make betters have their say atleast as of now. Last but not the least, Bangladesh are one such team to have made life easy for teams who reserve all their experimentation to the matches against Bangladesh. One has to really pity the Bangladesh for this. None of the Bangladeshi players have been chosen for the third edition of the Indian Premier League atleast as far as my knowledge goes. I've heard somewhere that Bangladeshi players were in for an IPL bid and have not been able to keep a focus on that.
However, Bangladesh are one such team to have had a busy schedule in the early parts of 2010 whatsoever. It has not even been a week since the second test between India and Bangladesh got over with India as usual beating the hosts 2-0 in the two match test series. Now, they are scheduled to play their first and only T20 match on their tour to New Zealand. This would be followed by their 3 one day internationals starting on February 5th at Napier. Following that would be the only test match against the same at Hamilton on 15th of this month.
This would be for the month of February. After their tour of New Zealand, they'd be facing England for two test match series that would be followed by 3 one day matches and of course a T20 game to wind up their tour. However, if the ICC tour's table is given a close look at, Bangladesh will be the only team to have completed three of their full fledged tours in the first three months of the year. Of course, there has been Australia who would have played games against Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand. But, none of them can be considered as full fledged tours.
The tour of Pakistan to Australia started in December last year, which will get over on Friday after the only T20 game gets under way. Then, West Indies' tour to Australia started in December, where West Indies played three tests. And, there is India who'll be playing South Africa who'll be in India for 2 test matches followed by three one dayers, before the IPL starts. But, that is not the case with Bangladesh. When most of the teams would be playing for the cash rich IPL, we can see Bangladesh cooling their heels on their international commitments. Anyway, the move can be justified, for, hardly the presence of Bangladeshi players would make any difference to IPL.
However, Bangladesh are one such team to have had a busy schedule in the early parts of 2010 whatsoever. It has not even been a week since the second test between India and Bangladesh got over with India as usual beating the hosts 2-0 in the two match test series. Now, they are scheduled to play their first and only T20 match on their tour to New Zealand. This would be followed by their 3 one day internationals starting on February 5th at Napier. Following that would be the only test match against the same at Hamilton on 15th of this month.
This would be for the month of February. After their tour of New Zealand, they'd be facing England for two test match series that would be followed by 3 one day matches and of course a T20 game to wind up their tour. However, if the ICC tour's table is given a close look at, Bangladesh will be the only team to have completed three of their full fledged tours in the first three months of the year. Of course, there has been Australia who would have played games against Pakistan, West Indies and New Zealand. But, none of them can be considered as full fledged tours.
The tour of Pakistan to Australia started in December last year, which will get over on Friday after the only T20 game gets under way. Then, West Indies' tour to Australia started in December, where West Indies played three tests. And, there is India who'll be playing South Africa who'll be in India for 2 test matches followed by three one dayers, before the IPL starts. But, that is not the case with Bangladesh. When most of the teams would be playing for the cash rich IPL, we can see Bangladesh cooling their heels on their international commitments. Anyway, the move can be justified, for, hardly the presence of Bangladeshi players would make any difference to IPL.
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, April 19, 2009
Last Laugh For The Moment
At last, Australia managed to have the last laugh in the one day series against South Africa not only owing to the fact that Australia convincingly beat the hosts, but also they could make it to their second home ie the number 2 spot in the latest ICC one day rankings, overtaking India who were until then were enjoying the benefits of Australia's loss and their win against and in New Zealand. For a change, South Africa played an Austalia at Johonnesburg by getting into a great start but later on succumbing to the pressure created by the Aussie bowlers. This was something that the Australian players were found doing in the last three matches. But, this time it was the opposite i.e Australia.
As usual, this time also the team batting first not only held the upper hand but also emerged victorious. This is the fate of international cricket which is never bound to change whatsoever atleast for the time being. The slog over advantage that the team batting first would be having in the last ten overs always plays a spoilsport for the team batting second. The team batting second would not be enjoying this privilege. And this match was no different whatsoever. And neither did it really seem so if the atmosphere at Johannesburg is taken into consideration on that particular day.
It was fantastic to see A B DeVilliars- the man of the series stand stiff against the Aussie bowlers despite the fall of Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel at the other end. After A B DeVilliars' score of 38, no other South Afican player ever crossed the double digit mark until Morne Morkel broke the jinx by scoring a consolation 15 runs with the help of two hits to the fence. But that couldn't stop Australia from winning the game and with it the second spot in the ICC one day rankings. And South Africa had nothing absolutely to lose if not for that match in particular. For, they were the number 1 team at present and also had clinched the series after they beat Australia in the fourth one day match by 61 runs.
But, was that loss due to some or a more of negligience on the part of the South African players for, as said earlier, they were topping the world rankings in one dayers and also they had won the series convincingly. But, that doesesn't seem so if their earlier series against Australia is taken into consideration. Despite winning the series in the fourth one day match, South Africa went on to win the fifth one as well and that too with hosts being Australia. Whatever, the joy of South Africa winning the title would be limited only to a day, for players like Kallis and many others would be back to their duty to play in the IPL the very next day itself.
Note: Cricketahead would be starting a new blog that would be solely dedicated to the second edition of the Indian premier League under the heading IPLT20League. I wish all of you readers visit the bolg and comment on every post whatsoever and take that blog further as this particular blog. Thank you.
As usual, this time also the team batting first not only held the upper hand but also emerged victorious. This is the fate of international cricket which is never bound to change whatsoever atleast for the time being. The slog over advantage that the team batting first would be having in the last ten overs always plays a spoilsport for the team batting second. The team batting second would not be enjoying this privilege. And this match was no different whatsoever. And neither did it really seem so if the atmosphere at Johannesburg is taken into consideration on that particular day.
It was fantastic to see A B DeVilliars- the man of the series stand stiff against the Aussie bowlers despite the fall of Mark Boucher and Albie Morkel at the other end. After A B DeVilliars' score of 38, no other South Afican player ever crossed the double digit mark until Morne Morkel broke the jinx by scoring a consolation 15 runs with the help of two hits to the fence. But that couldn't stop Australia from winning the game and with it the second spot in the ICC one day rankings. And South Africa had nothing absolutely to lose if not for that match in particular. For, they were the number 1 team at present and also had clinched the series after they beat Australia in the fourth one day match by 61 runs.
But, was that loss due to some or a more of negligience on the part of the South African players for, as said earlier, they were topping the world rankings in one dayers and also they had won the series convincingly. But, that doesesn't seem so if their earlier series against Australia is taken into consideration. Despite winning the series in the fourth one day match, South Africa went on to win the fifth one as well and that too with hosts being Australia. Whatever, the joy of South Africa winning the title would be limited only to a day, for players like Kallis and many others would be back to their duty to play in the IPL the very next day itself.
Note: Cricketahead would be starting a new blog that would be solely dedicated to the second edition of the Indian premier League under the heading IPLT20League. I wish all of you readers visit the bolg and comment on every post whatsoever and take that blog further as this particular blog. Thank you.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Hattrick For South Africa
Finally the series has been yet again been captured by South Africa this time as well. This might have been expected by most but of course not by me. I had expected the ongoing one day series to be a reverse of the earlier series between the same two countries where Australia hosted South Africa. But, not anymore after the fourth one day match which unexpectedly the Proteas made it theirs. And much to my excitement, the Proteas deserved it. As it has been the mantra of the South Africans off late, slow and steady approach did the trick for the Proteas here at Port Elizabeth as well.
This time the performance of the South African players was even more better as compared to the third one day international. This time the South African hardly lost wickets. It was at the end of the 40th over that the fourth wicket fell for South Africa. This shows the dignity that the South African players maintained throughout the series after losing the test series 2-1. It was spectacular for South Africa to have won the T20 matches as well against despite their poor track record in this particular format. By doing this, the South Africans have yet again proved to be the toughest team in world cricket today.
The last time when the two teams met each other, and wherein South Africa beat Australia 4-1 in Australia, the Aussies, who were the number1 team until then had to slip to the second position. Now, with the loss to the same opponent yet again, Australia have dropped further in the latest one day rankings to the third position. Thanks to the series domination by Mahendra Singh Dhoni led team India that thrashed New Zealand 3-1 on their tour to the same. The only satisfaction for the Australian team at the moment is that they still continue to dominate in the test rankings, after South Africa lost 1-2 & missed the opportunity to make it theirs.
Another fact regarding South Africa's series win in the one day series is that the Proteas have won a one day international series against Australia for the third time in succession. If our memories are well enough, South Africa had beaten Australia 3-2 when Australia toured South Africa in march 2006, which witnessed the greatest one day international match in the history of the game. After that comes the 4-1 series win for South Africa during their tour of Australia. And now, South Africa have taken an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series, thus making it a hattrick one day wins against Australia. Such a feat in the recent past has not taken place according to the best of my knowledge.
This time the performance of the South African players was even more better as compared to the third one day international. This time the South African hardly lost wickets. It was at the end of the 40th over that the fourth wicket fell for South Africa. This shows the dignity that the South African players maintained throughout the series after losing the test series 2-1. It was spectacular for South Africa to have won the T20 matches as well against despite their poor track record in this particular format. By doing this, the South Africans have yet again proved to be the toughest team in world cricket today.
The last time when the two teams met each other, and wherein South Africa beat Australia 4-1 in Australia, the Aussies, who were the number1 team until then had to slip to the second position. Now, with the loss to the same opponent yet again, Australia have dropped further in the latest one day rankings to the third position. Thanks to the series domination by Mahendra Singh Dhoni led team India that thrashed New Zealand 3-1 on their tour to the same. The only satisfaction for the Australian team at the moment is that they still continue to dominate in the test rankings, after South Africa lost 1-2 & missed the opportunity to make it theirs.
Another fact regarding South Africa's series win in the one day series is that the Proteas have won a one day international series against Australia for the third time in succession. If our memories are well enough, South Africa had beaten Australia 3-2 when Australia toured South Africa in march 2006, which witnessed the greatest one day international match in the history of the game. After that comes the 4-1 series win for South Africa during their tour of Australia. And now, South Africa have taken an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the series, thus making it a hattrick one day wins against Australia. Such a feat in the recent past has not taken place according to the best of my knowledge.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
A Slow & Steady South Africa
Well the third one day match between Australia and South Africa at Cape Town was just another example as to how a one day match is supposed to be played and not only that, but also how to win the same. Very rarely does one come across such cricket matches and more so in today's cricketing world. Either the matches are close encounters, with the team putting up a mammoth total and the other team giving up the chase in the beginning itself or, a team is on the rise since the first ball of the match, scrapping any guess work by the spectators who are watching the game.
It was a super cool play from the blades of Jacques Kallis and A B De Villiars who set up the tone for South Africa, by playing a rock solid innings for their team by ensuring that the team never lost wickets at regular intervals, like they were found doing in the first encounter, where the Proteas lost as many as 7 wickets between a score of 93 to 145. South Africa were found to crumble from 93/2 to a partly score of 145 all out in the first game, while chasing a stiff target of 287. But, this was not the way they played the third one day match.
It was the 114 run partnership between Jacques Kallis and AB De Villiars which set up the victory for the Proteas, and even though wickets fell for a partnership of just 30 or 40 that hardly made any difference for the South African team, for they were well set with a decent total in hand at the end of the day's play. Even Australia did the same, that is by putting up a decent partnership of 97 runs for the 6th wicket between Feguson and James Hopes. But, that came at an in appropriate time when it was a do or die position for Australia. Australia at one stage were found at 114/5.
When it came to the bowling of the Australian team, it was only Mitchell Johnson and none other.Had it not been for Johnson, one can imagine the plight of the Australian team. Probably, the South African total would have even crossed 300 I guess, had it not been for Mitchell Johnson. Anyway, ifs and buts would give a different result always. Now, I think South Africa indeed deserve to be the number one team in the world. Previously, it was that the Australian team has gone down in standards and not South Africa dominating. But, time and again, South Africans have proved this yet again after their victory in the 3rd one day.
It was a super cool play from the blades of Jacques Kallis and A B De Villiars who set up the tone for South Africa, by playing a rock solid innings for their team by ensuring that the team never lost wickets at regular intervals, like they were found doing in the first encounter, where the Proteas lost as many as 7 wickets between a score of 93 to 145. South Africa were found to crumble from 93/2 to a partly score of 145 all out in the first game, while chasing a stiff target of 287. But, this was not the way they played the third one day match.
It was the 114 run partnership between Jacques Kallis and AB De Villiars which set up the victory for the Proteas, and even though wickets fell for a partnership of just 30 or 40 that hardly made any difference for the South African team, for they were well set with a decent total in hand at the end of the day's play. Even Australia did the same, that is by putting up a decent partnership of 97 runs for the 6th wicket between Feguson and James Hopes. But, that came at an in appropriate time when it was a do or die position for Australia. Australia at one stage were found at 114/5.
When it came to the bowling of the Australian team, it was only Mitchell Johnson and none other.Had it not been for Johnson, one can imagine the plight of the Australian team. Probably, the South African total would have even crossed 300 I guess, had it not been for Mitchell Johnson. Anyway, ifs and buts would give a different result always. Now, I think South Africa indeed deserve to be the number one team in the world. Previously, it was that the Australian team has gone down in standards and not South Africa dominating. But, time and again, South Africans have proved this yet again after their victory in the 3rd one day.
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.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Would This Be Indeed Return Series For The Proteas?
Well the ongoing one day series between Australia and South Africa is termed to be a return series between the two countries. Meaning, this series is the return of the Australian side to South Africa after the Proteas had their tour of Australia late last year. But, there is something more that this series can offer, which would justify the term "return series" that the series is referred to as right now by cricketing experts. The series has so far done exactly the opposite of what happened in the previous encounters between these two countries late last year. That is really fantastic.
If our memories are well intact, lets recall as to what happened in the last encounter between Australia and South Africa when the Proteas had their tour to Australia. First comes the test series where South Africa defeated Australia in the first two of the three test match series to take an unbeatable lead in that series, with Australia clinching the third one to take home a consolation victory if not a series win. The same thing happened to South Africa this time when Australia are on their tour to South Africa. Australia won the first two tests and the remaining inconsequential test being capped by the Proteas.
Then comes the T20 series which similar to the T20 series between Australia and South Africa on their tour to Australia had two T20 games. Both the T20 matches were won by South Africa, which was exactly opposite to what happened earlier. In the previous tour, Australia had won both the scheduled T20 matches against South Africa and now it is the turn of South Africa. Now the one day series is going on, with two of the five matches of the series already over. And as expected by me, both the one day matches that have got over have ended in the same manner. The series is now levelled 1-1 between the two countries.
This after South Africa handed a crushing defeat to Australia, by bowling them out for 131, from a stage where Australia were once at 19/5. The way the game was played might say whatever. But, the result is exactly opposite to the earlier one day series between the two countries. Even in the last series, Australia had won the second one day international after South Africa had pocketed the first one day match at Melbourne. May be the second encounter in that series was a close encounter wherein South Africa came too close to winning the match, which this time around it was a clean sweep for South Africa, wherein Australia were nowhere in the game.
So, if Australia can win the remaining three one day matches, this would be the best climax and can surely be called as the return series between Australia and South Africa.
If our memories are well intact, lets recall as to what happened in the last encounter between Australia and South Africa when the Proteas had their tour to Australia. First comes the test series where South Africa defeated Australia in the first two of the three test match series to take an unbeatable lead in that series, with Australia clinching the third one to take home a consolation victory if not a series win. The same thing happened to South Africa this time when Australia are on their tour to South Africa. Australia won the first two tests and the remaining inconsequential test being capped by the Proteas.
Then comes the T20 series which similar to the T20 series between Australia and South Africa on their tour to Australia had two T20 games. Both the T20 matches were won by South Africa, which was exactly opposite to what happened earlier. In the previous tour, Australia had won both the scheduled T20 matches against South Africa and now it is the turn of South Africa. Now the one day series is going on, with two of the five matches of the series already over. And as expected by me, both the one day matches that have got over have ended in the same manner. The series is now levelled 1-1 between the two countries.
This after South Africa handed a crushing defeat to Australia, by bowling them out for 131, from a stage where Australia were once at 19/5. The way the game was played might say whatever. But, the result is exactly opposite to the earlier one day series between the two countries. Even in the last series, Australia had won the second one day international after South Africa had pocketed the first one day match at Melbourne. May be the second encounter in that series was a close encounter wherein South Africa came too close to winning the match, which this time around it was a clean sweep for South Africa, wherein Australia were nowhere in the game.
So, if Australia can win the remaining three one day matches, this would be the best climax and can surely be called as the return series between Australia and South Africa.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Proteas Miss Out Yet Again
It was frustrating to see the to be number one team in world fails to chase a mean total of 250, when it can boast of having been the record holder of the highest run chase. Now, one can draw the conclusion that South Africa can come out with surprises only when the stars favour them. They can upset a great nation only when the latter has reduced itself in its standards yet again. If not, how come the team fails to tackle the Australian bowling which did not consist experienced lads like Brett Lee, Shaun Tait and Shane Watson? This can very tell us the tale of a South African team which can make hay only when the sun shines. Not otherwise.
Even though they won the first encounter against Australia at Hobart, the South Africa were really gasping for breath in an attempt to chase 271. On the other hand, a total of 271 from a team that were under pressure to perform and for a team that never had or hardly had any frontline batsmen to face the myth of Dale Steyn and Morkel, with the presence of an all rounder in Jaques Kallis was something unexpected from the South Africa. And a close look at the way the Proteas chased down the target would give us a clear picture of where the Proteas stand as far as the number one team is considered. The South African team had to wait for the number 8 batsman in Albie Morkel to end victorious.
This was not all. A newcomer in Shaun Marsh comes out with a brilliant knock of 79 off 103 balls, where he is sent in to face the new ball. Despite a good start, South Africa ends up on the losing side. Is this the professional cricket what South Africa is supposed to play? The South African innings saw a 135 run second wicket partnership between Gibbs and Kallis. Out of this 135 run partnership, Kallis has his own score of 72 and Herscelle Gibbs facing just 37 balls. South Africa just couldn't convert the"close to the target" situation to a victory. This is the problem that the to be number one team is found to face.
South Africa had wickets in hand and so did they have the habit to choke, which they have been doing since they entered ino the international arena. This time also the South Africa were too generous in giving lives to the top rungetters in the match namely Ricky Ponting and Shaun Marsh. The funda of taking the third powerplay by the South Africans in the 45th over was just not acceptable. Just because things went alright for South Africa in the first one dayer at Hobart (where the South Africans took the third power play in the 45th over) how could one think that it would be the same at Melbourne too? Such stupid decisions can ensure a team to be on the top, probably, Bangladesh would have made it to the number one spot whetever.
Even though they won the first encounter against Australia at Hobart, the South Africa were really gasping for breath in an attempt to chase 271. On the other hand, a total of 271 from a team that were under pressure to perform and for a team that never had or hardly had any frontline batsmen to face the myth of Dale Steyn and Morkel, with the presence of an all rounder in Jaques Kallis was something unexpected from the South Africa. And a close look at the way the Proteas chased down the target would give us a clear picture of where the Proteas stand as far as the number one team is considered. The South African team had to wait for the number 8 batsman in Albie Morkel to end victorious.
This was not all. A newcomer in Shaun Marsh comes out with a brilliant knock of 79 off 103 balls, where he is sent in to face the new ball. Despite a good start, South Africa ends up on the losing side. Is this the professional cricket what South Africa is supposed to play? The South African innings saw a 135 run second wicket partnership between Gibbs and Kallis. Out of this 135 run partnership, Kallis has his own score of 72 and Herscelle Gibbs facing just 37 balls. South Africa just couldn't convert the"close to the target" situation to a victory. This is the problem that the to be number one team is found to face.
South Africa had wickets in hand and so did they have the habit to choke, which they have been doing since they entered ino the international arena. This time also the South Africa were too generous in giving lives to the top rungetters in the match namely Ricky Ponting and Shaun Marsh. The funda of taking the third powerplay by the South Africans in the 45th over was just not acceptable. Just because things went alright for South Africa in the first one dayer at Hobart (where the South Africans took the third power play in the 45th over) how could one think that it would be the same at Melbourne too? Such stupid decisions can ensure a team to be on the top, probably, Bangladesh would have made it to the number one spot whetever.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Australia & South Africa Exchange Gifts At Melbourne
Well if one can give a detailed look at the first one day match between Australia and South Africa, it would be just an exchange of gifts between each other at Melbourne. The match can just be called as the opposite of a tug of war, where at both ends, immense efforts are made to end up as the winner. Whereas here, both the teams do equal mistakes, and finally at the end of the game, as per the rule, there has to be one winner, which in this case turns out to be South Africa. Neither was Australia weak and South Africa strong and not even otherwise for that matter.
Both Australia and South Africa were equally benefited by the mistakes that were performed by their opponents. Starting with Australia, they had entered into the competition with an inexperienced squad, with only the skipper Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke being exceptions. For, they were the only two players who had played well over 100 one day matches in the Australian squad. With such a squad, this Australian team could manage a decent score of 271 at the end of the game. OK..Mike Hussey could be well exempted from this lot, given his temperament with the bat. The rest of them were just there to fill the vacancies.
Imagine how? Not because the Australian team inspite of young players in the squad were hard working or something. This was solely possible because on an average, each Australian was given a life by the South African bowlers that the Australian batsmen made much use of. First of this comes the way Ricky Ponting and David Hussey's run outs were missed by debutant Vaughn van Jaarsveld. Another mis match is the one where the same Vaughn van Jaarsveld dropped two chances off one delivery, wherein he dropped a catch of Ricky Ponting and then misses out on a run out the same delivery.
Other chances for the Australians include Marsh's run out. Then in the South African side, it was nice to see the fall of wickets in their innings, when the score board that at one time read 213/3 at the end of 41st over was found to read 219/6 at the end of 23rd over. A match that South Africa should have won even more convincingly had been won with much hiccups. The South Africans are themselves to blame for this debacle whatsoever. Finally, neither could South Africa make hay out of an inexperienced Australian squad nor could Australia prove to be problems of any sort to the Proteas after a series of missed run outs and drop catches.
Both Australia and South Africa were equally benefited by the mistakes that were performed by their opponents. Starting with Australia, they had entered into the competition with an inexperienced squad, with only the skipper Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke being exceptions. For, they were the only two players who had played well over 100 one day matches in the Australian squad. With such a squad, this Australian team could manage a decent score of 271 at the end of the game. OK..Mike Hussey could be well exempted from this lot, given his temperament with the bat. The rest of them were just there to fill the vacancies.
Imagine how? Not because the Australian team inspite of young players in the squad were hard working or something. This was solely possible because on an average, each Australian was given a life by the South African bowlers that the Australian batsmen made much use of. First of this comes the way Ricky Ponting and David Hussey's run outs were missed by debutant Vaughn van Jaarsveld. Another mis match is the one where the same Vaughn van Jaarsveld dropped two chances off one delivery, wherein he dropped a catch of Ricky Ponting and then misses out on a run out the same delivery.
Other chances for the Australians include Marsh's run out. Then in the South African side, it was nice to see the fall of wickets in their innings, when the score board that at one time read 213/3 at the end of 41st over was found to read 219/6 at the end of 23rd over. A match that South Africa should have won even more convincingly had been won with much hiccups. The South Africans are themselves to blame for this debacle whatsoever. Finally, neither could South Africa make hay out of an inexperienced Australian squad nor could Australia prove to be problems of any sort to the Proteas after a series of missed run outs and drop catches.
Monday, January 12, 2009
India, South Africa & England!
Well the post title might not give you a clear idea as to what does one mean by the title. But, people, please have some patience, for more thrill is yet to come. Hmm..keeping all those guess works apart, the three teams that have been named in the post title are the ones that have defeated the Australian team when it was topping ICC test ratings. This has been from the day India beat Australia in the Border Gavaskar trophy 2008 and it went deeper in my minds when even South Africa beat them (Aussies) in their own backyard. And one more team that beat Australia off late is England way back in 2005, in the Ashes that yer by a margin 2-1. It is only these three teams who have enjoyed the distinction of having beaten Australia between 2003 till date.
My doubt is which one holds a better place in the minds of the cricket fans? For, none of these victories are mean achievements. First, let us take the Ashes victory of England against.....no need to mention. Positives being that England beat the Australian team that was in full swing in 2005. At that time England had even whitewashed other teams like New Zealand(3-0), West Indies (4-0 & 3-0), Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. So, that is enough to show that even England was in full swing as was Australia. And another aspect being that, the then Australian team had Shane Warne in his glorious form. However, Glenn McGrath was fortunately absent for both the matches that England won. And England won both the matches by a whisker. The second match by 2 runs, and the fourth one by 3 wickets (with the target being just 130). And as a matter of fact, Australia won the first match by 239 runs. However, the third and the fifth tests were dominated by England, when they had a first innings lead in both the games.
Next on the list comes team India, who have defeated Australia more than anyone else (between 2003-till date). India have beaten Australia five times as compared to two each by England and South Africa. In 2003, India displayed a team effort, with all the batsmen in Sehwag,Laxman, Sachin,Ganguly and Dravid were equally excellent, and with the spin combo of Anil & Harbhajan to support them. India, in that series, had also almost pulled off a win at Sydney too. However, things were cool for India, for Glenn McGrath never featured in that series. Shane Warne however was of little worry for the Indian batsmen. Then, when India won the fourth test at Nagpur, India had already lost the series in 2004 (when Oz visited India in Oct 2004), and the margin of victory was very small (13 runs). Though India had an upper hand in the second test at Chennai, which was drawn owing to rains on the fifth day, when India needed 239 runs to win with 10 wickets in hand. One thing that is to be thought about is "Would have Australia lost the fourth test, had it lost the second one at Chennai?"The factor is still not clear.
The third one, ie the Perth test victory was somewhat better, for it was in Australia and India were under pressure after the Sydney test episode. Still, that was the beginning of the end of Aussie dominance. Then, in the recent B-G trophy, in addition to Australia's decline and the absence of Glenn McGrath & Shane Warne, India were playing Oz at home, which is an added advantage. With these factors, India should have won the series 4-0. Anyway, good that India never lost a test match. Then comes the third team South Africa, who have beaten the Aussies at their own backyard. But still, this was also against a declining Australian team, with the aforementioned match winners absent, and the remaining batsmen out of form. It is confusing to say. Is it Australia who lost or, was it South Africa who won? For, when Australia were in their winning days, all that South Africa could afford to was to grab a draw in the first test in Nov 2005. Then, SA lost 5 out of 6 tests to Oz. And, now, when things have cooled down, SA are making every opportunity count, to make history.
At the end, keeping the advantages and drawbacks that the teams had,according to me, it is not able to differentiate which team's victory against Australia was the best. Can U???
My doubt is which one holds a better place in the minds of the cricket fans? For, none of these victories are mean achievements. First, let us take the Ashes victory of England against.....no need to mention. Positives being that England beat the Australian team that was in full swing in 2005. At that time England had even whitewashed other teams like New Zealand(3-0), West Indies (4-0 & 3-0), Bangladesh and Zimbabwe. So, that is enough to show that even England was in full swing as was Australia. And another aspect being that, the then Australian team had Shane Warne in his glorious form. However, Glenn McGrath was fortunately absent for both the matches that England won. And England won both the matches by a whisker. The second match by 2 runs, and the fourth one by 3 wickets (with the target being just 130). And as a matter of fact, Australia won the first match by 239 runs. However, the third and the fifth tests were dominated by England, when they had a first innings lead in both the games.
Next on the list comes team India, who have defeated Australia more than anyone else (between 2003-till date). India have beaten Australia five times as compared to two each by England and South Africa. In 2003, India displayed a team effort, with all the batsmen in Sehwag,Laxman, Sachin,Ganguly and Dravid were equally excellent, and with the spin combo of Anil & Harbhajan to support them. India, in that series, had also almost pulled off a win at Sydney too. However, things were cool for India, for Glenn McGrath never featured in that series. Shane Warne however was of little worry for the Indian batsmen. Then, when India won the fourth test at Nagpur, India had already lost the series in 2004 (when Oz visited India in Oct 2004), and the margin of victory was very small (13 runs). Though India had an upper hand in the second test at Chennai, which was drawn owing to rains on the fifth day, when India needed 239 runs to win with 10 wickets in hand. One thing that is to be thought about is "Would have Australia lost the fourth test, had it lost the second one at Chennai?"The factor is still not clear.
The third one, ie the Perth test victory was somewhat better, for it was in Australia and India were under pressure after the Sydney test episode. Still, that was the beginning of the end of Aussie dominance. Then, in the recent B-G trophy, in addition to Australia's decline and the absence of Glenn McGrath & Shane Warne, India were playing Oz at home, which is an added advantage. With these factors, India should have won the series 4-0. Anyway, good that India never lost a test match. Then comes the third team South Africa, who have beaten the Aussies at their own backyard. But still, this was also against a declining Australian team, with the aforementioned match winners absent, and the remaining batsmen out of form. It is confusing to say. Is it Australia who lost or, was it South Africa who won? For, when Australia were in their winning days, all that South Africa could afford to was to grab a draw in the first test in Nov 2005. Then, SA lost 5 out of 6 tests to Oz. And, now, when things have cooled down, SA are making every opportunity count, to make history.
At the end, keeping the advantages and drawbacks that the teams had,according to me, it is not able to differentiate which team's victory against Australia was the best. Can U???
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Something Is Lost For South Africa
Well it was really frustrating when the news that South Africa has lost the third test to Australia broke out in the afternoon. This shattered the dreams of not only most of the South African players, but also all the Aussie haters and Protea fans over the world. It is inevitable but to accept that Australia still head the ICC test rankings and are even now the most powerful cricketing nation in the world. A chance to overthrow the Aussies from the throne was eventually lost by South Africa. Such opportunities do not arise every now and then. How, stupid were the South Africans to let that go off their hands!
A little bit of game planning would have seen South Africa achieve the most expected one. But, what could be said of a team that makes a mess and gets itself into self destructive mode? Forget about a win at Sydney, even a draw would have had some smiles on the faces of the fans. But, no. South Africa looked as though they never ever wanted to come out of that festive mood, that was achieved when they had won the second test. Why should one ever think of winning the third, when it hardly makes any difference regarding the series? This was the way Smith might have thought before entering the third test.
A similar thing was witnessed in the round robin stage of the world cup 2007, when South Africa faced the same Australia at St Kitts where Australia, batting first made a stiff 377. South Africa, afresh from their memories of having chased down 434 successfully were expected to do the same here as well. And it looked as though another Johannesburg was in store that day. But no. It all started with the run out of AB De Villiars. South Africa, who had until then had put up 160 runs on board at the end of the 21st over were eventually all out for 294. Thus rendering all dreams shattered. And the third test was no different.
And look as who the match winner for Australia was! A three match old player, who made his debut in Mohali against India in the Border-Gavaskar trophy in October last year. And how could South Africa manage to give the charge to the tail enders like Mitchell Johnson and Hauritz, who scored a handy 64 and 41 respectively? At the end of the day, South Afric amissed out on a golden opportunity to whitewash a team that had last time whitewashed them some three years ago. With this at stake for us at the moment, the only thing left for us would be to watch out for another exciting encounter between these two gaints of cricket, when Australia will be touring South Africa two months from now.
A little bit of game planning would have seen South Africa achieve the most expected one. But, what could be said of a team that makes a mess and gets itself into self destructive mode? Forget about a win at Sydney, even a draw would have had some smiles on the faces of the fans. But, no. South Africa looked as though they never ever wanted to come out of that festive mood, that was achieved when they had won the second test. Why should one ever think of winning the third, when it hardly makes any difference regarding the series? This was the way Smith might have thought before entering the third test.
A similar thing was witnessed in the round robin stage of the world cup 2007, when South Africa faced the same Australia at St Kitts where Australia, batting first made a stiff 377. South Africa, afresh from their memories of having chased down 434 successfully were expected to do the same here as well. And it looked as though another Johannesburg was in store that day. But no. It all started with the run out of AB De Villiars. South Africa, who had until then had put up 160 runs on board at the end of the 21st over were eventually all out for 294. Thus rendering all dreams shattered. And the third test was no different.
And look as who the match winner for Australia was! A three match old player, who made his debut in Mohali against India in the Border-Gavaskar trophy in October last year. And how could South Africa manage to give the charge to the tail enders like Mitchell Johnson and Hauritz, who scored a handy 64 and 41 respectively? At the end of the day, South Afric amissed out on a golden opportunity to whitewash a team that had last time whitewashed them some three years ago. With this at stake for us at the moment, the only thing left for us would be to watch out for another exciting encounter between these two gaints of cricket, when Australia will be touring South Africa two months from now.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Rivalling The Ashes?
Well, this was the match that was thought to be worth the wait for all the cricket crazy fans over the world. For, these two have been the teams that are rated high in the minds of the cricket fans. Courtesy- the world record chase of 434 by South Africa against Australia which happened to be one rare case where Australia lost the ODI series 2-3. This I think need not be cited specially whatsoever. And, how can one ever afford to forget such a great match. From then onwards, the encounters between Australia and South Africa have been on the top of the list for all the cricket fans. Oh yes, it includes me too. Well, all that is past. However, even in the present period, things are no different either.
It is deeply rooted in the minds of the cricket fans that, if at all there is a team that could beat Australia it is South Africa. And, as all of us are aware of, South Africa did exactly that in the first two tests against Australia. Not even India or England for that matter come in for such praise. With the two tests being dominated by South Africa, the third test would have really sparked off some or much curiosity among the fans out there. A win in this test would throw Australia from their number one position in test cricket, which they (Australia) have been enjoying since the past eight years or more. With the first two days of play in hand, it is really a tough job to judge the winner right away.
Neither has Australia shown some reluctance in putting a better performance, nor the Proteas are in any mood to sacrifice the third test to Australia for having won the series already. Pressure is found to be on both the sides. If not for the series, for the top spot in world cricket. A big blow in the form of an injury to Greame Smith has found to loosen the hopes of a South African win. However, the way the tail put up a 184 run partnership in the first innings of the second test shouldn't be forgotten. By putting up a decent total of 445 on board, Australia have indicated their come back into the game once again. The proteas have still 8 wickets in hand and a lot to prove. Of course, all of us would be expecting the same ie a South African win.
In the past five years (since 2003), the Australian team has lost its place temperorily on two occasions. And both of them saw South Africa head the list for the strongest one day squad. Way back in early 2007, where South Africa had beaten world cup chokers India and Pakistan in the five match series played by a margin 5-0 and 4-1 respectively. On the other hand, for a change, Australia had lost the two out of the three finals to England in the Commonwealth Bank series 2007, followed by a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand. And in the second instance, where Australia once again lost to India in 2008, with the proteas registering wins against Bangladesh and West Indies late 2007. However, a similar fate in test cricket is yet to target the Aussies. Now, it time for that. So, can South Africa do it this time?
It is deeply rooted in the minds of the cricket fans that, if at all there is a team that could beat Australia it is South Africa. And, as all of us are aware of, South Africa did exactly that in the first two tests against Australia. Not even India or England for that matter come in for such praise. With the two tests being dominated by South Africa, the third test would have really sparked off some or much curiosity among the fans out there. A win in this test would throw Australia from their number one position in test cricket, which they (Australia) have been enjoying since the past eight years or more. With the first two days of play in hand, it is really a tough job to judge the winner right away.
Neither has Australia shown some reluctance in putting a better performance, nor the Proteas are in any mood to sacrifice the third test to Australia for having won the series already. Pressure is found to be on both the sides. If not for the series, for the top spot in world cricket. A big blow in the form of an injury to Greame Smith has found to loosen the hopes of a South African win. However, the way the tail put up a 184 run partnership in the first innings of the second test shouldn't be forgotten. By putting up a decent total of 445 on board, Australia have indicated their come back into the game once again. The proteas have still 8 wickets in hand and a lot to prove. Of course, all of us would be expecting the same ie a South African win.
In the past five years (since 2003), the Australian team has lost its place temperorily on two occasions. And both of them saw South Africa head the list for the strongest one day squad. Way back in early 2007, where South Africa had beaten world cup chokers India and Pakistan in the five match series played by a margin 5-0 and 4-1 respectively. On the other hand, for a change, Australia had lost the two out of the three finals to England in the Commonwealth Bank series 2007, followed by a 3-0 whitewash against New Zealand. And in the second instance, where Australia once again lost to India in 2008, with the proteas registering wins against Bangladesh and West Indies late 2007. However, a similar fate in test cricket is yet to target the Aussies. Now, it time for that. So, can South Africa do it this time?
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Where Do The Other Teams Stand?
Since the day South Africa beat Australia at Perth, chasing a total that went into the record books for the second highest run chase in tests, and more so after recently South Africa beat them once again in the second test to win the three match test series, all cricket bloggers have been writing posts citing the end of Aussie dominance. Yes ! This is true to a very great extent. And their recent 2-0 series loss to India in the Border-Gavaskar trophy need not be mentioned separately either. However, casting our eyes upon other teams as well would certainly give us a better idea as to who fare and how. Yes or No?
The recent test scorers off late have been of course India and South Africa undisputedly. And what about the other seven teams out there? Of course regarding teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it is a gone case. Then on the table there are the West Indians and New Zealanders at position eight and seven respectively. While the West Indies team have a beautiful track record of losing since a decade or so, New Zealand have joined them surprisingly of late. Keep aside their loss to Australia recently when they toured the same. For, some things can never be expected. And team India's run in tests outside home is still in a balance.
This conclusion not being drawn only owing to their test series loss to Sri Lanka in August earlier last year, but also due to the fact that they have hardly toured any nation down under. With the tour of Pakistan out of the list, the next test to watch would be against the Kiwis, when they will be touring the same in March. Still, that tour even if India wins, would not be satisfactory, given the New Zealand's poor run. And one more unnoticed aspect being that India haven't been able to grab any opposition completely. Only series wins and not whitewashes have been where India have restricted themselves to.
India beat the Aussies 2-0 out of 4 matches, a 1-0 win against England in 2 match test series, 1-1 against the Proteas and a 1-0 series win over Pakistan in December 2007. While, for South Africa it has been a 2-0 win over NZ in NZ last December, a 2-1 against Pakistan in Pakistan in October 2007, 2-1 win against in the 4 match test series against England and 2-0 against Aussies in the 2 games that have been played so far. Keeping these stats in mind, one can come to conclusions. Next team is England, who have series loss to South Africa, Sri Lanka (last December) and India of late, and wins against only New Zealand in the Nat West series. If not for the series win against India, Sri Lanka have nothing at stake, after their recent performance against Bangladesh. And last but not the least we have Pakistan, who have enjoyed more than anyone else with their wives & kids for the past one year.
Keeping these facts about other teams in mind, Australia have nothing to fear about despite their poor run in cricket. It was a misfortune that Australia faced the two teams that were of really some concern for them. Anyway, the Ashes are bound to remain in Australia this year too. This if Australia don't make 2005 once again.Bye..
The recent test scorers off late have been of course India and South Africa undisputedly. And what about the other seven teams out there? Of course regarding teams like Bangladesh and Zimbabwe, it is a gone case. Then on the table there are the West Indians and New Zealanders at position eight and seven respectively. While the West Indies team have a beautiful track record of losing since a decade or so, New Zealand have joined them surprisingly of late. Keep aside their loss to Australia recently when they toured the same. For, some things can never be expected. And team India's run in tests outside home is still in a balance.
This conclusion not being drawn only owing to their test series loss to Sri Lanka in August earlier last year, but also due to the fact that they have hardly toured any nation down under. With the tour of Pakistan out of the list, the next test to watch would be against the Kiwis, when they will be touring the same in March. Still, that tour even if India wins, would not be satisfactory, given the New Zealand's poor run. And one more unnoticed aspect being that India haven't been able to grab any opposition completely. Only series wins and not whitewashes have been where India have restricted themselves to.
India beat the Aussies 2-0 out of 4 matches, a 1-0 win against England in 2 match test series, 1-1 against the Proteas and a 1-0 series win over Pakistan in December 2007. While, for South Africa it has been a 2-0 win over NZ in NZ last December, a 2-1 against Pakistan in Pakistan in October 2007, 2-1 win against in the 4 match test series against England and 2-0 against Aussies in the 2 games that have been played so far. Keeping these stats in mind, one can come to conclusions. Next team is England, who have series loss to South Africa, Sri Lanka (last December) and India of late, and wins against only New Zealand in the Nat West series. If not for the series win against India, Sri Lanka have nothing at stake, after their recent performance against Bangladesh. And last but not the least we have Pakistan, who have enjoyed more than anyone else with their wives & kids for the past one year.
Keeping these facts about other teams in mind, Australia have nothing to fear about despite their poor run in cricket. It was a misfortune that Australia faced the two teams that were of really some concern for them. Anyway, the Ashes are bound to remain in Australia this year too. This if Australia don't make 2005 once again.Bye..
Monday, December 29, 2008
And finally, Ponting's Nerves Start Ringing
Gone are the days when Ricky Ponting was in all praise for lifting the world cup on two occasions, to be in par with the West Indian legend Clive Lloyd. Gone are the days when Ricky Ponting had 16 consecutive test wins and had 22 consecutive unbeaten test streak. Gone are the days when no matter who was the opposition and who was batting or having a ball, but, the result being the same. Australia win by _ runs or _wickets. Full marks to Greame Smith for taming the not-mighty Aussies. Needless to be said, Austrlia's No 1 test position is numbered. No matter who the successor will be. Doesn't mind as to who will be the king of the test throne.
All the good work done by the then legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer and many others are now coming to an end. Neither are Ricky Ponting & Hayden at their best, nor is Brett Lee at his bowling best. And thinking about replacements for the aforementioned legends would be just a waste of time. Now, that they have lost a test series to the Proteas at home, the fate of the present Australian team, which was until then the future of the present Australian team, is clear. This victory should not be taken for granted that South Africa dominate test cricket. Though the fact is that Australia no more dominate.
Even a single test win out of the series involving 3 matches, or for the sake, even a draw against the world dominating Australian team would have raised eye brows. But, it would be no surprise even if South Africa go on to win the test series 3-0. This owing to the fact that Australia is just another team and nothing else. Australia haven't been able to win a single test series outside, after winning the Ashes in 2007 (post Warne/McGrath). And could only manage to whitewash Sri Lanka just before the B-G trophy in Australia in 2007, which Sri Lanka came so close to winning-courtesy: Kumara Sangakkara's 192.
Now, Australia has proved where they now stand in test cricket. However, the Proteas now have a long way to go, in case they need to prove their worth in test cricket. For, a test series victory against Australia could also see South Africa lose to a comparatively weaker side like Sri Lanka on their tour. It is no great achievement for any team to beat the current Australian team, when the same team could not even settle for a draw during the days when Australia dominated world test cricket. And not a mean achievement either. This barring teams like Bangladesh whose ability to even draw a test match comes in for much praise.
All the good work done by the then legends Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath, Gilchrist, Langer and many others are now coming to an end. Neither are Ricky Ponting & Hayden at their best, nor is Brett Lee at his bowling best. And thinking about replacements for the aforementioned legends would be just a waste of time. Now, that they have lost a test series to the Proteas at home, the fate of the present Australian team, which was until then the future of the present Australian team, is clear. This victory should not be taken for granted that South Africa dominate test cricket. Though the fact is that Australia no more dominate.
Even a single test win out of the series involving 3 matches, or for the sake, even a draw against the world dominating Australian team would have raised eye brows. But, it would be no surprise even if South Africa go on to win the test series 3-0. This owing to the fact that Australia is just another team and nothing else. Australia haven't been able to win a single test series outside, after winning the Ashes in 2007 (post Warne/McGrath). And could only manage to whitewash Sri Lanka just before the B-G trophy in Australia in 2007, which Sri Lanka came so close to winning-courtesy: Kumara Sangakkara's 192.
Now, Australia has proved where they now stand in test cricket. However, the Proteas now have a long way to go, in case they need to prove their worth in test cricket. For, a test series victory against Australia could also see South Africa lose to a comparatively weaker side like Sri Lanka on their tour. It is no great achievement for any team to beat the current Australian team, when the same team could not even settle for a draw during the days when Australia dominated world test cricket. And not a mean achievement either. This barring teams like Bangladesh whose ability to even draw a test match comes in for much praise.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, December 22, 2008
400...Australia..South Africa & Perth
Well..the number 400 however doesn't seem to go well with the Australian cricket team what so ever. This is even more true when it comes to playing South Africa I guess. This was proved once again on Sunday, when South Africa once again defeated Australia by 6 wickets in the first test between the two teams in Perth. Before this match, the way the South African team chased down a mammoth total of 434 some two plus years against Australia is still in the memories of all cricket loving people. And, how could one ever tend to forget such a great match. Sorry! the greatest one day match in the history of the game.
So was yesterday's match between the two countries, which would go down as one of the greatest chases in tests of all times. And a fascinating thing to be noticed is that this came outside home, compared to the West Indies' world record run chase of 418 against the same Australia, which came in the West Indies. However, the caliber of the then Australian team that included the likes of Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and co..should not be left out. And for a team like West Indies, who can be assumed to flatter against even Bangladesh to get into such a great act is really appreciable.
This is the highest run chase in tests by a team outside its home country. I don't ever think that this needs to be told to anyone. So, now there is another team other than India to have beaten Australia at their own backyard. However, India have done it twice- once at Adelaide in 2003, and in Perth last year. Even this is needless to be said. However, a series defeat for Australia at home is a long way behind. The last that I can recall any such act is in 1992-93 against the West Indies where Australia lost 2-1 in the five match series. And India had leveled the series with Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2003-04.
If at all South Africa end up beating the Australians, it would be the end of the sixteen year drought. And, even the number sixteen doesn't seem to go well for the Australians in tests, for, their consecutive wins in tests has been halted at number sixteen on two occasions, and at both the times the culprit being India. So, even if the series is won by South Africa, it would not be a wrong guess. The venue for the first test was Perth- the venue where Australia suffered a test loss at the hands of India a year ago or so. So, it would not be wrong to cite all odds being against Australia this time against South Africa. However, matches are played on the cricket ground rather than on blogger's pens.
So was yesterday's match between the two countries, which would go down as one of the greatest chases in tests of all times. And a fascinating thing to be noticed is that this came outside home, compared to the West Indies' world record run chase of 418 against the same Australia, which came in the West Indies. However, the caliber of the then Australian team that included the likes of Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and co..should not be left out. And for a team like West Indies, who can be assumed to flatter against even Bangladesh to get into such a great act is really appreciable.
This is the highest run chase in tests by a team outside its home country. I don't ever think that this needs to be told to anyone. So, now there is another team other than India to have beaten Australia at their own backyard. However, India have done it twice- once at Adelaide in 2003, and in Perth last year. Even this is needless to be said. However, a series defeat for Australia at home is a long way behind. The last that I can recall any such act is in 1992-93 against the West Indies where Australia lost 2-1 in the five match series. And India had leveled the series with Australia in the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2003-04.
If at all South Africa end up beating the Australians, it would be the end of the sixteen year drought. And, even the number sixteen doesn't seem to go well for the Australians in tests, for, their consecutive wins in tests has been halted at number sixteen on two occasions, and at both the times the culprit being India. So, even if the series is won by South Africa, it would not be a wrong guess. The venue for the first test was Perth- the venue where Australia suffered a test loss at the hands of India a year ago or so. So, it would not be wrong to cite all odds being against Australia this time against South Africa. However, matches are played on the cricket ground rather than on blogger's pens.
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