Rahul Bhattacharya in an article mostly written in praise of Dravid, brings out a new fact.
Well, nobody made mention of the fact that Dravid also slotted himself at no 1 last year. It began swimmingly well, as he chalked up four fifties and a century in his first seven innings. But once the going got rough - the next seven innings brought 57 runs - he did not expose himself to the position anymore, so there you go.
There are wheels within wheels.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Dravid –selfless?
How Dravid can save Indian cricket
The ongoing rumpus has brought one thing to light. The seniors in the Indian team namely,Sachin,Ganguly and Dravid have the power to hold the country’s cricket establishment to ransom.
How else can one explain, the kind of hysteria generated by Dravid’s exclusion.
The fans are being whipped to a frenzy by the media and the former cricketers, most of whom were selectors themselves are fanning the flames by making injudicious comments to the press.(The most vocal among them are the employees of ICL).
Dravid, by keeping mum is doing Indian cricket a disservice. He is fanning the flame by his silence. His silence gives the impression that he is being wronged. By keeping quiet and letting others fight the battle, he is ridiculing the very institution he is a part of.
If this persists, a time will come when no player can be dropped for the fear of political upheaval. Importantly, no player can be selected without the whole nation’s approval. Indian cricket and it team will be the losers.
In the best interest of Indian cricket, he should come out with a statement that the selectors are fair and he accepts that they are doing the right thing by dropping a player who is struggling with his form.
Murali honoured -Warne-Murali Trophy
Cricket Australia has gone and done the right thing.
In a move to honor two of the greatest spinners of modern era, Sri Lanka and Australia are all set to fight for the Warne-Murali trophy when they lock horn in a two-Test cricket series starting next week.
It has not only honored two spinners of the current era, but also put an emphatic seal of approval over Murali’s bowling action.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
The nation has apoplexy
After being in the hot seat and bearing the brunt of public outcry for dropping Ganguly, More sees Vengsarkar's hand in dropping Dravid. He joins a few other former Indian cricketers who are aghast at the treatment meted out to Dravid.
More's attack on Vengsarkar is not limited to just the axe, he blames the selector for Dravid's resignation as captain as well, after which in a matter of weeks the Wall has gone from being a great leader to "unnecessary" for Team India.
The selectors are already emasculated by the big money riding on the ‘stars’ of Indian cricket. These kinds of orchestrated attacks will reduce them further to impotence.
It does not augur well for Indian cricket if the nation has apoplexy every time a player gets dropped.
Rivalries in Pakistan cricket
The history of cricket in Pakistan is littered with rivalries between the players.
Here are some of them:
Abdul Hafeez Kardar, the first captain of Pakistan, could not get along with Haneef Mohammad.
Sarfraz Nawaz and Asif Iqbal were not in good terms.
Javed Miandad and Imran Khan were not the best of friends.
Wasim and Waqar were never the best of chums.
Rashid Latif and Saleem Malek too turned enemies.
Shoaib Akhtar and Mohammad Asif are the latest in a long list of rivalries.
The beauty is, despite the acrimony between players they managed to win a World Cup and are feared opponents in Test match cricket.
Sometimes, these rivalries spill out into the field and they self-destruct, giving rise to charges of match fixing.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Sledging okay says Taufel: But please be original
Cricket's No.1 umpire Simon Taufel says he along with other umpires feel that there is nothing wrong with players having a go at each other as long as it is within bounds.
Taufel like any other sportsman loves sledging when it is original and witty.
Unsurprisingly, Taufel named serial glarer Andre Nel of South Africa as one sledger who'd become a tad boring.
"I was in Pakistan recently with Andre Nel playing for South Africa against the Pakistanis," he said.
"Andre unfortunately only had one line that he was dishing out to Shoaib Malik and the boys so it got a bit monotonous there.
"We just had a chat to Andre and said to (captain) Graeme Smith, 'well, look he's only traipsing out one line, it's getting a bit boring."
BCCI's gag order
For once I am in agreement with the BCCI. More so, if they go the whole hog and gag Niranjan Shah. That man has been making an ass of himself for so long that he needs a break..
Sunday, October 28, 2007
No man is a hero to his valet
Neither is he a hero to his coach it seems. Here is one instance.
The autobiography of former England cricket coach Duncan Fletcher, awaiting release, will claim that an England practice session on the last tour of Australia had to be cancelled because Andrew Flintoff had been drinking.
Here is another:
Revealing his sour relationship with Shane Warne, former Australia cricket coach John Buchanan said he had urged the spin wizard to own responsibility for his actions after his drug suspension in 2003.
Somehow these revelations leave a bad taste. Firstly, the revelations are usually in the form of a book. Secondly, it comes almost as soon as the coaches quits.
Let’s take the first one. Whatever, be the motive, it still looks as if it is an attempt at sensationalizing and making a book sell. It is underhand and reveals a mercenary mindset.
The second one seems illogical. One of the primary jobs of a coach is to gain the confidence of his players. If the coach is going to write a book as soon as he completes an assignment, how will he gain the trust of his players?
There is nothing wrong in revealing the behind- the – scenes happenings for the sake of truth provided sufficient time has elapsed for the player to redeem himself and it gives the public time to digest a player’s career in full.
Rajput continues as interim cricket manager
The continuation of Rajput, albeit as an interim cricket manager, is intriguing.
I am yet to be convinced of his usefulness to the team. The T20 win, which was unexpected and surely not his own making has enhanced his career. The surprising performance, I expected a lame duck India, against the Australians furthered his case.
In essence, any one appointed as manager, during this period would have come out smelling roses. So why is he still there?
Being a Mumbaiker helped. By astutely pulling strings and paying his dues -
his uncharacteristic outburst against Vengsarkar’s comments on the seniors, should be construed as such (paying his dues) he has cemented his place.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
'Payyoli Express' to the rescue.
P.T.Usha explains why Cricket gets all the corporate sponsorship: "Poor performance in other sports including track and field caused people as well as sponsors to get attracted towards cricket particularly after India won the World Cup in 1983," Well said Usha, to this may I add that there is more Test matches or ODI's which by nature are Internationals being played than any other sport in India.
Man attacks wife with cricket bat
Anthony Ernest Morgan, 70, came across wife Elaine – his partner for 21 years – wearing only a towel at the home of Stephen Clarke. She claimed to have stripped off so her clothes would not get greasy from the takeaway, Newport Crown Court heard. Sorry slow day, no good stories to chew upon.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Free-Hit Rule- does it mean fewer no-balls?
Kass Naidoo asks, Have you noticed how few foot-fault no-balls there've been in the ODI matches across Does it mean that with the introduction of the free hit rule, no- balls will be a thing of the past?
The coach selection committee, will meet in Mumbai on November 3.
The coach selection committee, headed by BCCI chief Sharad Pawar, will meet in Mumbai on November 3. These are the worthies vying for the post. Tim Boon Richard Done Terry Oliver Kepler Wessels Dave Nosworthy Martin Crowe Vijay Mohanraj Chandrakant Pandit I can honestly admit that excepting Chandrakant Pandit, Kepler Wessels, and Martin Crowe, I wouldn't know the rest from Adam. BTW, don't blame me if one of these worthies make it. I just brought you the bad news.
The Australians have painted themselves into a spot.
The Australians have ceded an early advantage to
Their unconsidered interviews and columns have incited the Australian spectators. Having done that, they now find that they have to cool down the passions and ensure that no racial abuse happens during the Tests. Even a raised eyebrow can cause uproar.
This means that they can neither use the press nor indulge in sledging to gain a psychological advantage over their opponents.
This has given the Indians a huge advantage. They can use the media to score psychological points and they can also continue their aggression on the field.
It remains to be seen how Indians capitalize on this opportunity.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Can Lee become the spearhead?
Despite his bravado, I doubt whether Lee himself is sure of his place in the Australian Team. To me, he seems to falter, just when we expect him to scale up his performance. The intensity and also the consistency required to graduate from a quickie to a spearhead of an attack is sadly missing. He seems to be the sort of player who will end his career with everyone admitting that he had his moments. For my money, Stuart McGill will take to this role effortlessly.
Sri Lanka - Boys in cricketing flannels
Kumar Sangakkara speaks of annoying the opposition ( Consider the following facts, you will appreciate the accuracy of his assessment. Marvan Atapattu and Sanath Jayasuriya are the only two members of the current team to have scored hundreds in
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Dhoni needs a tax consultant.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni has become the highest individual income tax payer in Jharkhand with the Income Tax department expecting around Rs four crore from the dashing cricketer. Obviously, he needs a new tax consultant.
ICL- looking for a way out?
At a time when even Bollywood Badshahs are reluctant to release their new ventures, ICL have organized their league fixtures. So what is ICL trying to achieve by conducting their league at the same time as the Indo-Pak series? Having been bested, outsmarted and out sold by IPL, they need an excuse to wind up their circus. The best way to ensure that the league is stillborn is to conduct it at the same time as an Indo-Pak series. It will definitely fail to garner attention and citing this failure, ICL can then wriggle out of the players and other corporate contracts. Obviously, the Lara's will get their pound of flesh; it is the minor players who will be toast.
India's aggression- is it newfound?
The Aussie's are making a mistake if they conclude that the aggressive cricket played by India during the series were put on.
This challenge from Ponting and a rather tame assessment by Tim Nielson makes one wonder whether the Australians are living in a cocoon.Times have changed, The current Indian may be beaten but they will not be cowed.
Consider these common assumptions:
1. Sledging is not new to cricket in India. To get a first hand experience just play in one of the 'Floodlight tournaments' in Chennai.You can hear the choicest words and ridicule being directed at the opposition.
2. It looks put on, because the Aussies are hearing it for the first time in English. Earlier it was done in Hindi as means to encourage the bowler. Now the Aussies get an earful because they are now spoken in English and directed at the opposition.
3. Importantly, earlier it was the Captain or the Coach who answered the media, now the media has access to all the players and the younger ones are relishing this opportunity to speak their minds.
There is one other reason; we have a young captain who is just a couple years into his international career. Fortunately, he has escaped the mindset of seniors who are still afraid to give as good as they get because they doubt whether they can walk the talk.(Their sterling records indicate otherwise.)
Like it or lump it, Aussies or for the matter others have to take into account that aggression has become ingrained and it is not going to go away by ridiculing it.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Agarkar threatens
After nearly 10 years of donning Indian colours and playing for the opposition Agarkar is still hungry for more.
There are plenty of first-class matches coming up in the domestic season. I'll try my best to perform well in them and stake my claim again.
His perseverance though appreciable is totally unwarranted.
England relegated.
English cricket is in such a bad shape that it now finds itself relegated to the second place.
That's right;
Hayden said
"I think
Bad day for English cricket and good day for cricket
An’Indian’Coach?
The BCCI’s thinking, which I suspect had been their agenda all along, seemed to have settled on an Indian for the prized coach job.
I go so far as to imply, that, it is why they have been dithering and delaying. No doubt, it made them look foolish, but it has now given them the opportunity to say that they are left with no choice.
Fortunately or unfortunately for them, only the future can say which, the Indian team has played into their hands.
In fact, Pawar had told reporters in Mumbai during the Twenty20 World Cup felicitation function that: “Our team has done well on tour of Bangladesh, it managed to win a Test series in England and their performance in South Africa is also commendable so far, even without the help of a foreign coach.”
All signs portend that it could be someone from the South.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Is this something to crow about?
India has now equalled South Africa's world record of most consecutive wins in T20s
T20 as a format is in its infancy and India has played too few to view it as a badge of honour.
Ideally, it would have been laudable, if India has played in more than a handful of games.
If you are going to make a song and dnace of a record it should have more value than a PR handout.
Isn’t there a difference between Bradman and a bloke who has just played one innings?
These statistics are obnoxious to say the least.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Bhogle on Sreesanth
That man Bhogle is anything but articulate. Here is an excerpt from the Indian Express:
ADITYA TANDON: What do you make of Sreesanth and this whole new aggressiveness in young Indian cricketers?
HARSH BHOGLE: There is a little part of me that rebels and there's a little part of me that enjoys it because it's symbolic of the fact that someone is willing to take them on. A little part of me is worried because he's still not ready to walk the talk; he's not ready because I don't think he is good enough. But he's backing himself to do it, he's telling himself, 'I know you might take me for three sixes but what the hell, I am going to take you on.' And that's a great attitude to have. He has to become a bit more shrewd and know when to do it, when not to do it, and how much to do it.
Evocative of a parent watching with trepidation its young testing its wings.
The British lay claim on Bradman
Well not exactly, writing on how the British held Bradman in high esteem, the author starts by saying:
Why did the British public come to like Bradman so much? Being an Australian of English descent was, of course, an advantage.
Now all we have to do is wait for the measured comments from Stuart and ahem.. earthy and salty comments from Uncle J Rod to know the truth.
Andrew Strauss ruminates
Andrew Strauss ruminates on his lack of form and the probable reasons behind it.
Without any sort of window in the last 18 months – in a ridiculously crowded international schedule – to take stock, make technical changes and refresh the mind, turning it around has been extremely difficult.
As a true blue whiner he, as a first step, blames the crowded itinerary. However he redeems himself by adding.
In truth it is the culmination of a long, tiring and immensely frustrating 12 months in which little has gone my way. I have been a victim of some poor umpiring decisions, some unfortunate dismissals and a few incredibly good balls delivered at just the wrong moment. But I still have to take responsibility for my less than satisfactory contributions.
It never ceases to amaze me how the English blame anything and everything but themselves.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Simon Jones as good as Ian Botham?
The hype surrounding mediocre players has reached its peak in
But to consider Simon Jones as good as Botham exposes the paucity of talent and also news in
Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes described the capture of former Glamorgan fast bowler Simon Jones as "POTENTIALLY our biggest signing since Ian Botham.".
What rot!
I lost everything
I have lost all the comments left by you.
Being the technical whiz that I am it is a wonder I did not delete this blog to oblivion.
Having come under a sustained attack by an anonymous gentleman who was urging me and my readers to grab the Viagra and in turn impressed with the Notify comments feature of Haloscan, I installed it.
Needless to say, as a result, I am now bereft of all your valuable comments.
Please accept my apologies.
Shall ensure that it will never happen again.
Symonds clarifies
The man at the head of the 'racial abuse' war of words says 'I never complained'.
His clarification could be a big let down for all the vested interests who were trying to project that this Aussie was not as tough as he looks.
Here is his version of events.
Bringing Cricket History Back to Life
Don and Pup bring cricket history to life
Friday, October 19, 2007
Set your house in order.
In all their rightful, though exaggerated anger directed at us, Australians have cleverly diverted attention from their own abysmal record.
Other than a token representation in the form of Symonds, there has never been a player from another race or religion who has played for Australia. (Stuart, correct me if I am wrong).
There are two other points which need explanation:
1.What has ICC done to ensure that everyone has an equal chance to represent Australia? Have they any basis to believe Australia does not practice discrimination during selection. ( Something, similar on SA lines)
2. Has Symonds done anything to ensure others have a fair chance to represent Australia and are not discriminated? ( Similar, if not as effective as Mohammed Ali)
First, let ICC and by default Australia put its own house in order and then let it denounce racism
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Will a boycott work?
Australian newspapers are pushing for a boycott of future cricket tours to India.
Fortunately, Australia’s cricket supremo seems to have shot it down emphatically.
However a ban is a simplistic solution. It is not going to eradicate racism. Banning one country or the other is just handing over the game to these racists. They will become emboldened as they have the power to disrupt. Obviously, because of these goons cricket should not suffer.
There is one other aspect we will have to consider. How would the countries take it?
Will they be mature enough to put their house in order? Or, will it mean a tit for tat response?
A New Era?
If I am not mistaken, this could be the first time Australia is picking a Test squad post McGrath and Warnes retirement.
Unfortunately, my only source of inside information on Australian cricket ,Uncle J rod, has turned into a soothsayer. So I am forced to depend on news reports to keep track.
The names of Jacques,Hodge and McGill are being bandied about. Others like Hussey are either injured or recovering. Clarity still in the offing.
Another thing I noticed was that none of these players are spring chicken.Their median age is 30. Reminds me of quiet a few debutants of England. Hopefully, Australian cricket will not go the English way.
This change of guard is interesting in another way. The performance of the new inductees will be a good indicator of how cricket in Australia has grown under the giant shadows of Warne and McGrath.
Will these guys pass muster?
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Former Australian Cricketers say that Symonds is acting 'precious'
Former Australian cricketers on Andrew Symonds alleging that he was subjected to racist chants during the one-day series in India.
Mark Waugh said just making monkey noises did not amount to racism.
"What is Andrew Symonds complaining about – monkey noises?" Waugh said on Fox Sports' Inside Cricket.