THE MUCH AWAITED

Australia's tour to India

Lot of importance is being attached to this series. Test cricket is getting endangered, golden era of Indian cricket may come to an end, voluntary retirement plan has been announced, golden handshakes are awaiting.

This series may be the final series where we have the BIG FIVE and my nightmares may turn into reality that we may not get to see them together again due to reasons well known. Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, VVS Laxman & Anil Kumble. There is one quality which is very common among all the 5 they have never given up, but to be honest, the days are numbered. Sachin may have the privilege of choosing his exit, this option may not be extended to others. Nevertheless they have done great job in their own way.

If India is thinking about reducing the flabs Australia have got inexperienced players on the tour. This series is going to be intresting "Bold Vs the Old". There are lots of untested players on board for Australia and most of their experienced heroes are enjoying their post retirement holidays. Ponting has a challenge to prove his mettle as well as motivate the inexperienced team to put up a brave fight. One thing that has decreased over the years is Australia's verbal assualt on selected players before the tour, people preaching such techniques are back home and Ponting has no one to support. Symond let them down too fishing for trouble.

Its really going to be interesting as it progress. Lets wait for the final countdown.

India in Srilanka 2008 - Test Series

Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

First time when I read the proverb it dint have any impact .. tried it after the first test and it tingled my nerves, read it after second test match thought its non sense but after the third test match it did make lot of sense to me.

Preparations are inadequate in every quarter. Tight schedules where the schedule for practice matches are squeezed to fit the one day agenda. No proper training camps, no proper coaches, no proper selection ....... goes on and on ..

Mendis, wouldnt that word scare most of the batsmen around the world ? Ajantha Mendis, age 23, right arm slow/spin bowler .. dont really know what to call him but definetly this man has sent shock waves across the cricketing fraternity. His googlies and carrom ball have troubled batsmen who have been good at playing spin. The middle finger has worked magic for Mendis. He does not have to sledge the players by showing middle finger .. but when he uses the middle finger with the ball the players pledge their wickets.

AUSTRALIAN SERIES :: REALITY BITES

Surprised but glad that India troubled the Australians in Australia, things which has not happened atleast in the last 5 years. Australia were found wanting in every aspect of the game and India proved that once an invincible team is now a ordinary one. Sydney game did prove again that Australia would love to win at any cost, one trait of the team which breeds more enemies.

Kumble displayed character and handled the Sydney situation in a much matured way and proved that India is always willing to hold the spirit of the game ver high, Cricket is above all. There were lots of positive things from the series. Ishant showed that age is not a factor when you have got the basic right, Sachin proved yet again that lot of cricket is left in him and of course kumble the wicket taker. The CB Series is half way through .. none of the teams have really impressed .. but there are couple of individuals who have proved that they are ready for the next level.

Rohit Sharma

Young and talented right arm batsmen. Very happy that India is finding answers to the questions raised by absence of old warhorses - Dravid & Ganguly. Rohit has displayed in the CB Series that he can take the position in the middle order, his shot selection is good, fielding is good though not electrifying, running between the wickets is good and temperament is right for one Day games. Some of his cover drives proved that he has class. He will be good and consistent performer for India.

Ishant Sharma

Ishant's spell which left ponting search for covers says it all. Young and tall fast bowler which India always lacked. Run up and the actions looks very stable and nice. He can be a very good fast bowler for India provided he learns to keep himself fit and improves his physique. Fielding needs lots of improvement.

Rohit and Ishant have been a good find from the Australian series. Dhoni is proving well as Captain. He seems to be a cool customer with matured thinking. Has shouldered lots of responsibility as Captain. Future looks bright for Indian Cricket provided we nuture the right players give them long enough rope, maintain their fitness, rotate them and keep confidence high. Hope to see the young team perform well.

ALL THE BEST FOR YOUNG INDIAN TEAM

ENGLAND TOUR 2007 - SREESANTH MUST LEARN

Sreesanth has bowled well in patches. He must concentrate on bowling well and getting wickets consistently. Its nice to see agressive Sreesanth but there are limits. His bowling in the second test was below par and he needs to work on getting wickets consistently. Getting physical on the field by shoulder barging, a beamer and a no ball by over steping by a foot or two is unacceptable. Aussies are more verbal and are seldom physical. Sreesanth's behaviour was very evident and visible. He must take care to see that he does not go over board at the same time channel his aggression into good fast bowling. India need young aggressive bowlers like Sreesanth but he must learn to improvise and remain aggressive with the ball.

AGGRESSION NOT BACKED BY PERFORMANCE IS ARROGANCE and Sree must take care to see that he is not branded as arrogant. These things can affect the performance.

AGGRESSIVE INDIAN TEAM ! (IInd Test, Trent Bridge, Engand Tour)

I was personally very happy to see aggressive Indian Team on the field. There must be aggression backed by performance which the Indians did. Main reason for Aussies not being questioned on the sledging part is due to the fact that they cover it up with brilliant performance. That’s the reason people are quite when they are ill mouthed.

Zaheer showed the way for India. He dint bother about acting diplomatic and gave it back to the English players on the field. Videos confirmed that jelly beans were thrown on the batting crease as well as on Zaheer. But Zaheer reacted very well by showing the bat to Kevin Pieterson. And he followed it up with excellent bowling performance and not to take away any credit from RP Singh who also did well.

Only agonising factor was Sreesanth. I like his aggression but at time he over does it. And for the pathetic bowling in the second innings, aggression was not at all warranted. I don’t know whether the beamer was intentional but it did rattle Kevin Pieterson's concentration and he eventually got out in the very next over.

Ganguly was the father of aggressive reciprocation. Indian will have to be aggressive but must also performance like the way they did in the second test.

AGGRESSION NOT BACKED BY PERFORMANCE IS ARROGANCE

RAIN GOD HELPS INDIA - 1st TEST - LORDS

England started off very well, helped to some extent by an indiscplined bowling from Zaheer, Sreesanth & RP Singh. Infact Indian were lucky when part time bowler Sourav Ganguly picked the first wicket. Andrew Strauss played well for his 96, helped by composed innings from Vaughan. At one point of time 400 was a cake walk for England but Indian bowlers Sreesanth, Zaheer & RP Singh did very well to restrict Engand to 298 (Ist Innings).

Indian innings faced major setback when Dinesh Kartik and Rahul Dravid fell early for 5 & 2. Tendukar started off very well but fell to a normal ball from Anderson. Weakness in the Indian middle order was once again exposed by rookies of England. James Anderson & Sidebottom established that they are ready for the bigger league claiming 5 & 4 wickets respectively. Sachin, Rahul, Ganguly & Laxman failed to prove that experience matters. Once again Indian batting was powerful only on paper. India need to think about inducing some fresh & young players in a phased manner. Sachin, Rahul and Sourav are in the last lap of their international career and it would be in their interest to plan their retirement. Indications of the trio's era nearing its end is very visible.

England were in a very dominant position with the first innings lead of 97 runs. Kevin Pieterson was too good for the Indian Bowlers. He played a aggressive knock of 134 helped by quick knock of 42 runs from Matt Prior. England made 282 in their second innings setting a target of 380. KP gave England a healthy advantage - only three times has more than 380 been chased down in a Test.

Indian made a shaky start, Wasim Jaffer was removed by Anderson for 8. Karthik looked very determined not to give it away. Dravid was unlucky for having been adjudged leg before when he was struck outside the line of off stump. Tendulkar failed to read the straighter one from Monty Panesar and was out for 16. Tendulkars joins the mortals list. Kartik & Ganguly kept the spirits alive by holding the wickets at the close of fourth day. England removed Kartik & Ganguly pair early on the first session of fifth day. Laxman & Dhoni carried on wih decent partnership when Laxman was bowled by Tremlett for 39. A sensibe knock from Dhoni helped India reach till tea but wickets were tumbling on the other end. Five minutes before tea Mahendra Singh Dhoni, with a valiant 76 to his name, and Sreesanth were offered the light after surviving five overs against Monty Panesar and Michael Vaughan. Dhoni & Sreesanth who gleefully accepted.

Rain god helped India as play could not resume after tea and the match was abandoned. India escaped with close shave. India will have to bring in youngster as the truth is evident that Sachin, Rahul, Sourav, Laxman & Kumble are to old for the game.

EXPERIENCE CANNOT WIN MATCHES, ONLY PERFORMANCE CAN.

The English Tour 2007 - Reality Bug

A little introspection

1. Opening - Kartik seems to be a very determined player. A quality which is must for a opening batsmen especially in foreign conditions. He does have techinique to back his confidence and determination. On the contrary, Wasim Jaffer is a suspect in foreign conditions. He is more of sub-continent player .. that is where the ball does not move and bounce. I strongly feel he will be a suspect in English conditions too.

2. Middle Order - One of the fact that cannot be denied is that Indian middle order looks very strong on PAPER. The real test for middle order is when the openers fail early and I dont think there would be any arguements on the fact that off late our middle order has been vulnerable despite the presence of Sachin, Dravid, Sourav & Laxman. Of course we all will be looking forward to Sachin and Laxman who have done well in the past in foreign conditions. Rahul is best at no. 2. Now that Sachin is in some kind of form we can expect a decent performance from the middle order.

4. Pace Bowling - We will miss Ajit Agarkar. Agarkar has been a mystery for very long time but also been one of the player who has been lucky enough to receive consistent chances. He was very unfortunate to miss, he bowls well in conditions that favour swing bowling.

Zaheer bowls well and is performing consistently .. but is a suspect when the oppostions take the attack to him .. Rp Singh has decent speed .. but still lacks the potency .. Ishant Sharma is young .. he can be a surprise in English conditions .. dark horse.

5. Spin Bowling - No doubt Anil Kumble is the best .. time and again he has proved his worth and will be a good bowler to have. We are facing a young English Team. Though they have done reasonable well in the past they are inexperienced bunch compared to the amount of expereince India has got. I wish, hope and trust India use their expereince to keep the English Team under control. We have the potential .. only thing we need to believe ourselves.

ALL THE BEST INDIAN TEAM

India’s Tour of South Africa - Joy Short Lived

First ever test win in South Africa set high expectations from the Indian Team in the rest of the series. It was wonderful moment for the Indian cricket to win in South Africa after 12 years. Now India have won test against all the test playing nations, late though.

The joy was short lived when India squandered their chances to win the series. Indians had the psychological advantage of being 1 up in the 3 test series. India’s loss in Durban was not a surprise. Durban is one of the bouncy tracks in the world and the Indian players were always short of technique playing on the bouncy track. But the loss in Newlands, Capetown was really hurting. Blame it on the senior players who never really showed any courage or technique to counter attack the Proteas. Bowlers had done a wonderful job on the tour.

First Test – Potchesfroom - Johannesburg, SA

Indian’s had performed really well to turn the tables on South Africa. Santhakumaran Sreesanth bowled India to first ever test victory in South Africa. South Africa had no answers for the exceptionally good bowling performance. Sreesanth was able to move the ball off the seam consistently which won him laurels from the senior players like Allan Donald, Wasim Akram etc. Senior players Sachin, Sourav & Laxman had done well to complement the good bowling performance.

South Africa were reduced to 83 all out lowest ever total for South Africa. And South Africa could not recover from the shocking batting surrender. Sreesanth had taken his first ever 5 wickets haul. India deserved to be the winners.

Second Test – Kingsmead - Durban, SA

India never looked comfortable in Durban. And it was evident from the batting performances of the Indian players. Sehwag’s lack of application really dented the chance of a good opening partnership. Indian’s were two down by the end of the 5th over in both the innings. Never really looked convincing to face the pace and bounce.

India did fancy their chance of winning the test but for the batting performance. South Africans dominated the test. Ashwell Prince played well both in the first as well as second test. South Africa won the test without any tough fight from the Indian’s.

Third Test – Newlands – Capetown, SA

Though India had started off well making a first innings total of 414 they had lost their way in the final two days of the test. The efforts of Pollock & Boucher to reduce India’s first innings lead proved to be vital in the match. South Africa’s chances of winning the match would have been weak but for the partnership between Pollock & Boucher.

The pitch was conducive to spin which was shocking even to the South African team. The pitch suited the Indian players. It was really pathetic to see India struggle on the fourth day with none of the senior players showing any kind of courage. When Indian’s were two down very early Ganguly & Dravid played really well to bail India out of trouble. The scoring rate was very good and South Africa lost their hopes of winning the test. But one poor shot from Sourav Ganguly triggered the South African bowling rifles. Sachin & Dravid struggled to counter attack allowing the South African bowlers to settle down. Sachin was struggling at the crease. This was a crucial period in the second innings where the South African started to dominate. And to add to the India’s plight Laxman ran himself out. Time would be a waste commenting about Virender Sehwag’s batting form.

India had spilt a great as well as rare chance to win a series away from home.

Take Aways – SA Tour

1. Sreesanth proved that he had the ability and talent to become India’s spearhead. He had showed character, commitment & aggression which was absent in almost all the fast bowlers India had produced.

2. Zaheer Khan – Made a good comeback. Bowling as well as his fitness has improved tremendously. With the world cup around the corner India has found answers in the bowling department.

3. Sourav Ganguly – proved that there is lot of cricket left in him. He showed the courage, commitment & technique to face the South African challenge. He was written off prematurely and everybody started to spread the wrong message that it was end of the road for Sourav. But such difficult time strengthens the mental stamina. And Sourav proved every one wrong with his bat.

4. Dinesh Karthik – Had showed lot of character. He played really well in the last test for his 63 & 38 n.o. He had done well behind the stumps as well. Dhoni cannot afford to be complacent else he might lose his place as a keeper.

Lessons Learnt – SA Tour

1. Never rely on a single player in the name of match winner. Virender Sehwag should be made to sit out like Zaheer, Ganguly, Irfan Pathan, Mohammed Kaif & Suresh Raina. He will learn the lesson which Zaheer & Sourav have mastered.

2. Never trust a bowler completely when he declares himself fit to play. Munaf Patel ruined India’s chances by declaring himself fit but struggled to bowl well in the final test. Harbhajan would have taken his place and the equation would have been different.

3. Never underestimate the prowess of player like Dinesh Karthik, Sourav Ganguly etc.

BENGAL TIGER .. ROARS

Hiyoooeeee .. India has won the first test in Johannesburg, South Africa. Very very happy moment for the Indian Cricket as well as for Rahul as captain. First Test victory in South Africa in the history of Indian Cricket. India was going through a very bad phase but with this win everything looks to be over. India played like champions. Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, Zaheer Khan & Sreesanth showed the perseverance pays rich dividends.

Sourav Ganguly played like a hero. He proved that the layoff was due to politics and not permanent lack of form. Sourav looked calm composed but very determined within. The determination was evident. Sourav Ganguly knew that he had to perform to put and end to questions about his abilities. Infact only when player are made to sit out they realise the importance of domestic cricket, fitness as well as nets. Sourav Ganguly is no exception. The long lay off has indeed brought the fighting spirits within Sourav Ganguly.

In the first test against South Africa he started nervously but was very determined not to give it away. The team needed him to bat. And dada showed that he could face any kind of oposition with his gritty knock of unbeaten 51. He had to hang around with the lower order, received adequate support from VRV Singh. He played well in the second innings as well but the innings dint last long. The fond memories of the match will last long in the minds of fans. He proved that he is a hero. This is just the begining and Sourav knows that he will have to perform consistently to capture what he had lost.

Hope & pray that he continues to do so in future as well.

DREAM TEAM - WORLD CUP

The dream team for World Cup would be –

1. Sachin Tendulkar
2. Virendar Sehwag
3. Rahul Dravid
4. Sourav Ganguly
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. (Surprise Inclusion or if there is no choice Mohammed Kaif)
7. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
8. Irfan Pathan
9. Munaf Patel
10. Zaheer Khan/Ajit Agarkar/Sreesanth
12. Harbhajan Singh/Anil Kumble

World Cup should be India’s goal though current series is important. India should start playing these 11 players in their quest to prepare for the world cup. These players should not be disturbed irrespective of their form till World Cup. With just few months to go the strategy should be to give confidence to the playing eleven. And try to work strategy around them. India can look at rotating the positions rather than players.

Sachin & Sehwag can open the batting, Ganguly will not be a bad choice, given his lack of match practice chances will be against rather than for opening. Rahul Dravid will be the best one down player. Dravid would be the ideal choice when openers fail early. Ganguly will be the idea batsmen at two down. If these four can play up to 35 – 40th over that would be the ideal situation India would like to be in. Then Yuvraj can force the pace to be followed by Dhoni & Pathan. Both Dhoni & Pathan can hit the ball hard. Millions in India are praying for Yuvraj’s timely recovery for the World Cup.

In the bowling department Munaf would be the undoubted choice for opening the bowling. Sreesanth has proved that he can be a force to reckon with by taking 8 wickets in the opening test in Johannesburg. The new ball can be shared by Zaheer/Sreesanth. Bhajji/kumble will handle the middle overs and sachin/yuvraj/Veeru may have to fill the fifth bowler quota. If the situation warrants fifth bowler India can opt for Harbhajan/Kumble.

Areas of Improvements

1. India will have to understand that one day cricket is about picking singles and conversion of 1 to 2 to 3. Boundaries & Six should be based on bowling/bowler.
2. Fielding needs improvement, fielders must attack the ball and throw needs to be really quick i.e release of the ball.
3. Mid over bowlers must concentrate on containing runs rather than wicket. When the runs are chocked batsmen tend to make mistakes.
4. New ball bowlers must concentrate on wickets & also containment. The use of power play takes a very critical role. When the opponents are scoring at faster pace power play may be avoided to contain the runs flow and to reduce the tempo.
5. Bowling to the field must be strictly adhered. Opponent show no mercy when it comes to silly bowling like bowling on the leg stump when the fine leg is within the inner circle.

India will have to set aside the loss in One Day and understand that they are a capable team. India has proved to be strong team on many occasions but not when it was desperately required. First ever test victory in South Africa has given India the required morale boost to fight.

We have SACHIN the world best player we have DRAVID our great wall we have SOURAV our tiger .. we have BHAJJI one of the best off spinners .. we have what’s required .. thing is we are not really serious about winning .. we lack the killer instinct .. winning is everything but in the right way.

GOOD LUCK … INDIAN WORLD CUP TEAM.

KEEP THE FAITH.

DOWN THE MEMORY LANE - WORLDCUP

1975 WORLD CUP, Venue: ENGLAND

General: Two qualifying groups of four, playing each other once in 60-over matches; top two in each group progressed to semi-finals; 15 matches in all. For the first time in the history of Cricket One Day games were introduced. Each team had to play 60 over per match.

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Srilanka & East Africa.

Semi-finals: West Indies Vs New Zealand and Australia Vs England,

Finals: West Indies Vs Australia.

West Indies had scored 291 for 8. Clive Lloyds had scored 102 (12*4, 2*6). Australia looked out at 233 for 9 but good batting from the last pair Jeff Thomson & Lillee brought them closer to 18 runs short of victory. Finally Australia was all out for 274.

West Indies had won the 1975 World Cup.

1979 WORLD CUP, Venue: ENGLAND

Format: Two groups played the preliminary round, Ind-NZ-SL-WI and Aus-Can-Eng-Pak, with the top two teams in each advancing to the semi-finals.

General: The minor teams emerged from a qualifying competition - the inaugural ICC Trophy, won by Sri Lanka.

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Canada & Srilanka.

Semi-finals: England Vs New Zealand and West Indies Vs Pakistan.

Finals: West Indies Vs England

West Indies had scored 286 for 9. Viv Richards & Collis King Stole the show. Richards made a brilliant century 138 & Collies King made quick 86 of 66 balls. England started very cautiously with the opening pair adding 129. Then at one stage they looked strong 183 for 2 but a fiery spell from geol Garner 5 for 38 destroyed the batting line up and England ended up at 194 all out.

West Indies had won the 1979 World Cup.


1983 WORLD CUP, Venue: ENGLAND

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe & Srilanka.

Semi-finals: England Vs India and West Indies Vs Pakistan.

Finals: West Indies Vs India

West Indies were the favorites. India having chosen to bat first could manage only 183. Srikanth was the top scorer with 38 runs. West Indies were very confident with the celebration being premature at 50 for 1. Madan Lal & Jimmy Amarnath bowled exceptionally well to keep the Windies in check. Viv Richards at one stage looked very dangerous but a very good catch from kapil Dev sent him back. And with the fall of Clive Lloyds, Gomes, Bacchus, Dujon Indian victory was certain.

India had won the 1983 World Cup.

1987 WORLD CUP, Venue: India & Pakistan

General: As in 1983 but, due to the shorter daylight hours on the subcontinent, games were 50 overs per innings, not 60. There was an attempt to cheer up disappointed crowds by staging a third-place play-off between Pakistan and India, but the star players demanded too much.

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe & Srilanka.

Semi-finals: England Vs India and Australia Vs Pakistan.

Finals: Australia Vs England

Australia had scored 253, David Boon making 75. But with Gatting in command, their 253 seemed very gettable. England were struggling from Gatting’s down fall. Mike Gatting had made 58. England could score only 246 in their allotted 50 Overs.

Australia had won the 1987 World Cup.

1992 WORLD CUP, Venue: Australia & New Zealand

General: Four big changes 1) Coloured clothing, with names on the back. 2) Floodlights for most of the 36 games. 3) The white ball: in fact two of them, one at each end (so they didn't get too grubby), which meant they swung prodigiously. 4) The fielding circle rules were refined, allowing only two men outside the ring in the first 15 overs. After that, it was as before: a minimum of four inside the circle.

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, Republic of South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Srilanka.

Semi-finals: England Vs South Africa and New Zealand Vs Pakistan.

Finals: Pakistan Vs England
Imran Khan & Javed Miandad helped Pakistan overcome the initial hiccups. Imran Khan and Javed Miandad made 72 and 58 as Pakistan recovered to 249 for 6. England were soon 69 for 4 (Botham 0), and when Neil Fairbrother (62) and Allan Lamb (31) launched a recovery. But Akram’s bowling ensured victory for Pakistan. Pakistan won by 22 runs.

Pakistan had won the 1992 World Cup.

1996 WORLD CUP, Venue: India, Pakistan & Srilanka

General: Two qualifying groups of six: each team played the other five in its group to determine the quarter-finalists. In other words, it took 30 matches to eliminate Zimbabwe and the three minnows, then seven more to reduce the remaining Test nations to one winner.

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, Republic of South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Zimbabwe and Srilanka.

Semi-finals: India Vs Srilanka and Australia Vs West Indies

Finals: Australia Vs Srilanka

Australia had made 241 in their 50 overs for loss of 7 wickets. Aravinda De Silva had dominated the World Cup final with his score of 107 not out, taken three wickets and two catches. Australian never looked like defending 241, excessive due & poor fielding adding to their woes.

Srilanka had won the 1996 World Cup.

1999 WORLD CUP, Venue: England

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Scotland, Zimbabwe, Srilanka and Kenya.

Semi-finals: New Zealand Vs Pakistan and Australia Vs South Africa

Finals: Australia Vs Pakistan

Pakistan had struggled with very poor performance by their top order the highest individual score was by Ijaz Ahmed 22 which was less than extras 25. Pakistan had made 132 in 39 overs. It was a cake walk for Australia. Mark Waugh & Adam Gilchrist made 37 & 54. Ponting & Lehmann finished the match. It was a convincing victory for Aussies.

Australia had won the 1999 World Cup.

2003 WORLD CUP, Venue: South Africa

Teams Participated: India, West Indies, England, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Namibia, Netherlands, Zimbabwe, Srilanka and Kenya.

Semi-finals: Australia Vs Srilanka and India Vs Kenya

Finals: Australia Vs India

Australia made 359 in the allotted 50 over with ponting leading the show with his unbeaten 140, followed by Damien Martyn 88. India was under tremendous pressure to chase 359. India never looked in control. Loss was inevitable. Only exception was the batting of Sehwag who had made 82.
Australia had won the 2003 World Cup.

2007 WORLD CUP, Venue: West Indies

General: World Cup starts from the March 18th and the finals will be played on April 28th. Group Stage matches starts on 13th and runs till 25th March. Eight team will advance from the Group Stage Match to the second stage between March 27 and April 21 to play the Super 8 Matches. The four best teams will combat in the Semi-Finals, on April 24 and April 25. The winners will be at their best in performance to prove their identity on April 28.

World Cup 2007 Schedule Available at - http://docs.google.com/View?docid=dd3ct6qx_1f95cvt

INDIA'S FIRST TWENTY20 MATCH

Those wondering what Twenty20 Cricket is all about and how is it different from the normal One Day Game -

A Twenty20 Cricket Match is played like any other One Day game with moderate variations in the rules. Twenty20 Cricket was first played in English domestic cricket in 2003 to popularise first-class cricket and attract more spectators to the game.

Twenty20 Cricket Rules

1. Twenty overs per side.
2. Bowlers are restricted to 4 overs each.
3. Fielding restrictions in the first six overs - 2 fielders outside circle with a minimum of two stationary fielders.
4. Fielding restrictions for overs 7-20 - maximum five fielders allowed outside of circle.
5. A 'no-ball' is worth 2 runs, and the batsman gets a free hit after a no-ball.
6. Each side has just 80 minutes to get through their 20 overs. There is 15 minutes between innings.
7. There are run penalties for each over which hasn't been bowled in the allocated time.
8. The next batsman has 90 second after the fall of a wicket to get to the crease.

Rules of the game will undergo change as it is just evolving. India will be playing their Twenty20 Cricket Match for the first time against South Africa. This will be an entertainment for the Indian Team which is low on morale. Couple of good inning from key players could make a world of difference.

TIGER ON THE PROWL

It was a very happy moment for the Indian Cricket lovers when the selectors announced the test team. Surprisingly the selectors have included Sourav Ganguly in the test squad. More than the form it was personal scores settled between the selection committee and Sourav Ganguly. When the pressure came from Pawar on Sourav Ganguly's inclusion selection committee had to accept.

Leaving the politics aside lets pray for Sourav Ganguly's form. Sourav Ganguly needs to grab this opportunity and prove his abilities. The axe is hanging on Ganguly's head.. decent innings would cement a place for him in One Day Squad as well.

Personally I am very happy.. cos India needs him very badly .. given the current form of Indian side ganguly can definitely make a good difference. And if it can happen before World Cup preparations.. India can turn the tables on the best teams.

SA lead in Kingsmead .. India Bleeds.

It was horrendous start for the Indians in South Africa. Winning and losing are part of the game but the margin by which India lost to South Africa cast some doubts on India’s potential in the World Cup. Kingsmead proved to be too good for the Indian batsmen. None of the batsmen looked in touch except Sachin Tendulkar. Kaif gave a feel that he is going to play the anchor role .. balls consumed gave a wrong impression that he was trying to settle .. but the way he got out .. no one can save him .. he has been very lucky to get chances more than what he deserved.

Jaffer’s inclusion in the side was a BIG surprise .. he was a wrong choice for the One Day .. he should only play Test Matches. Dilip Vengsarkar showed what he could do with his post .. confirmed by Jaffer’s inclusion in the One Day Team.

Another surprise .. be it poor captaincy .. including two innings builders in the playing eleven .. Dinesh Mongia & Kaif .. apart from skipper Rahul Dravid. Suresh Raina does not deserve any mercy .. he does not posses technique to play quality bowling .. he is just a luggage in the Indian Team.

Only consolation was the performance of Indian bowlers. Indian Bowlers had done well to restrict SA for 248. Munaf patel of late has been bowling very well. It was a decent come back for Zaheer. And Ajit did manage to bowl well but for his last two over, he was hammered for 25. Sachin did well with the ball as well.

Jacques Kallis had played very patiently for his 119. It was a very matured innings from Kallis. And other batsmen of the South African side did pitch in with useful knock. Andrew Nel stole the show with his fiery spell .. getting 4 wickets for meager 13 runs. The match belonged to South Africa.

All the World Cup contestants have finalized their 14 member squad. India is still struggling to figure out permanent members of the team for the World Cup.

WORD POWER .. MADE - AUSSIE

Australians were the pioneers in making use of WORD POWER on the field, popularly known as "SLEDGING".

Definition of SLEDGING

Sledging is a term used in cricket when a player employs words or phrases targeted at an opponent with the intention of destabilising or provocating the latter into making a mistake. Sledging per se, is a Breaking the Flow technique of Gamesmanship. It is usually a one sided "comment", often insulting and meant to "psyche out" the targeted opponent. The practice applies almost entirely to cricket due to the way the game is played, with the isolated batsman being the target of the opposing bowler and fielders, in most cases, since a single mistake can be fatal to batsman's innings.

When nothing worked well for the AUSSIES on the field they used word power to bail them out of trouble.

Some of the classic confrontations:

Ricky Ponting & Shaun Pollock

After going past the outside edge with a couple of deliveries, Pollock told Ponting: "It's red, round & weighs about 5 ounces." Unfortunately for Pollock, the next ball was hammered out of the ground..

Ponting to Pollock: "you know what it looks like, now go find it."

Glenn McGrath v Eddo Brandes

McGrath was bowling to the Zimbabwe number 11 - who was unable to get his bat anywhere near the ball.
McGrath, frustrated that Brandes was still at the crease, wandered up during one particular over and inquired: "Why are you so fat?"
Quick as a flash, Brandes replied: "Because every time I make love to your wife, she gives me a biscuit."
Even the Aussie slip fielders were in hysterics.


Ian Healy's legendary comment

Picked up by the Channel 9 microphones when Arjuna Ranatunga called for a runner on a particularly hot night during a one dayer in Sydney... "You don't get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat c**t!!!"

Merv Hughes v Robin Smith

Smith played and missed while facing Hughes in the 1989 Lord's Test between England and Australia.
Hughes, never short of a word or two, told the Hampshire star: "You can't f***ing bat, mate."
Smith then smashed the next ball to the boundary and replied: "Hey Merv, we make a fine pair.
"I can't f***ing bat and you can't f***ing bowl."

Rod Marsh & Ian Botham

When Botham took guard in an Ashes match, Marsh welcomed him to the wicket with the immortal words: "So how's your wife & my kids?"


Merv Hughes v Javed Miandad

The big fella popped up again with another classic, this time in the 1991 Adelaide Test against Pakistan.
Hughes was less than impressed when Javed called him a "fat bus conductor" as the pair squared up to one another.
A few balls later, Hughes got his man and as Javed walked past, could not resist shouting "Tickets, please!"


Daryll Cullinan & Shane Warne

As Cullinan was on his way to the wicket, Warne told him he had been waiting 2 years for another chance to humiliate him. "Looks like you spent it eating," Cullinan retorted.

The cricketing world is divided on whether the practice amounts to poor sportsmanship or it is just good humoured banter.

RAWALPINDI EXPRESS ..... DERAILED !

Shoaib Akhtar has been tested positive for banned drug NANDROLONE. Its been a usual story for people tested positive for drug .. they were innocent .. dint know that they were taking drugs .. was recommended by a doctor .. hard to believe these stories.

This is not the first instance for Shoaib .. already twice he was tested positive for banned drug. Pakistan Board was very smart in rushing to declare the ban. As Shoaib's drug abuse was getting apparent .. and it was just matter of time .. before it would get exposed.

A two year ban would mean end of the career for Shoaib. But two year is too less for the intention to cheat. I cant imagine the mental state of bowlers who are so genuine in their attempt to bowl fast when they hear about drug abuse. Ajit Agarkar, Irfan Pathan, RP Singh, VRV Singh & Munaf Patel .. 140 - 145 kmph is ideal and the best one can bowl with genuine action and without drugs.

Hope the spirit of the game is kept alive.

RAWALPINDI EXPRESS .. Derailed. Casualty - Shoaib Akhtar.

THE LITTLE MASTER

This post is dedicated to one of the legend of Indian Cricket .. its none other than the little genius .. little master.. SACHIN TENDULKAR. The name strikes terror on the hearts of the bowlers. Sachin has been my idol for ages .. I just love his cricket .. the style .. the elegance .. the commitment .. I just love everything about Sachin Tendulkar.

Sachin was born on 24th April, 1973 in mumbai. Sachin's passion for cricket was identified at a very early age by his brother, who was instrumental in Sachin joining coach Mr. Ramakant Achrekar. It was Archrekar's effort to mould Sachin into a power packed technically sound batsmen.

Sachin's prowess as batsmen came into lime light after his 664 run partnership with his childhood friend Vinod Kambli for third wicket in a school match Sharadashram Vs St. Xavier's School. Sachin had scored 326 not out. Sachin was selected to play for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy Criket when he was in his ninth grade.

The greatest thing to have happened was when sachin got the opportunity to play under the Indian Cap for the Test at 16 Years & 205 days. He was the youngest test player in the history of Indian Cricket. No looking back since then ...

Gist of his achievements :

1. Scored his first test century at the age of 17 years and 112 days.
2. He made his first class debut at the age of 15 and scored a century on debut.
3. At the age of just 16 years and 205 days, he became the youngest player to play at the test level for India against Pakistan at Karachi.
4. Youngest batsmen to score 1,000 run in Tests at an age of 19 Years & 217 Days, during his 4th Test century during 1992/93 in Johannesburg.

5. He was the first ever-overseas player to play for Yorkshire.
6. The first batsman in the history of ODI cricket to score 10,000 runs.
7. Hold the record for maximum centuries in ODI's surpassing Desmond Haynes record of 17. Currently stands at 40.
8. Scoring 20th century in ODI's against Zimbabwe he broke the record for the maximum centuries in International cricket (ODI + Test), ie, 36 in total. He crossed Viv Richards and Sunil Gavaskar's record of 35 centuries in International cricket combined.

9. 2nd November 1999, Sachin scored his first test double hundred. (217 Vs New Zealand).
10. 8th November 1999, Sachin scored his highest One Day International score of 186 n.o against New Zealand beating his previous best of 143. Sachin's score of 186 n.o is the higest score by an Indian in One Day Cricket, beating Ganguly's 183. Incidentally during his knock of 186n.o, the partnership with Dravid for 331 was highest for any wicket in the history of One Day Cricket.

Sachin's Career Record

ODI - Matches - 370, Runs - 14,444, HS - 186*, Avg - 44.3, S/R - 85.75, 100's - 40, 50's - 73.
Test - Matches - 132, Runs - 10469, HS - 248*, Avg - 55.39, S/R - , 100's - 35, 50's - 41.

Oooh .. phew .. massive record by any means. Sachin's record, reminds of a scene in Jurassic Park i.e when Sam Neill looks at the massive creature (Dinosaur) with astonishment.

Sachin Tendulkar is our treasure. We need to preserve the treasure than debate about his temporary loss of form. The worst treatment in his whole career was given by the Mumbaikars .. when they booed him.. atrocious .. atrocious .. inexcusable.

Wish Sachin plays .. plays .. and keeps playing forever .. wish he is immortal .. so that we all can enjoy his cricket forever. Its getting too senti .. would like to end this post with the Don Bradman's quote -

"I asked my wife to come look at him ... now I never saw myself play, but I feel that this fellow is playing much the same as I used to play, and she looked at him on the television and said yes, there is a similarity between the two .... I can't explain it in detail. To me it's his compactness, his technique, his stroke production, it all seemed to gel as far as I was concerned ... that was how I felt."

OOH ... AAH .. INDIA !!

WORLD CUP is around the corner. And the Indian team have packed their bags for the tour to South Africa. Very unfortunate that I have returned from South Africa in May 2006 after a stint of year and half. Unlucky to miss the cricket action in South Africa.

Instead of debating on what went wrong with the Indian side I feel we must support the Indian team so that the performance ahead would get better. Champions Trophy was an alarm bell for the complacent Indian Team. Time is a crucial factor. There is hardly four months left for the Indian team to recover and bounce back. Already there doubts over Yuvaraj's presence in the World Cup squad. Lets forget what has happened and look into the future with optimism.

South African Tour - The selector have imposed their faith on Wassim Jaffer as opener. There were few lucky ones, despite their poor performance in the Champions Trophy have managed to retain their position in the Indian side. Rest there is no change.

Wish Dravid & Co make good use of the opportunity in South Africa and re-impose the faith in their abilities brushing aside the criticisms.

JAAGO INDIA !

Aussie .. Just take it easy !

It was a wonderful moment for the Australian Cricket when they won the Champions Trophy .. it was unconquered fort for the Aussies. The happiness of the Australian Team was evident from their smiles.

But in the process they had forgot the basic manners .. courtesy etc when they pushed Mr Sharad Pawar from the dais. Intentional or unintentional is not the point of discussion .. the question is whether they were right in doing so ?

Will any of the Australian remain silent when it happens to their people .. I cant Imagine what would happen when commentators like Richie Benaud, Dean Jones, Mark Taylor are pushed out when they are at the presentation party. The Australian press would have blown up the issue.

Hope & wish that Australians learn that winning is not everything.

TAKE IT EASY GUYS.

THERE IS GOD THEN THERE IS GANGULY

I think many of us will remember this famous quotes .. these were from Rahul Dravid.

After seeing Ganguly perform in matches after matches for India in the One Day Arena it was heart breaking to see his new PEPSI Advertisement where he introduced himself ..

I think Ganguly deserves more respect & chance that what has been extended. He was the first Indian player to be a very authoritative captain. Back the memory lane .. recollect the Australian tour to India where he gave the shit back to Steve Waugh after Steve Waugh had commented a lot on India's Potential in the media. He was the first Indian captain to show some kind of courage when it comes to fighting Aussies on and off the field.

Some of the player (Mohamed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag & Harbhajan Singh) who have been part of the indian team despite their consistent poor performance were protected by Ganguly when he was the captain .. infact they were learning to walk in Cricket .. ganguly had given them protection and shelter at his own expense .. the board rated him as arrogant .. cos he never let them touch the players.

He was the first India Captain to force the board for what he wanted rather than what was given to him. And had the courage to speak about some of the negative things about the board as well as the coach.

Let me renew your memory with the records of GANGULY :

One Day - 279 Matches, 10,123 Runs, 40.65 Avg, 22 - 100's, 60 - 50's
Test - 88 Matches, 5,221 Runs, 40.78 Avg, 12 - 100's, 25 - 50's

I feel that this is a massive record for a person who had limitation when it comes to playing on the ON SIDE. In both forms of cricket he averages more than 40. What else does the board require ? He has adequate experience .. to handle any situation in Cricket.

He should be part of the One Day Sqad for South African tour as well as the WORLD CUP. Fresh stat - Ganguly has hammered an unbeaten 118 for East Zone against North Zone in a first-class Duleep Trophy match at Guwahati (7th Nov 06).

Being true lover of Indian Cricket I can never forget the contributions of Sourav Ganguly .. DADA indeed you are great, WE MISS YOU.

If people like Virendar Sehwag, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Mongia, Mohammed Kaif etc can exist without any form, class or record .. then there no question about Ganguly's existence in the team.

"WE WANT DADA BACK IN THE TEAM."