Anybody who witnessed the test matches played in the recent weeks, would not dare to say that test cricket is starting to lose its prominence .From Sydney to Cape Town the action was simply spectacular. Undeniably it was a mind boggling, nerve racking contest, by the time the matches concluded, the majority of spectators had lost some chunk of their nails.
It was a thrilling contest between bat and ball thanks to a flawless pitch, which played true all through the course of five days. The batsmen were able to score runs comfortably, concurrently the bowlers too got some purchase from the deck. Much credit has to be ascribed to the groundsmen, who did a brilliant job.
Both the venues attracted a large number of spectators, who got their money’s worth. The Sydney test match saw some rearguard action from the Pakistanis, who were on the lookout for some retribution, as they were annihilated by the Aussies in the first test match. The Pakistanis dominated the Aussies for the first four days, but enigmatically squandered the opportunity and ended up on the losing end, yet again displaying their volatility. In contrast to this, the Australians once again showcased their tenacity and competitiveness. The SCG for now has seen three close finishes in three successive years.
Over in Cape Town much was expected from the hosts the South Africans who were trailing the English since their shocking defeat in Durban. The Proteas arrived in Cape Town under enormous pressure from their home fans, it was an ideal venue for the Proteas to square the series having fond memories of the ground. Unfortunately the home side was once again robbed of a win, as they were in Centurion. Sadly for the South Africans Graeme Onions once again stood between them and a much needed victory. The South Africans as a whole nation were dejected and grief-stricken. Smith and his men must be wondering as to why is this game being so cruel to them time and again. At the end of it all cricket and more importantly test cricket was the winner.
These closely contested matches proved once again, that test cricket can be so wonderful. The crowd too poured into the ground in large numbers, it’s a clear sign that test cricket is in good stead.
Despite all this there is a lot of talk about the future of this format. The cricketing boards, the former and current players are all unsure about the eminence of the game. The MCC and the ICC are contemplating about making rapid amendments to the format. There have been talks of introducing day-night test matches, the usage of pink ball is also taken into consideration. Yes all possible ways are being tried to preserve test cricket, but is there an absolute necessity to change the rules in the first place, do we need to go against the tradition which has been there for about 130 years?
Clearly the countries outside the sub-continent aren’t facing too much of a problem with the format, the reason I say that is because of the quality of pitches they provide. The problem arises only, if the pitch is not a sportive one. The flat batting paradise wickets in the sub-continent are the ones that make test cricket monotonous. To a great extent the BCCI, PCB, and SLC are responsible for not giving top precedence to test cricket. They seem to be shying away from their responsibilities. There is too much emphasis on 20-20 cricket, both in the international and domestic front. Instant Money from T20 is making these boards go away from their objectives.
Yes it’s sad that the Pakistani fans can’t watch their heroes at home, but it’s very vital for the PCB to arrange sufficient tests when they tour abroad, The BCCI too needs to fit in at lot more tests in the years calendar. The cricketing boards and the ICC need to relook at the FTP (Future Tour Programme) and look to add more tests in the future. Squeezing a test match here and there in an already cramped schedule is not going to resolve matters.
For the moment though let’s enjoy and cherish the exhilarating moments that test cricket is still providing us with, and wish that the administrators don’t go against the tradition, and above all they put together more number of test matches in their itinerary in time to come, because quite honestly this will enable the format to hold its own in the future.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mystery continues to surround Pakistan cricket
After being overwhelmed by the Aussies in the first test in Melbourne, the Pakistanis were desperate to bounce back in the New Year’s test match at the Sydney cricket ground. Historically the pitch at the SCG has always been conducive to the sub - continent teams, in that regard the Australians were wary of a Pakistani backlash.
As Ricky Ponting got the call of the coin right he chose to bat first, which was a brave decision, as the conditions were overcast and the wicket also had a tinge of grass to assist the seamers.
The decision to bat first soon backfired, as Mohammad Sami &Mohammad Asif ran through the Australian batting order reducing the total to a paltry score of 127. In reply the Pakistani openers laid a strong foundation for the batsman to follow, the middle order capitalized on the start and went on to get a respectable score of 333.
The Australians batted with more purpose in their second innings, as they were facing a colossal deficit of 206 runs. Opener Shane Watson made a dazzling 97 to give the innings the required impulsion. The Aussies were breathing easy, but, as we all know Crickets a funny game. As it turned out to be the Aussies lost 5 wickets for not much in quick succession with a lead of only 50, which was inadequate at that point leaving the Aussies in a big hole.
In a remarkable turn of events Michael Hussey and tail - ender Peter Siddle added on 123 runs for the 9th wicket stretching the lead to 175 which was not a winning total by any means, but certainly a competitive one, leaving the Pakistanis 176 to get for the win.
Inexplicably the Pakistanis allowed the Australians to get away. Mohammad Yousuf the Pakistani captain was sluggish, defensive and reluctant to take any risk, as a result he played into the Australian hands. The advantage was soon frittered.
The Pakistanis were confident of the chase, the Aussies too fancied their chances.
Again the openers started solidly, but his time the middle order failed to consolidate. Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah got out playing a reckless short .The Pakistanis were tottering at 77for 5, having to get another 99 runs for victory. Now the Pakistanis were banking on the Akmal brothers to see them home, but, worse was to follow, a brain damage from Umar Akmal and the tail resulted in Pakistan getting bundled out for 139.
In the end it was a meek surrender by the Pakistanis falling short by 36 runs.
Yet again the Pakistanis continue to leave its viewers dumfounded.
Now who is to be blamed for this embarrassing loss?
Was it the captain’s fault that he allowed the game to drift. Did complacency creep in to the Pakistani camp as it has so often managed to, Or was the test match cricket pressure a bit too much to handle for the young Pakistani side?
Whatever the reason, this has been the story of Pakistan cricket for a long time. It’s so infuriating to a see a team with such abundance of talent lose a match in such fashion. How can a team lose after having dominated four days in a row? Time and again they have found themselves snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Clearly there is no dearth of ability, but still they panic and choke at the crucial juncture, which leads to their downfall.
It’s sad that the captain has to bear the brunt of the loss, but a captain is always as good as his team. The experienced players have to lead by example. And for a moment spare a thought for Mohammad Asif who bowled his heart out on the first morning. He must be absolutely devastated.
It’s time that every individual from the team steps up and takes responsibility rather than pointing fingers at others. And making sure that the next time a similar situation arises they are able to cross the line.
As Ricky Ponting got the call of the coin right he chose to bat first, which was a brave decision, as the conditions were overcast and the wicket also had a tinge of grass to assist the seamers.
The decision to bat first soon backfired, as Mohammad Sami &Mohammad Asif ran through the Australian batting order reducing the total to a paltry score of 127. In reply the Pakistani openers laid a strong foundation for the batsman to follow, the middle order capitalized on the start and went on to get a respectable score of 333.
The Australians batted with more purpose in their second innings, as they were facing a colossal deficit of 206 runs. Opener Shane Watson made a dazzling 97 to give the innings the required impulsion. The Aussies were breathing easy, but, as we all know Crickets a funny game. As it turned out to be the Aussies lost 5 wickets for not much in quick succession with a lead of only 50, which was inadequate at that point leaving the Aussies in a big hole.
In a remarkable turn of events Michael Hussey and tail - ender Peter Siddle added on 123 runs for the 9th wicket stretching the lead to 175 which was not a winning total by any means, but certainly a competitive one, leaving the Pakistanis 176 to get for the win.
Inexplicably the Pakistanis allowed the Australians to get away. Mohammad Yousuf the Pakistani captain was sluggish, defensive and reluctant to take any risk, as a result he played into the Australian hands. The advantage was soon frittered.
The Pakistanis were confident of the chase, the Aussies too fancied their chances.
Again the openers started solidly, but his time the middle order failed to consolidate. Mohammad Yousuf and Misbah got out playing a reckless short .The Pakistanis were tottering at 77for 5, having to get another 99 runs for victory. Now the Pakistanis were banking on the Akmal brothers to see them home, but, worse was to follow, a brain damage from Umar Akmal and the tail resulted in Pakistan getting bundled out for 139.
In the end it was a meek surrender by the Pakistanis falling short by 36 runs.
Yet again the Pakistanis continue to leave its viewers dumfounded.
Now who is to be blamed for this embarrassing loss?
Was it the captain’s fault that he allowed the game to drift. Did complacency creep in to the Pakistani camp as it has so often managed to, Or was the test match cricket pressure a bit too much to handle for the young Pakistani side?
Whatever the reason, this has been the story of Pakistan cricket for a long time. It’s so infuriating to a see a team with such abundance of talent lose a match in such fashion. How can a team lose after having dominated four days in a row? Time and again they have found themselves snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Clearly there is no dearth of ability, but still they panic and choke at the crucial juncture, which leads to their downfall.
It’s sad that the captain has to bear the brunt of the loss, but a captain is always as good as his team. The experienced players have to lead by example. And for a moment spare a thought for Mohammad Asif who bowled his heart out on the first morning. He must be absolutely devastated.
It’s time that every individual from the team steps up and takes responsibility rather than pointing fingers at others. And making sure that the next time a similar situation arises they are able to cross the line.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Asking Jayasuriya to bat down the order is not worth a gamble
Very few sportsmen in the world today carry on playing at the age of 40, particularly in Cricket, wherein the schedule is so demanding. Sanath Jayasuriya is one of the few exceptions around, It requires a lot of courage, determination & most importantly the hunger & zeal towards the sport.
Yes the body has its own story to tell at the age of 40, yet the man from Matara continues to play the game with the same intensity. The slash over the point still travels to the advertising boards like a tracer bullet, the pickup shot still gets effortlessly deposited into the stands, and the match winning ability with the bat isn’t dwindling either.
Despite all the accomplishments and credentials questions have been raised on the presence of Jayasuriya in the Sri Lankan scheme of things. Many feel perhaps it’s time for Jayasuriya to pass on the torch to a young prodigy in the country. But are they drawing curtains on Sanath a bit too early, hang on the man is still delivering on a consistent note. Probably the question that everyone needs to ask is, whether there is anybody in Sri Lanka to fill the big boots of Sanath? Let’s face it it’s not easy to replace Sanath. So for how long can the man continue playing?
To make matters worse for Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan management has asked him to step down the batting order to provide more stability to the team. Although the position is not new for Sanath, as he started off his career in the middle order. But it’s hard to comprehend such a move, simply because the man has been more prolific opening the batting for Sri Lanka, and his records speaks volumes of his ability at the top.
Now is the move to bat Jayasuriya down the order justified? Apparently the coach and the Captain want him to strengthen the middle order, but in the bargain are missing out on something substantial .Clearly the Lankans are missing a trick by depriving Sanath of opening the batting, which is already proving detrimental to their cause. Mind you he has won innumerable matches on his own batting at the top for the side, so I see no concrete reason for the demotion.
Now that the experiment is not paying off, it’s imperative to reconsider the decision.
As I write this piece, my mind takes me back to the 1996 world cup, the lethal pair of Romesh Kaluwitharana & Sanath Jayasuriya were going berserk, decimating the opposition bowlers all over the sub continent, above all they complimented each other pretty well. Now Sri Lanka is extremely lucky here, the reason I say that is purely because of Dilshan”s resurgence. The Sri Lankans can relive the Kaluwitharana & Jayasuriya partnership by asking Sanath & Dishan to open on a consistent basis. Imagine the destruction these two can cause to the opposition.
We can only speculate about Jayasuriya’s retirement, but till the time he actually does hang his boots let’s hope & wish that is back to the position where he is second best to none.
Yes the body has its own story to tell at the age of 40, yet the man from Matara continues to play the game with the same intensity. The slash over the point still travels to the advertising boards like a tracer bullet, the pickup shot still gets effortlessly deposited into the stands, and the match winning ability with the bat isn’t dwindling either.
Despite all the accomplishments and credentials questions have been raised on the presence of Jayasuriya in the Sri Lankan scheme of things. Many feel perhaps it’s time for Jayasuriya to pass on the torch to a young prodigy in the country. But are they drawing curtains on Sanath a bit too early, hang on the man is still delivering on a consistent note. Probably the question that everyone needs to ask is, whether there is anybody in Sri Lanka to fill the big boots of Sanath? Let’s face it it’s not easy to replace Sanath. So for how long can the man continue playing?
To make matters worse for Jayasuriya, the Sri Lankan management has asked him to step down the batting order to provide more stability to the team. Although the position is not new for Sanath, as he started off his career in the middle order. But it’s hard to comprehend such a move, simply because the man has been more prolific opening the batting for Sri Lanka, and his records speaks volumes of his ability at the top.
Now is the move to bat Jayasuriya down the order justified? Apparently the coach and the Captain want him to strengthen the middle order, but in the bargain are missing out on something substantial .Clearly the Lankans are missing a trick by depriving Sanath of opening the batting, which is already proving detrimental to their cause. Mind you he has won innumerable matches on his own batting at the top for the side, so I see no concrete reason for the demotion.
Now that the experiment is not paying off, it’s imperative to reconsider the decision.
As I write this piece, my mind takes me back to the 1996 world cup, the lethal pair of Romesh Kaluwitharana & Sanath Jayasuriya were going berserk, decimating the opposition bowlers all over the sub continent, above all they complimented each other pretty well. Now Sri Lanka is extremely lucky here, the reason I say that is purely because of Dilshan”s resurgence. The Sri Lankans can relive the Kaluwitharana & Jayasuriya partnership by asking Sanath & Dishan to open on a consistent basis. Imagine the destruction these two can cause to the opposition.
We can only speculate about Jayasuriya’s retirement, but till the time he actually does hang his boots let’s hope & wish that is back to the position where he is second best to none.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
THE COMEBACK FAST MEN OF TEST CRICKET
A great bouncer whizzing past the batsman’s ears, a Yorker crushing the batsman’s toes, a prodigious in-cutter & out-swinger bamboozling the batsman were a common sight during the Tests matches played in Dunedin, Wellington & Kanpur over the fortnight.
Indeed, I must confess that it is a great spectacle to witness fast bowlers steaming in to the wicket, rearing to go at batsmen. And that’s what transpired over the few weeks with the likes of Shane Bond, Sreesanth& Mohammad Asif winning matches for their respective teams with some hostile bowling.
It was a fine display of bowling from Asif, who was immaculate with his line & length. Bond was hitting the deck hard, constantly disconcerting the batsmen. As a result, both went on to pick 8 wickets each, a match-clinching haul. On the other side of the world in Kanpur Sreesanth managed to pick up 6 wickets for his side with his skill and perseverance.
All three bowlers had one thing in common: they were making a comeback into Test match cricket. Incidentally, this happens to be the toughest format of the game to make a comeback.However, Much to the delight of their fans,they defied all odds and went on to deliver match winning performances with the ball.
Unfortunately, the last two years had the three caught in the quagmire of controversy, which deprived them of key opportunities. Several times they have been reprimanded for their antics and dare I say this may be the last time.
Yes, looking back it was very unfortunate that these gifted bowlers were hounded by controversies which kept them away from their national side for nearly two years. Having said that, it was very pleasing to see these fast bowlers operate with good rhythm this time around. And yes, test match cricket needs the likes of Bond, Sreesanth & Asif to be at their best at all possible times, given the old adage: that bowlers win you test matches.
Perhaps Asif, Bond & Sreesanth would do well to keep away from the unwanted and just do what they are best known for, much to the delight of ardent believers in their bowling worldwide.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Is the future of 50-over cricket in jeopardy?
A lot has been said and written about the 50-over format over the last 3 to 4 months. Since its introduction into the game four decades ago, it has been a source of much thrill & excitement to fans across the globe. However, since the arrival of the newest and the shortest form of the game, the 20-20, questions have begun getting raised, over the viability of a 50-over match.
Now why is the T-20 constantly threatening the 50-over format?
Put simply, it is a short, rapid-fire format, aimed at action-packed entertainment in three hours, compared to the eight hours of a 50-over match.
It is crash, boom, bang from the word go, much to delight of the crowd. The format is so riveting and gripping that it keeps the spectators on the edges of their seats throughout the game.
Not to say that a 50-over match is not entertaining enough. Maybe, the format being a little bit protracted and time-consuming might be what makes the outlook of fans towards it a little assorted.
Apart from ardent devotees of the game, the majority of the crowd goes to the stadium wanting to watch a Pietersen reverse sweep or a Dilshan dilli-scoop in preference to a more orthodox stroke play. A quick, breath-taking knock of 30 or a 40 from a Sehwag or a Gilchrist is more captivating for a spectator than a laborious innings of 80 or 100 made by a Dravid or a Kallis in the most grueling conditions. Instant gratification, sustained over a few hours, if you like.
A classic example is of the recently concluded Champions Trophy in South Africa where the organizers failed to attract crowds. Was it largely due to the premature exit of India and more importantly the home team? One can only speculate!
Now with that being said, the stadiums were not even half full during the semi-finals and the final stage. It’s a shame that the crowd didn’t turn up; after all, here was a top Cricket match being played between top international favorites.
So where is the 50-over cricket match heading? Is time running short for the 50 over format?
This is a serious situation for the ICC to mull over.
The challenge now for the ICC is to safeguard one day international cricket before things get out of hand. Yes, the super-sub was introduced in to the game without any great success and the power-plays are not making any significant impact, so to say. Already, there have been mixed reactions from the current and ex-players, coming out with different interesting theories.
Talks about the game being curtailed to 40 overs per side have been discussed. Recently, Sachin Tendulkar even suggested splitting each match into four innings, to add an element of uncertainty. The ICC might need to think long and hard to come up with something equally crowd-pulling and entertaining in order to preserve the 50-over format.
As of today the question in everybody’s mind is, will the 50-over format hold its own?
Will we see sweeping changes made to the game, tailor-made for excitement?
Only time will tell.
Now why is the T-20 constantly threatening the 50-over format?
Put simply, it is a short, rapid-fire format, aimed at action-packed entertainment in three hours, compared to the eight hours of a 50-over match.
It is crash, boom, bang from the word go, much to delight of the crowd. The format is so riveting and gripping that it keeps the spectators on the edges of their seats throughout the game.
Not to say that a 50-over match is not entertaining enough. Maybe, the format being a little bit protracted and time-consuming might be what makes the outlook of fans towards it a little assorted.
Apart from ardent devotees of the game, the majority of the crowd goes to the stadium wanting to watch a Pietersen reverse sweep or a Dilshan dilli-scoop in preference to a more orthodox stroke play. A quick, breath-taking knock of 30 or a 40 from a Sehwag or a Gilchrist is more captivating for a spectator than a laborious innings of 80 or 100 made by a Dravid or a Kallis in the most grueling conditions. Instant gratification, sustained over a few hours, if you like.
A classic example is of the recently concluded Champions Trophy in South Africa where the organizers failed to attract crowds. Was it largely due to the premature exit of India and more importantly the home team? One can only speculate!
Now with that being said, the stadiums were not even half full during the semi-finals and the final stage. It’s a shame that the crowd didn’t turn up; after all, here was a top Cricket match being played between top international favorites.
So where is the 50-over cricket match heading? Is time running short for the 50 over format?
This is a serious situation for the ICC to mull over.
The challenge now for the ICC is to safeguard one day international cricket before things get out of hand. Yes, the super-sub was introduced in to the game without any great success and the power-plays are not making any significant impact, so to say. Already, there have been mixed reactions from the current and ex-players, coming out with different interesting theories.
Talks about the game being curtailed to 40 overs per side have been discussed. Recently, Sachin Tendulkar even suggested splitting each match into four innings, to add an element of uncertainty. The ICC might need to think long and hard to come up with something equally crowd-pulling and entertaining in order to preserve the 50-over format.
As of today the question in everybody’s mind is, will the 50-over format hold its own?
Will we see sweeping changes made to the game, tailor-made for excitement?
Only time will tell.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
India –Australia One day series preview
In about a week’s time cricket fans all over the world will be looking forward to one of the most anticipated one day series between two cricketing giants
The focus will shift from the ongoing Champions League 20-20 to one of the best bilateral series of this year if not the best.
As expected the mind games have already begun by Brett Lee predicting a 7-0 whitewash. The Aussies are masters at the mind games which they more often than not back it up with a good performance on the field. When the Aussies last toured India for the One day Internationals they won the series quite comprehensively 5-2. Things now are a lot different from then, the Aussies have lost some of their world class performers due to retirement and the likes of Clarke, Ferguson and Haddin are missing from their ranks due to injuries, but already few of their young cricketers are playing in India as a result getting acclimatized to the Indian conditions which will come in very handy in grueling Indian conditions. The current Aussie side has a nice blend of youth and experience.
On the other hand the home team will be trying to turn things around after their shambolic performance in the Champions Trophy. Comeback men Sehwag and Yuvraj will bolster the Indian batting, the bowling department which has been quite dismal over the past few months has to step up and rise to the occasion in order to be competitive. One thing is certain that the Indian team will have full support of the fans playing in their own backyard.
There’s a lot at stake for both the teams, the Indian team will be looking ahead to dethroning the Aussies from their top perch, on the other hand the Kangaroos who are fresh from a Champions Trophy win for the second consecutive time will be looking to tighten their grip on their No. 1 position which the Aussies firmly believe is theirs.
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