The boys are back in an all new avatar! The video blog will be up for all to see.....
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Monday, February 11, 2013
A functional squad for Team India
Australia's tour of India, Feb-March, 2013
The announcement of the squad for the test series against Australia contained relatively few surprises. It did illustrate the Indian team's shortcomings very significantly. While the batting side showed no surprises, the bowlers provided a few.
Nobody expected Ashok Dinda to be retained but the man from Bengal somehow keeps his place despite having been carted around during the ODI's against England and Pakistan. Many expected him to be replaced by his state mate Shami Ahmed who has impressed during the ODIs. In my opinion, both Sreesanth and Abhmanyu Mithun had a better chance of being wicket taking bowlers as compared to Dinda. Ahmed, despite being in the Irani Cup squad, did not get a game and hence lost his chance. Dinda however, is not a bowler likely to pick up wickets in test cricket. His line is far too inconsistent and he does not have the pace or the height to genuinely trouble international quality batsmen. Injuries did not help the cause but picking Dinda could easily have been avoided. They could take a punt on a newer, younger bowler rather than somebody who has recently been dropped from a One Day team. The batting front showed a slightly more courageous approach.
The selectors here have gone with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay to battle for places alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. They have shown courage here in leaving out Gautam Gambhir. These two players though have a bit of the unknown about them. While we know Vijay has a test century against Australia to his name, his first-class form has been patchy at best and his performances will be hard to predict. Dhawan's selection on the other hand leaves the selectors playing where's waldo with the opening slot. The middle order remains settled and the spinners pick themselves.
The important thing for India to remember is that when choosing an 11, they will need to be aware of how these newer players like Dhawan and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will react to certain situations. There can be nothing to be gained from underbowling the young quick. The need is there to look to the future but there was a case to look to the past in Wasim Jaffer, who would provide a solid old hand. However, Dhoni must now make do with a horses for courses squad of players who should be able to thrive in spinning conditions against an inexperienced Aussie unit.
The announcement of the squad for the test series against Australia contained relatively few surprises. It did illustrate the Indian team's shortcomings very significantly. While the batting side showed no surprises, the bowlers provided a few.
Nobody expected Ashok Dinda to be retained but the man from Bengal somehow keeps his place despite having been carted around during the ODI's against England and Pakistan. Many expected him to be replaced by his state mate Shami Ahmed who has impressed during the ODIs. In my opinion, both Sreesanth and Abhmanyu Mithun had a better chance of being wicket taking bowlers as compared to Dinda. Ahmed, despite being in the Irani Cup squad, did not get a game and hence lost his chance. Dinda however, is not a bowler likely to pick up wickets in test cricket. His line is far too inconsistent and he does not have the pace or the height to genuinely trouble international quality batsmen. Injuries did not help the cause but picking Dinda could easily have been avoided. They could take a punt on a newer, younger bowler rather than somebody who has recently been dropped from a One Day team. The batting front showed a slightly more courageous approach.
The selectors here have gone with Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay to battle for places alongside Virender Sehwag at the top of the order. They have shown courage here in leaving out Gautam Gambhir. These two players though have a bit of the unknown about them. While we know Vijay has a test century against Australia to his name, his first-class form has been patchy at best and his performances will be hard to predict. Dhawan's selection on the other hand leaves the selectors playing where's waldo with the opening slot. The middle order remains settled and the spinners pick themselves.
The important thing for India to remember is that when choosing an 11, they will need to be aware of how these newer players like Dhawan and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar will react to certain situations. There can be nothing to be gained from underbowling the young quick. The need is there to look to the future but there was a case to look to the past in Wasim Jaffer, who would provide a solid old hand. However, Dhoni must now make do with a horses for courses squad of players who should be able to thrive in spinning conditions against an inexperienced Aussie unit.
Friday, February 08, 2013
Common sense can solve the DRS problem
If we cast our mind back a few years to Sydneygate, we can recall that the furore over that test match was due to howlers not being corrected. Its nearly five years later, the technology to remove those howlers has existed this entire time, but the ICC still cannot use reason to solve a simple issue.
The BCCI have objected mainly to the use of DRS for lbw dismissals. The basis of the system should be to try and get rid of the howlers rather than look at marginal calls. Invariably, lbw decisions end up becoming marginal. It is almost impossible to predict exactly what the ball will do after hitting the pads but a good umpire can approximately decide the projected path. The problem though with the system is that it lies in the hands of the players.
If control of challenging for a review rests with the players, the DRS can be used for tactical purposes and more out of hope than reason. Handing control to the third umpire to see whether or not a wrong decision has been made would give the system a better chance of completing the task it had been introduced for. This would ensure that marginal decisions are not challenged and that howlers can be eliminated. The fact that this change still has not taken place nearly five years after its introduction proves how far the ICC have developed it. Bowlers do not feel hard done by when the umpire missing a very faint nick. He will feel aggrieved if the umpire misses a thick edge. Hot spot may offer a solution in this respect but it should not be for these again are marginal decisions.
The silliest problem that the DRS faces in being wholly welcomed is the opposition from the BCCI. This is the same country that wanted justice after they felt wronged but now they refuse to put the system in place. The story behind the BCCI not using it has more to do with financial issues than with any objection they may have to it. It may also have to do with the fact that the IPL does not have it in place. With the current tax bill that they have hit up, their stance remains unlikely to change. Common sense though can solve all these issues.
The ICC needs to gather some courage and enforce DRS as a compulsory addition for all series. The BCCI needs to accept that it cannot illogically deny the use of DRS and it cannot also gag former players about to speak on this topic. They need to accept that their stand is against every logical fibre existing within man. And most importantly, the DRS should be removed from the control of the players and handed to the third umpire. The howlers will slowly start disappearing, the game speed would quicken up, and most importantly, the correct decision would be made.
The BCCI have objected mainly to the use of DRS for lbw dismissals. The basis of the system should be to try and get rid of the howlers rather than look at marginal calls. Invariably, lbw decisions end up becoming marginal. It is almost impossible to predict exactly what the ball will do after hitting the pads but a good umpire can approximately decide the projected path. The problem though with the system is that it lies in the hands of the players.
If control of challenging for a review rests with the players, the DRS can be used for tactical purposes and more out of hope than reason. Handing control to the third umpire to see whether or not a wrong decision has been made would give the system a better chance of completing the task it had been introduced for. This would ensure that marginal decisions are not challenged and that howlers can be eliminated. The fact that this change still has not taken place nearly five years after its introduction proves how far the ICC have developed it. Bowlers do not feel hard done by when the umpire missing a very faint nick. He will feel aggrieved if the umpire misses a thick edge. Hot spot may offer a solution in this respect but it should not be for these again are marginal decisions.
The silliest problem that the DRS faces in being wholly welcomed is the opposition from the BCCI. This is the same country that wanted justice after they felt wronged but now they refuse to put the system in place. The story behind the BCCI not using it has more to do with financial issues than with any objection they may have to it. It may also have to do with the fact that the IPL does not have it in place. With the current tax bill that they have hit up, their stance remains unlikely to change. Common sense though can solve all these issues.
The ICC needs to gather some courage and enforce DRS as a compulsory addition for all series. The BCCI needs to accept that it cannot illogically deny the use of DRS and it cannot also gag former players about to speak on this topic. They need to accept that their stand is against every logical fibre existing within man. And most importantly, the DRS should be removed from the control of the players and handed to the third umpire. The howlers will slowly start disappearing, the game speed would quicken up, and most importantly, the correct decision would be made.
Tuesday, January 01, 2013
Monday, December 31, 2012
Best and Worst of 2012: India
December 30, 2012
As the year draws to a close, we look back on the best and worst of Indian cricket both on and off the field.
Best of Indian cricket in 2012: The return of Yuvraj
When Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with lung cancer, an entire nation had mourned. His speedy recovery and subsequent return to the Indian team was the high point in the year for a team that lacked any on-field brilliance. When Yuvraj took to the field for the opening encounter of India's World T20 adventure, a whole nation breathed a sigh of relief. The man who had delivered India 2 major ICC trophies was back in action. He took his time to get going though and only really made an impact a few months later with an innings of 76 during India's victory against England in the first test match of that series.
Worst of Indian cricket in 2012: The defeat in Mumbai
In a year full of disappointment, this had to be the icing on the cake. Its easy to look at the whitewash down under but India's lowest ebb was achieved when the spinners were completely outbowled on an absolute landmine in Mumbai. Everything had been tilted in India's favour for this match. They had the series lead, a track which turned from the first morning and they even won the toss. All of that however, could not save the Indians. They were systematically dismantled. First, the batting did not come good and then Kevin Pietersen played the innings of a lifetime. The third innings collapse meant England could canter to victory on the fourth afternoon. It turned the tide of the series and the defeat in Kolkata handed England the series. The series defeat condemned India to their first home defeat in eight years.
As the year draws to a close, we look back on the best and worst of Indian cricket both on and off the field.
Best of Indian cricket in 2012: The return of Yuvraj
When Yuvraj Singh was diagnosed with lung cancer, an entire nation had mourned. His speedy recovery and subsequent return to the Indian team was the high point in the year for a team that lacked any on-field brilliance. When Yuvraj took to the field for the opening encounter of India's World T20 adventure, a whole nation breathed a sigh of relief. The man who had delivered India 2 major ICC trophies was back in action. He took his time to get going though and only really made an impact a few months later with an innings of 76 during India's victory against England in the first test match of that series.
Worst of Indian cricket in 2012: The defeat in Mumbai
In a year full of disappointment, this had to be the icing on the cake. Its easy to look at the whitewash down under but India's lowest ebb was achieved when the spinners were completely outbowled on an absolute landmine in Mumbai. Everything had been tilted in India's favour for this match. They had the series lead, a track which turned from the first morning and they even won the toss. All of that however, could not save the Indians. They were systematically dismantled. First, the batting did not come good and then Kevin Pietersen played the innings of a lifetime. The third innings collapse meant England could canter to victory on the fourth afternoon. It turned the tide of the series and the defeat in Kolkata handed England the series. The series defeat condemned India to their first home defeat in eight years.
Tony Grieg passes away aged 66
The world of cricket was in mourning as the news leaked through of Tony Grieg's passing. The former England captain succumbed to lung cancer. He was 66 years old.
Grieg was always a controversial figure and was associated with many rebel series such as World Series Cricket back in the 1970's as the head of the Packer revolution and more recently, with the now defunct Indian Cricket League. Grieg was also a renowned commentator and media personality for over 30 years. He last covered the World T20 in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
As a cricketer, Grieg was know as a hard hitting batsmen and a medium pace bowler. His most controversial statement came before the West Indies toured England in 1976 where he proclaimed his intention to make the West Indians grovel. That statement is now infamous as the English were beaten 3-0 by the West Indies. Grieg was always one to speak his mind about cricketing matters.
He will be sorely missed by the entire cricketing community.
Grieg was always a controversial figure and was associated with many rebel series such as World Series Cricket back in the 1970's as the head of the Packer revolution and more recently, with the now defunct Indian Cricket League. Grieg was also a renowned commentator and media personality for over 30 years. He last covered the World T20 in Sri Lanka earlier this year.
As a cricketer, Grieg was know as a hard hitting batsmen and a medium pace bowler. His most controversial statement came before the West Indies toured England in 1976 where he proclaimed his intention to make the West Indians grovel. That statement is now infamous as the English were beaten 3-0 by the West Indies. Grieg was always one to speak his mind about cricketing matters.
He will be sorely missed by the entire cricketing community.
Pakistan ride on Jamshed ton to win first ODI
India vs Pakistan, 1st One Day International, Chennai
Pakistan 228-4 (Jamshed 101*, Younus 58) beat India 227-6 (Dhoni 113*, Junaid 4-43) by six wickets
Pakistan rode on a superb century from Nasir Jamshed to take a 1-0 lead in the series against India. Jamshed batted with patience and poise after the Pakistani bowling had restricted the hosts to 227 earlier in the day. MS Dhoni's brilliant 113 was all in vain as Jamshed, who was well supported by Younus Khan, brought up his hundred with a pull past mid-wicket that took Pakistan to within four runs of victory. Shoaib Malik sealed it with a boundary. India also had an injury scare as Virat Kohli limped off the field after slipping during bowling his last over.
Earlier, Junaid Khan was instrumental in demolishing the Indian top order through swing and seam. He kept hitting timber as 3 of his 4 wickets were bowled. Rohit Sharma then received a devilish leg cutter which bounced on him and was snaffled at 3rd slip by Mohammad Hafeez to reduce India to 29-5. Dhoni then engineered a recovery and was well supported by Suresh Raina and Ashwin as India managed to put up 227 in their 50 over.
That seemed a competitive score as Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, on debut, got rid of Hafeez with his first ball. Azhar Ali was dismissed soon after but Younus and Jamshed then formed a partnership which the Indians found difficult to break. Both had poor umpiring decisions to thank for not ending their innings earlier. Jamshed was caught of the bowling of Ashwin at slip from an inside edge onto pad while Younus should have been adjudged lbw. Yuvraj Singh then put down Jamshed when he was on 66, and that effectively sealed India's fate.
Pakistan 228-4 (Jamshed 101*, Younus 58) beat India 227-6 (Dhoni 113*, Junaid 4-43) by six wickets
Pakistan rode on a superb century from Nasir Jamshed to take a 1-0 lead in the series against India. Jamshed batted with patience and poise after the Pakistani bowling had restricted the hosts to 227 earlier in the day. MS Dhoni's brilliant 113 was all in vain as Jamshed, who was well supported by Younus Khan, brought up his hundred with a pull past mid-wicket that took Pakistan to within four runs of victory. Shoaib Malik sealed it with a boundary. India also had an injury scare as Virat Kohli limped off the field after slipping during bowling his last over.
Earlier, Junaid Khan was instrumental in demolishing the Indian top order through swing and seam. He kept hitting timber as 3 of his 4 wickets were bowled. Rohit Sharma then received a devilish leg cutter which bounced on him and was snaffled at 3rd slip by Mohammad Hafeez to reduce India to 29-5. Dhoni then engineered a recovery and was well supported by Suresh Raina and Ashwin as India managed to put up 227 in their 50 over.
That seemed a competitive score as Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, on debut, got rid of Hafeez with his first ball. Azhar Ali was dismissed soon after but Younus and Jamshed then formed a partnership which the Indians found difficult to break. Both had poor umpiring decisions to thank for not ending their innings earlier. Jamshed was caught of the bowling of Ashwin at slip from an inside edge onto pad while Younus should have been adjudged lbw. Yuvraj Singh then put down Jamshed when he was on 66, and that effectively sealed India's fate.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Pakistan begin tour with a win
India vs Pakistan, First Twenty20, Bangalore
Pakistan 134-5( Hafeez 61, Malik 57*) beat India 133-9( Gambhir 43, Gul 3-19)
Pakistan sealed their first victory in t20 internationals against India thanks to composed innings from Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to guide them to their target on a sporting wicket. India did themselves no favours by collapsing in a heap. Ajmal and Gul were the chief wreckers. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar made quite an impression by picking up 3 early wickets on debut. The delivery to get rid of Umar Akmal a particularly vicious inswinger. Hafeez and Malik then steadied the ship before Malik was able to close out a cliffhanger.
Pakistan 134-5( Hafeez 61, Malik 57*) beat India 133-9( Gambhir 43, Gul 3-19)
Pakistan sealed their first victory in t20 internationals against India thanks to composed innings from Hafeez and Shoaib Malik to guide them to their target on a sporting wicket. India did themselves no favours by collapsing in a heap. Ajmal and Gul were the chief wreckers. Bhuvaneshwar Kumar made quite an impression by picking up 3 early wickets on debut. The delivery to get rid of Umar Akmal a particularly vicious inswinger. Hafeez and Malik then steadied the ship before Malik was able to close out a cliffhanger.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
England block out India to seal series
India vs England, Fourth Test, Nagpur
England sealed the series in attritional fashion with a defensive minded performance in Nagpur. after making 330 in their first innings, England had to hold on for the last 2 days as India tried to extract some life out of a dead surface. Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell denied India this opportunity on the final day as England registered their first win in India in 27 years.
England worked themselves into a solid position during the first four days of the game by batting well and making sure that the Indians did not get any quick runs. On the final day, they clung on denying them wickets. It was made easier by a deathly slow pitch and a toothless Indian bowling attack. Questions will be raised from an Indian perspective particularly regarding the captaincy and the strange tactics used.
England sealed the series in attritional fashion with a defensive minded performance in Nagpur. after making 330 in their first innings, England had to hold on for the last 2 days as India tried to extract some life out of a dead surface. Jonathan Trott and Ian Bell denied India this opportunity on the final day as England registered their first win in India in 27 years.
England worked themselves into a solid position during the first four days of the game by batting well and making sure that the Indians did not get any quick runs. On the final day, they clung on denying them wickets. It was made easier by a deathly slow pitch and a toothless Indian bowling attack. Questions will be raised from an Indian perspective particularly regarding the captaincy and the strange tactics used.
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