Ashes is considered as most important tournament among Australian and English fans. Fans, critics, analysts, players alike consider it to be more important than many other prestigious tournaments.
One just has to follow the news coming out of Australian and English camps to notice the premium attached to Ashes.
1. Players and important stakeholders started talking about Ashes even before Australian team landed in England. Even while they preparing for T20 World Cup (considered to be more important than a test series in all other countries), all they talked about was Ashes.
June 4, 2009
Siddle ready for Ashes taunts
June 2, 2009
Pietersen thrilled by Ashes talent pool
May 29, 2009
Ponting warns England against half-fit Flintoff
May 26, 2009
Lee and Clark no certainties for first Test
May 24, 2009
England switched Ashes venues on purpose - Ponting
May 20, 2009
England can win Ashes - Flower
2. Former players, who were moot participants in T20 World Cup were/are talking fervently about Ashes.
Don't rely on Bopara for the Ashes - Warne
Gilchrist not convinced of Flintoff's fitness
Dropping Vaughan a mistake - Warne
Hayden warns Australians on reverse-swing
Use World Twenty20 to build Ashes momentum - Gough
3. Current players are no different - they were/are talking more about Ashes even while playing in T20 World Cup.
Pietersen ready for 'big allrounder' Johnson
Siddle wants new-ball responsibility
Reverse-swing could decide Ashes - Pietersen
Fit Flintoff desperate for the Ashes
Lee and Clark train sights on Strauss
4. England set off for secret bonding session
5. England hire Ashes most successful Australian coach in the hope of winning ashes.
Buchanan agrees ECB deal
Why a bilateral test series is considered so prestigious? I do not have the answer for it. Perhaps it has something to do with maintaining the old cricket order. One thing is for sure test cricket will survive the onslaught of T20, at least in England and Australia.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Buchanan and the art of remaining profitable
Mr Buchanan, the renowned Australian coach, must have very good communication and self selling abilities which allow him to get new jobs even after sever public criticisms from the people who have worked with him.
Mr. Buchanan was able to retain his job as director of coaching staff for KKR throughout IPL 2 while they lost game after game and finished at the bottom of the league. Many renowned analysts bunked his theories and warned against his way of working but somehow retained his assignment. Some of my earlier posts touch upon his coaching style
Controversies and Team Standings
Realize your mistake and move forward
Foreign players and IPL
After IPL 2 there were rumors that he along with many of his coaching staff members will be fired. And what does he do? He not only gets a new assignment even before he is fired and that too for the most prestigious series in International cricket.
June 17, 2009
Buchanan on his way out of Kolkata Knight Riders
June 10, 2009
Buchanan agrees ECB deal
Even now the criticisms are not dying down but Mr. Buchanan is carrying on. Excerpts from Australia unruffled by Buchanan deal
Shane Watson, who is in the Ashes squad, said Buchanan would have little impact on England's campaign while the retired Stuart MacGill said the move was more likely to hurt England than help them.
MacGill said in the Daily Telegraph. "What won England the Ashes in 2005 was their bowling, and if you look at it now, we got Troy Cooley and they got John Buchanan. Troy Cooley won England the Ashes and John Buchanan lost it for us. I don't begrudge Buck for trying to make a living, but his coaching record in England isn't crash hot. He lost the Ashes and had a stint with Middlesex that also didn't work out."
Shane Warne, one of the strongest critics of Buchanan's coaching methods, couldn't resist another dig at him. Warne reckoned that Buchanan's switch would only motivate Australia to go harder at England.
"I think that's a great move because that means we've got more of a chance," Warne said. "Hopefully, Buck (Buchanan) will be doing his stuff and he'll be working and doing all his things and hopefully overcomplicating things. I reckon it gives our chances a big boost and makes our blokes more hungry. Hopefully, he gets all of them in a boot camp and Freddie (Andrew) Flintoff and (Kevin) Pietersen hurt their knees, that would be great."
Bravo! He must add a coaching course on "How to lure people into giving profitable assignments?" in his portfolio of consulting services. It will be a huge hit in these times of recession.
Mr. Buchanan was able to retain his job as director of coaching staff for KKR throughout IPL 2 while they lost game after game and finished at the bottom of the league. Many renowned analysts bunked his theories and warned against his way of working but somehow retained his assignment. Some of my earlier posts touch upon his coaching style
Controversies and Team Standings
Realize your mistake and move forward
Foreign players and IPL
After IPL 2 there were rumors that he along with many of his coaching staff members will be fired. And what does he do? He not only gets a new assignment even before he is fired and that too for the most prestigious series in International cricket.
June 17, 2009
Buchanan on his way out of Kolkata Knight Riders
June 10, 2009
Buchanan agrees ECB deal
Even now the criticisms are not dying down but Mr. Buchanan is carrying on. Excerpts from Australia unruffled by Buchanan deal
Shane Watson, who is in the Ashes squad, said Buchanan would have little impact on England's campaign while the retired Stuart MacGill said the move was more likely to hurt England than help them.
MacGill said in the Daily Telegraph. "What won England the Ashes in 2005 was their bowling, and if you look at it now, we got Troy Cooley and they got John Buchanan. Troy Cooley won England the Ashes and John Buchanan lost it for us. I don't begrudge Buck for trying to make a living, but his coaching record in England isn't crash hot. He lost the Ashes and had a stint with Middlesex that also didn't work out."
Shane Warne, one of the strongest critics of Buchanan's coaching methods, couldn't resist another dig at him. Warne reckoned that Buchanan's switch would only motivate Australia to go harder at England.
"I think that's a great move because that means we've got more of a chance," Warne said. "Hopefully, Buck (Buchanan) will be doing his stuff and he'll be working and doing all his things and hopefully overcomplicating things. I reckon it gives our chances a big boost and makes our blokes more hungry. Hopefully, he gets all of them in a boot camp and Freddie (Andrew) Flintoff and (Kevin) Pietersen hurt their knees, that would be great."
Bravo! He must add a coaching course on "How to lure people into giving profitable assignments?" in his portfolio of consulting services. It will be a huge hit in these times of recession.
Friday, June 26, 2009
India in West Indies - Series preview
Who will the win the series?
Bookies are still favoring India even after pathetic T20 World Cup performance. Media is not particularly favoring any team. I will go with the bookies even though WI has lot of positives to bank upon:
Bookies are still favoring India even after pathetic T20 World Cup performance. Media is not particularly favoring any team. I will go with the bookies even though WI has lot of positives to bank upon:
- India's premier players are not playing - Tendulkar, Sehwag, Zaheer and Raina are nursing injuries.
- WI is going into the series with lot of confidence after dumping Australia and India out of T20 World Cup and reaching semis.
- Fatigue of Indian players or as proclaimed by media after poor performance in T20 World Cup.
Let's analyze the perceived positives. It is true that absence of key players will hurt India but it will also reduce fatigue factor. Zaheer and Raina were important members of T20 World Cup but they are replaced by fresh legs. More than the physical fatigue, mental fatigue hurt India in T20 World Cup. That too will be reduced by introduction of new players. Moreover there are many strong contenders for a place in team India. Excerpt from one of my earlier posts
Beyond the bench - Players like Karthink, Nehra, Munaf, Mishra, Balaji are not in the 15 member squad. These players performed exceptionally well in recently concluded IPL and have donned India colours before; they can walk in any other international side based on their performance. Alas! There is no space for them in Indian team. And I am not talking about the other young guns who also performed well in IPL but do not have the international exposure. Surely they will put positive pressure on the players in world cup squad.
More than anything else T20 and one dayers are different games and not for nothing India are placed close 3rd in ICC ranking whereas WI are placed poor 8th. India has lost just 3 dead games in last 18 one dayers. Dhoni's comments sums up everything Indian team reaches Jamaica
West Indies is playing good cricket at the moment. They are having a very good World Twenty20 tournament, but in the 50 overs, you have time to settle down."
Thursday, June 25, 2009
IPL is HOT
What about IPL? It has been a month since it got over. Well! A news about IPL just came in...
Excerpt from Behind NFL, MLB & NBA there is IPL
The IPL has emerged as one of the top five most valuable global sports properties in the world. The IPL, which is just two years old, has been placed fifth globally, valued at $ 1.6 billion, behind the established American giants.
Are you kidding me?
I do not know what method did they use to arrive at the results or how scientific was their analysis. But it certainly proves few things:
Excerpt from Behind NFL, MLB & NBA there is IPL
The IPL has emerged as one of the top five most valuable global sports properties in the world. The IPL, which is just two years old, has been placed fifth globally, valued at $ 1.6 billion, behind the established American giants.
Are you kidding me?
I do not know what method did they use to arrive at the results or how scientific was their analysis. But it certainly proves few things:
- Mr. Modi is a great administrator - He has made his mark in the history of cricket. India and BCCI was wary of T20 cricket to the extant of repugning it. Mr. Modi, I must say against all odds, not only conceptualized IPL brought it up in a very short period. And of course made it hugely successful.
- India loves shortest form of game - Why do you think IPL is a USD 1.6 b property?
- The money in cricket world flows from India - What would a billion crazy fans do without cricket.
- Whatever ICC might do to control number of T20 matches, T20 cricket will grow.
- IPL must use the money judiciouly to develop domestic cricket. It must nurture cricket in small towns and reach out to
- BCCI must support ICC in developing cricket where it is not a major sport.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Passing thoughts
1. All three pre-tournament favourites of World cup are out of the competition. SA was on track till they lost semis but other 2, India and Australia, went out without troubling anyone.
Excerpt from my earlier post Why India is serious contender for the ICC T20 World Cup?
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The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively.
Did anyone say odds in a T20 match change very quickly?
---------------------------------
2. Media was hounding Dhoni for his alleged rift with Sehwag when there wasn't even a shred of evidence supporting the rumour. In fact they are still hounding him because on the same issue.
But media is saying nothing about Dhoni and Kirsten. They are giving different reasons for their poor show in World Cup; Kirsten says fatigue was a big factor for India's pathetic performance while Dhoni thinks it is not the case. I think media has missed a trick or two here. How callous?
3. Two teams who qualified from group of death are still in the fray for World Cup while the team who was placed in the easiest group, read India, are out.
4. Would SA ever be able to shrug of Chokers tag?
Excerpt from my earlier post Analyze this
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They are not called Chokers for nothing. They inspire hope, excitement and confidence till they lose at the final frontier.
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5. Pakistan team is finally getting up from the right side of the bed. Pakistan fans would be hoping for an encore.
6. English and Australian teams can finally concentrate on real thing (read Ashes), now that the distractions (read T20 World Cup) is finally over for them.
Excerpt from my earlier post Why India is serious contender for the ICC T20 World Cup?
---------------------------------
The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively.
Did anyone say odds in a T20 match change very quickly?
---------------------------------
2. Media was hounding Dhoni for his alleged rift with Sehwag when there wasn't even a shred of evidence supporting the rumour. In fact they are still hounding him because on the same issue.
But media is saying nothing about Dhoni and Kirsten. They are giving different reasons for their poor show in World Cup; Kirsten says fatigue was a big factor for India's pathetic performance while Dhoni thinks it is not the case. I think media has missed a trick or two here. How callous?
3. Two teams who qualified from group of death are still in the fray for World Cup while the team who was placed in the easiest group, read India, are out.
4. Would SA ever be able to shrug of Chokers tag?
Excerpt from my earlier post Analyze this
---------------------------------
They are not called Chokers for nothing. They inspire hope, excitement and confidence till they lose at the final frontier.
---------------------------------
5. Pakistan team is finally getting up from the right side of the bed. Pakistan fans would be hoping for an encore.
6. English and Australian teams can finally concentrate on real thing (read Ashes), now that the distractions (read T20 World Cup) is finally over for them.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
It is a Gentlemen's game - There is no place for indscipline
A nice article from Cricinfo's chronicles. It takes a cue from history and shows us why discipline is important for the game.
When the boot was on the other foot
When the boot was on the other foot
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Analysis continued
In my last post Analyze this I didn't write anything about SL or Ireland. Frankly speaking there is nothing to write about. I don't feel there is any chink in SL's armour while Ireland has too many. The only small thing I could notice is that SL's middle order is low on international T20 experience. Given their current form, it will be tough to beat them. I will not be surprised if SL lift the T20 World cup.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Analyze this
Cricket is analysed on many fronts. In fact it is studied, examined, scrutinized and dissected from many angles before nothing notable is left. To a ardent fan the game is more than a religion and your man is no exception. ICC T20 World Cup has also been analyzed from many angles.
Has anyone analyzed why a team would not win if at all they would not win? I think the title of this post should have been 'Analyze that'...
At the time of writing this post we are through with the first day's play of Super 8s. SA beat England while NZ beat Ireland.
Why India can lose?
- Who will win the Cup?
- What 4 teams will reach semis?
- What happened to Australia?
- Is T20 a fun game?
- What is the future of test matches?
- etc.
Has anyone analyzed why a team would not win if at all they would not win? I think the title of this post should have been 'Analyze that'...
At the time of writing this post we are through with the first day's play of Super 8s. SA beat England while NZ beat Ireland.
Why India can lose?
- The dreaded F word - Yes, fatigue more mental than physical as they have been away from home and the country for so long. Zaheer has just recovered, Sehwag is out and captain is no longer cool (losing his temper too frequently).
- Bowling at death - Even after being 8 down Ireland could steal few runs.
- Not been tested in the tournament so far - Even Pakistan gave them a win on the platter in a warm up
Why SA can lose?
- The dreaded C word - They are not called Chokers for nothing. They inspire hope, excitement and confidence till they lose at the final frontier.
- Loosing their way while batting - They made 128 while batting against a depleted NZ side and today they huffed and puffed toward a small target of 113 against England.
Why NZ can lose?
- The dreaded D word - They are perennial Dark Horses. They raise the expectations of their fans by giving a good fight but ...
- Their best players are of the team are battling injuries
Why Pakistan can lose?
- The dreaded I word - Inconsistency. One their day they are world beaters and another day they are worse than a club cricket team
- 'It is a fun game'. Or so their captain thinks
- Nothing remains permanent in Pakistan cricket - Captains change, coaches change, administration change, players change and on top of everything their strategies towards the game change.
Why WI can lose?
- Have you seen them winning anything in this decade?
Why England can lose?
- Well they are the hosts, aren't they. If they can give opening day match to Netherlands on a platter, they should not have reached Super 8s. I am sure English fans could give many more reasons.
What ever may be the root cause of future potential defeats, a team that performs on the day and hold their nerve will win the match. It is T20 cricket - if Australia can go out so can everybody else...
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Ponting's poor run continues
Ponting and Australia, yet again, have been fined for slow over-rates.
Australia rapped for slow over-rate
What excuse can Ponting provide this time around? They are playing in Queen's country (Queen is symbolic state head of Australia). Ponting was very harsh and critical when he was fined for getting behind the over-rate in India.
Excerpt from Ponting blames Indian batsmen for slow over rate
“I have said since I got back that there are a host of things that conspire against you in India. It is a hard place for fast bowlers to keep running in and get through their overs,” Ponting was quoted as saying in The Australian.
“The sightscreen and spectators play more of a part than they do anywhere else in the world. Their batsmen take up a lot more time than most opposition batsmen do. I mean runs cost you time as much as anything else. When a lot of boundaries are being scored that slows things down a lot,” he said.
What excuse did Ponting have when they couldn't complete requisite quota of overs in the test match against New Zealand? Excerpt from CA takes Ponting to task for slow over rates
Australian captain Ricky Ponting got a rap on the knuckles by Cricket Australia (CA) for being unable to maintain over rates in the first Test against New Zealand.Ponting was fined 30 per cent of his match fee while the other players were docked half for falling three overs short.
“The Australian team clearly needs to look into the reasons why it has not, in recent times, been on top of its game in regard to over rates. The rules and regulations are very clear and we are falling behind, which is not good enough,” CA chief executive James Sutherland was quoted as saying by The Australian.
In fact slow over-rate has been Ponting's bane and his perenial problem. Excerpt from Ponting faces flak for his excuses for slow-over rate in India
Ponting-led teams have never averaged more than the minimum of 15 overs per hour in any series since he took over from Steve Waugh for the series in Sri Lanka in 2003-04.
The best over-rate Ponting’s team has averaged in any Test series is 14.74 per hour against Sri Lanka in Australia in 2004.
That is still short of the mark of 15 overs an hour set down by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Australia’s slowest over-rate in any series under Ponting was 12.78 per hour against the West Indies in the Caribbean this year — while the Indian tour last month (13.38) was the third worst.
Far too many people, including former captains Steve Waugh and Ian Chappel, have critisized him for his on-field tactics but does he listen? A choice of articles from the web
Ricky Ponting under fire after over rates farce
Steve Waugh joins list of Ponting critics
Lame over-rate, lame excuse
Australia rapped for slow over-rate
What excuse can Ponting provide this time around? They are playing in Queen's country (Queen is symbolic state head of Australia). Ponting was very harsh and critical when he was fined for getting behind the over-rate in India.
Excerpt from Ponting blames Indian batsmen for slow over rate
“I have said since I got back that there are a host of things that conspire against you in India. It is a hard place for fast bowlers to keep running in and get through their overs,” Ponting was quoted as saying in The Australian.
“The sightscreen and spectators play more of a part than they do anywhere else in the world. Their batsmen take up a lot more time than most opposition batsmen do. I mean runs cost you time as much as anything else. When a lot of boundaries are being scored that slows things down a lot,” he said.
What excuse did Ponting have when they couldn't complete requisite quota of overs in the test match against New Zealand? Excerpt from CA takes Ponting to task for slow over rates
Australian captain Ricky Ponting got a rap on the knuckles by Cricket Australia (CA) for being unable to maintain over rates in the first Test against New Zealand.Ponting was fined 30 per cent of his match fee while the other players were docked half for falling three overs short.
“The Australian team clearly needs to look into the reasons why it has not, in recent times, been on top of its game in regard to over rates. The rules and regulations are very clear and we are falling behind, which is not good enough,” CA chief executive James Sutherland was quoted as saying by The Australian.
In fact slow over-rate has been Ponting's bane and his perenial problem. Excerpt from Ponting faces flak for his excuses for slow-over rate in India
Ponting-led teams have never averaged more than the minimum of 15 overs per hour in any series since he took over from Steve Waugh for the series in Sri Lanka in 2003-04.
The best over-rate Ponting’s team has averaged in any Test series is 14.74 per hour against Sri Lanka in Australia in 2004.
That is still short of the mark of 15 overs an hour set down by the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Australia’s slowest over-rate in any series under Ponting was 12.78 per hour against the West Indies in the Caribbean this year — while the Indian tour last month (13.38) was the third worst.
Far too many people, including former captains Steve Waugh and Ian Chappel, have critisized him for his on-field tactics but does he listen? A choice of articles from the web
Ricky Ponting under fire after over rates farce
Steve Waugh joins list of Ponting critics
Lame over-rate, lame excuse
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Super 8s
After today's Group A and Group C matches, all Super 8 teams except for one have been decided. The last team to go into super 8 will be from Group B and it will either be Pakistan or Netherlands. All other 7 places have been decided
Refer to my earlier post on pre-tournament team seedings have played a significant role in deciding Super 8 group positions India is placed in the toughest group ICC T20 World Cup
First Super 8 group will have India, England, WI and SA. Second Super 8 group will have NZ, SL, Ireland and either Pakistan or Netherlands. Pakistan does not have a good chance to qualify; they will need to beat Netherlands by a huge margin to come into contention as their run-rate is abysmal. They, no doubt, have the talent to do it. But it will solely depend on which team from Pakistan plays against Netherlands? :)
Pakistan always play two different teams in a tournament. One is a world beater team who can win handsomely against the best of the best and another is just a bunch of players going through motions on playing field. If the world beater team comes to play against Netherlands, then only god can save them. Let's just wait and watch.
But one thing is for sure first group is a formidable group and second group (with or without Pakistan) will be a easy group. I think SL and NZ are already surreptitiously celebrating and looking forward to semis...
Refer to my earlier post on pre-tournament team seedings have played a significant role in deciding Super 8 group positions India is placed in the toughest group ICC T20 World Cup
First Super 8 group will have India, England, WI and SA. Second Super 8 group will have NZ, SL, Ireland and either Pakistan or Netherlands. Pakistan does not have a good chance to qualify; they will need to beat Netherlands by a huge margin to come into contention as their run-rate is abysmal. They, no doubt, have the talent to do it. But it will solely depend on which team from Pakistan plays against Netherlands? :)
Pakistan always play two different teams in a tournament. One is a world beater team who can win handsomely against the best of the best and another is just a bunch of players going through motions on playing field. If the world beater team comes to play against Netherlands, then only god can save them. Let's just wait and watch.
But one thing is for sure first group is a formidable group and second group (with or without Pakistan) will be a easy group. I think SL and NZ are already surreptitiously celebrating and looking forward to semis...
Monday, June 8, 2009
Australia and test cricket
There was an interesting thought in an article that appeared in The Hindustan Times today.
Excerpt from Aussies look to stave off early exit
Aussie dominance in cricket has always been built on a mental strength. Australians prey on the physical and mental weaknesses of their opposition. Mental disintegration has been the method of approach for Australia for a while now.But that becomes a bit of a problem in T20s There is hardly the time Aussies need to prey on the opposition’s weakness. By the time, they figure out what they need to do to get under the skin, the game is gone.
It is an interesting thought and there might be some truth in it. The most important reason for their dominance in test cricket is their seriousness about it. They plan extremely well for the test matches and ensure that their plan are executed to the perfection including "mental disintegration".
Refer to my earlier post Why Australia is the best test team in world?
Saturday, June 6, 2009
India is placed in the toughest group ICC T20 World Cup
The title of this post may may look ridiculous but, unfortunately, it is true. India are placed in tougher of the two groups in Super 8s. The groups, both at preliminary stage and Super 8s, are decided by pre-tournament seedings. For more on seedings and preliminary groupings look at my earlier post
Why Australia, WI and SL are in one group in ICC T20 World Cup?
It is this structure that will make India (Seeded 1 in group A - A1) play against B2 (England), C1(Australia) and D2 (SA) provided they all win and go through to Super 8. Based on their current forms and odds the qualification of all these teams is likely barring England who have lost their easier game against Netherlands. England need to win against Pakistan to qualify to Super 8.
The top three favourites to pick the cup are India, SA and Australia (in that order). Excerpt from my one of my previous posts
Why India is serious contender for the ICC T20 World Cup?
"The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively."
The other Super 8 group will also be formed on the basis of pre-tournament seedings. The second group will likely to have Bangladesh, Pakistan, SL and NZ. This would be a much easier group to qualify for semis. Ladbrokes' odds, at the time of writing, for NZ, Pakistan and SL are 7, 9 and 9 respectively.
Whether England qualify or not, first group in Super 8 will be the toughest. The team who will top the first group would have the best chance to win the trophy. As for India, they will be seriously tested only in super 8 (if they qualify for it). Their groupings could be biggest setback for them for title hunt.
Why Australia, WI and SL are in one group in ICC T20 World Cup?
It is this structure that will make India (Seeded 1 in group A - A1) play against B2 (England), C1(Australia) and D2 (SA) provided they all win and go through to Super 8. Based on their current forms and odds the qualification of all these teams is likely barring England who have lost their easier game against Netherlands. England need to win against Pakistan to qualify to Super 8.
The top three favourites to pick the cup are India, SA and Australia (in that order). Excerpt from my one of my previous posts
Why India is serious contender for the ICC T20 World Cup?
"The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively."
The other Super 8 group will also be formed on the basis of pre-tournament seedings. The second group will likely to have Bangladesh, Pakistan, SL and NZ. This would be a much easier group to qualify for semis. Ladbrokes' odds, at the time of writing, for NZ, Pakistan and SL are 7, 9 and 9 respectively.
Whether England qualify or not, first group in Super 8 will be the toughest. The team who will top the first group would have the best chance to win the trophy. As for India, they will be seriously tested only in super 8 (if they qualify for it). Their groupings could be biggest setback for them for title hunt.
England Woes - First it was Netherlands and now it is media
A collection of very good articles on England's defeat in the opening match of ICC T20 world cup
England produce the perfect capitulation
Dutch courage spares organisers' blushes
Netherland's glorious final over
England produce the perfect capitulation
Dutch courage spares organisers' blushes
Netherland's glorious final over
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Why India is serious contender for the ICC T20 World Cup?
India team is not only the defending champions but is also considered to be favourites to win ICC T20 World Cup again. Pundits, critics, media-personnel and fans alike have put their bets on India.
The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively. The odds would change as tournament will progress. One can check the betting meter of various online sites at
Twenty20 World Cup Win Market Betting Odds
I am not a betting man but I like to analyze the cricket happenings. Why is everyone considering India as favourites? Is it because:
All these points definitely make India a world beating team. These points have been analyzed threadbare by media and cricket pundits; there is no point in repeating them here. SA and Australia too can run close if we just consider these points. Man for man SA and Australia too have brilliant team.
World Cup squads
India - http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/squad/402820.html
SA - http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/squad/402863.html
Australia - http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/squad/402963.html
So what is it that makes India favourites? Where is the wow factor? Why are odds what they are? I think there are more important points. These are:
Did anyone say odds in a T20 match change very quickly?
The betting sites have also given best odds to India closely followed by SA and Australia. At the time of posting this articles the Ladbrokes' odds for India were 5/2 while for SA and Australia were 7/2 and 11/2 respectively. The odds would change as tournament will progress. One can check the betting meter of various online sites at
Twenty20 World Cup Win Market Betting Odds
I am not a betting man but I like to analyze the cricket happenings. Why is everyone considering India as favourites? Is it because:
- India has a very strong team with fine balance.
- Indians have much more experience of T20 format than rival team players (courtesy IPL).
- All the 15 individuals in the team are proven performers - swash bucking batsmen, excellent fielders and wicket taking bowlers.
- Most of the players are is excellent form and are coming after a successful stint in IPL2.
- Dhoni is considered to be a fine leader with a cool head and astute thinking.
All these points definitely make India a world beating team. These points have been analyzed threadbare by media and cricket pundits; there is no point in repeating them here. SA and Australia too can run close if we just consider these points. Man for man SA and Australia too have brilliant team.
World Cup squads
India - http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/squad/402820.html
SA - http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/squad/402863.html
Australia - http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/squad/402963.html
So what is it that makes India favourites? Where is the wow factor? Why are odds what they are? I think there are more important points. These are:
- The bench - Out of 15 individuals in the squad only 11 will play. The bench strength of India is much better that rest of the teams. Dhoni has happy problem of who to take in playing 11 and who to leave. Indian team has the strongest bench among all teams playing in the world cup. One just has to consider how India thrashed Pakistan in a warm up game when their premier bowler (Zaheer) and the regular opener (Sehwag) were injured and warming the bench.
- Beyond the bench - Players like Karthink, Nehra, Munaf, Mishra, Balaji are not in the 15 member squad. These players performed exceptionally well in recently concluded IPL and have donned India colours before; they can walk in any other international side based on their performance. Alas! There is no space for them in Indian team. And I am not talking about the other young guns who also performed well in IPL but do not have the international exposure. Surely they will put positive pressure on the players in world cup squad.
- Fear Factor - There are very few players in world cricket who induce fear in the mind of opposition. These players are reverved by fans and opposition alike. India have couple of them - Sehwag, Yuvraj and Dhoni. Australia also used to have few before they lost them to retirement and indiscipline (read Symmonds).
- Pressure situations - Most Indian players are accustomed to pressure cooker like situations. Over past two years they have seen extremely adverse conditions (both in one dayers and tests) where they have come out strongly. They have won matches from extreme odds. As an old adage goes - been there, done that. Players like Dhoni, Yuvraj, Rohit, Pathan brothers, Zaheer, Harbhajan and Raina have won matches on their own from seemingly impossible situations. They are all big match players.
Did anyone say odds in a T20 match change very quickly?
Emotions unlimited...
Yesterday I posted an article about intensity of cricket when India and Pakistan play each other.
Emotions and India vs. Pakistan encounter
Even though India won comfortably, hoards of fans provided their whole hearted support to their respective teams. It seemed as if World cup final was being played - from the fans was feverish and noise was deafening. Here is a small collection of news stories as reported by media today:
Raw emotions rule Oval 'super show'
Excerpt from http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/407210.html
Nothing about this encounter suggested it was a warm-up game. The sell-out crowd, and the intensity in the first innings was something even the final of the actual tournament will be proud of.
Excerpt from http://www.cricinfo.com/wt202009/content/current/story/407286.html
Rohit's innings, and Gambhir's supporting half-century, denied the match of an exciting finish that would have done justice to the feverish atmosphere at The Oval. The ICC wanted everyone to 'Catch the Spirit' and it was impossible not to. Celebrations were adrenalin-filled and every ball - be it dot, six or out - was cheered by an emotionally-charged full house, evenly divided in support between the teams. This was more than a warm-up game.
The players felt the same way, with India shelving all thoughts of experimentation. Dhoni said the bowlers had attempted a back-of-a-length approach in the previous game but merely tried to stick to basics today. "We were not experimenting," Dhoni said. "An India-Pakistan game, even though it's a warm-up, is a tough game to play. We were looking to do the basics, bowl yorkers."
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Emotions and India vs. Pakistan encounter
Today there are a few warm-up matches of ICC T20 World Cup. One of them is between arch rivals India and Pakistan while other is between Netherlands and Ireland. I watched bits and pieces of Netherlands vs. Ireland game which preceded India vs. Pakistan encounter. It was scheduled to end an hour before India vs. Pakistan match. The stadium looked to be full when Netherlands and Ireland match was going on. Looking closely, one could notice that most of the fans were wearing either Indian or Pakistani colours and they were already in mood for impending India vs. Pakistan encounter.
Few games raise as much emotions as a India vs. Pakistan encounter. Traditionally there has been immense political animosity between two countries; due to which a game between two countries is not considered less than a tiny battle. There has been no scientific research to determine the level of emotions when these two countries play each other as compared to any other match but the way fans behave or the manner in which media reports says it all. Nothing seems bigger than an India vs. Pakistan encounter.
Media also tries to sell the hype around the match for its own good. But somehow, I think, over past few years the emotions attached with a India vs. Pakistan encounter have diminished - at least among Indian fans. I think it all started with rise of India a financial powerhouse in cricketing world. And around the same time Mr. Vajpayee also came to power in India and started exploring congenial relations with Pakistan which culminated in a few bilateral series between two countries. These bilateral series had salubrious effect on the fans and the craze started dying down.
A long time Indian fan would remember 80s and 90s when there were very few matches between the two countries. And fans used to religiously follow each and every ball of the scarce encounter. Pitched battles in Sharjah and One Day World Cups are part of cricketing folklore. Can you remember anything significant from the matches that were played in last 10 years?
A third interesting thing happened around the same time - rise of Australia as a cricketing powerhouse. Indian team may have a chequered record over last 10 years but they have given nothing away to Australia in their encounters. And many encounters, in last 10 years, between these two countries have been as acrimonious as an India vs. Pakistan encounter. In fact, it is because of India that Australia seems to be relegating the number 1 spot in world cricket. In my opinion, an Indian fan today, relishes thrashing Australia more than beating Pakistan.
Only time will tell what future hold for an India vs. Pakistan encounter but today's encounter may be as bitter as an 80s or a 90s encounter. Why?
1. Pakistan has never beaten India in a World Cup match.
2. ICC T20 2007 World Cup final is still remembered by both nations albeit for different reasons.
2. After 26/11, Lahore attacks and ultimately isolation of Pakistan from world cricket, Pakistan team and fans want to prove a thing or two to rest of the world.
Let's keep our fingers crossed and enjoy the match as a sporting encounter. :)
Few games raise as much emotions as a India vs. Pakistan encounter. Traditionally there has been immense political animosity between two countries; due to which a game between two countries is not considered less than a tiny battle. There has been no scientific research to determine the level of emotions when these two countries play each other as compared to any other match but the way fans behave or the manner in which media reports says it all. Nothing seems bigger than an India vs. Pakistan encounter.
Media also tries to sell the hype around the match for its own good. But somehow, I think, over past few years the emotions attached with a India vs. Pakistan encounter have diminished - at least among Indian fans. I think it all started with rise of India a financial powerhouse in cricketing world. And around the same time Mr. Vajpayee also came to power in India and started exploring congenial relations with Pakistan which culminated in a few bilateral series between two countries. These bilateral series had salubrious effect on the fans and the craze started dying down.
A long time Indian fan would remember 80s and 90s when there were very few matches between the two countries. And fans used to religiously follow each and every ball of the scarce encounter. Pitched battles in Sharjah and One Day World Cups are part of cricketing folklore. Can you remember anything significant from the matches that were played in last 10 years?
A third interesting thing happened around the same time - rise of Australia as a cricketing powerhouse. Indian team may have a chequered record over last 10 years but they have given nothing away to Australia in their encounters. And many encounters, in last 10 years, between these two countries have been as acrimonious as an India vs. Pakistan encounter. In fact, it is because of India that Australia seems to be relegating the number 1 spot in world cricket. In my opinion, an Indian fan today, relishes thrashing Australia more than beating Pakistan.
Only time will tell what future hold for an India vs. Pakistan encounter but today's encounter may be as bitter as an 80s or a 90s encounter. Why?
1. Pakistan has never beaten India in a World Cup match.
2. ICC T20 2007 World Cup final is still remembered by both nations albeit for different reasons.
2. After 26/11, Lahore attacks and ultimately isolation of Pakistan from world cricket, Pakistan team and fans want to prove a thing or two to rest of the world.
Let's keep our fingers crossed and enjoy the match as a sporting encounter. :)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Why Australia, WI and SL are in one group in ICC T20 World Cup?
Is it pure (bad) luck that Australia, SL and WI are slotted together in group playoffs for Super 8?
The answer is simple 'no'.
There are 12 teams competing in 2009 T20 World Cup. 9 of the 12 teams, including Bangladesh, are ICC full-members countries while remaining 3 (Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands) qualified through a qualifying tournament.
These 12 teams are divided in 4 groups of 3 each based on their seedings. As it is in other sports (like in Lawn Tennis Grand Slams), the teams are divided into groups based on their seedings. The seedings are based on inaugural T20 World Cup played in 2007. Top 4 seeded teams from 2007 World Cup are placed in separate groups. The next 4 seeded teams are placed in these same groups in the reverse order while the last 4 seeds are slotted based on similar logic. WI didn't win a single game in 2007 World Cup in group playoffs; by virtue of their poor performance they are seeded 11th.
2007 seedings and current groupings
Group A: 1-India, 8-Bangladesh, 9-Ireland
Group B: 2-Pakistan, 7-England, 10-Netherlands
Group C: 3-Australia, 6-SL, 11-WI
Group D: 4-NZ, 5-SA, 12-Scotland
So Australia and SL can blame WI for making it difficult for them at group stage. Or they can treat it as an opportunity in disguise; they will be better prepared for Super 8 if they qualify for it.
As for WI, I don't think they have a strong team to challenge either SL or Australia. Predictions, based on team strength can go wrong. As we have seen in 2007 World Cup and recently in IPL, in this format reputation does not matter; course of a match can change in couple of overs and a weak team can beat a potentially strong team. But the chances of WI losing at group stage look very strong.
And if WI lose again, they can look forward to anther group of death in next World Cup.Well! They can certainly blame themselves for 2007 debacle.
The answer is simple 'no'.
There are 12 teams competing in 2009 T20 World Cup. 9 of the 12 teams, including Bangladesh, are ICC full-members countries while remaining 3 (Ireland, Scotland and Netherlands) qualified through a qualifying tournament.
These 12 teams are divided in 4 groups of 3 each based on their seedings. As it is in other sports (like in Lawn Tennis Grand Slams), the teams are divided into groups based on their seedings. The seedings are based on inaugural T20 World Cup played in 2007. Top 4 seeded teams from 2007 World Cup are placed in separate groups. The next 4 seeded teams are placed in these same groups in the reverse order while the last 4 seeds are slotted based on similar logic. WI didn't win a single game in 2007 World Cup in group playoffs; by virtue of their poor performance they are seeded 11th.
2007 seedings and current groupings
Group A: 1-India, 8-Bangladesh, 9-Ireland
Group B: 2-Pakistan, 7-England, 10-Netherlands
Group C: 3-Australia, 6-SL, 11-WI
Group D: 4-NZ, 5-SA, 12-Scotland
So Australia and SL can blame WI for making it difficult for them at group stage. Or they can treat it as an opportunity in disguise; they will be better prepared for Super 8 if they qualify for it.
As for WI, I don't think they have a strong team to challenge either SL or Australia. Predictions, based on team strength can go wrong. As we have seen in 2007 World Cup and recently in IPL, in this format reputation does not matter; course of a match can change in couple of overs and a weak team can beat a potentially strong team. But the chances of WI losing at group stage look very strong.
And if WI lose again, they can look forward to anther group of death in next World Cup.Well! They can certainly blame themselves for 2007 debacle.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Why Australia is the best test team in world?
Australians got a stiff competition from SA and India in 2008. Australians barely managed to overcome stiff Indian resistance in their own backyard while Indians trounced them 2-0 in India. India is a vastly improved test side from what it was 2 years ago. On the other hand SA was on the verge of dethroning Australia as number 1 test side in the world. Alas! They stumbled at the last step. Some would say that they are perennial chokers.
I think, even though SA and India have challenged Australian hegemony over last few years, Australia will remain number 1 team in times to come. In my earlier post "Why is Australia the number 1 team?" we looked at one aspect of Australian cricket - their bench strength. But more than their bench strength, it is their seriousness about about the test cricket that sways the ranking in their favour. Test cricket is considered to be the holy grail in Australia. 2008 was just an aberration for Australian cricket.
When the best players of the were playing in IPL 2009, Australian stalwarts were resting at home. They renounced playing lucrative IPL and also didn't participate in one dayers against Pakistan. Why so? Because they wanted to keep themselves fresh for Ashes. While IPL was in full flow, the voices emanating from Australian cricket suggested that the team was getting into groove for Ashes. Even today, when rest of the world is focused on ICC T20 championship (which is just round the corner), all the news coming from Australian team is about Ashes preparation.
ICC T20 championship is the most prestigious international T20 tournament in the world. Barring 1 or 2 T20 matches in a bilateral series, all the teams play international T20 matches only during ICC T20 championship. And what is the news from Australian camp about ICC T20 championship? Nothing...This says it all. Australians attach immense importance to test cricket and that is why they have been so successful in this format.
What hopes does Australia have in ICC T20 championship? Even though they are placed in group of Death, along with WI and SL, Australia has a strong T20 team. They should be able to go through to next round. Anyway, that is another story...
I think, even though SA and India have challenged Australian hegemony over last few years, Australia will remain number 1 team in times to come. In my earlier post "Why is Australia the number 1 team?" we looked at one aspect of Australian cricket - their bench strength. But more than their bench strength, it is their seriousness about about the test cricket that sways the ranking in their favour. Test cricket is considered to be the holy grail in Australia. 2008 was just an aberration for Australian cricket.
When the best players of the were playing in IPL 2009, Australian stalwarts were resting at home. They renounced playing lucrative IPL and also didn't participate in one dayers against Pakistan. Why so? Because they wanted to keep themselves fresh for Ashes. While IPL was in full flow, the voices emanating from Australian cricket suggested that the team was getting into groove for Ashes. Even today, when rest of the world is focused on ICC T20 championship (which is just round the corner), all the news coming from Australian team is about Ashes preparation.
ICC T20 championship is the most prestigious international T20 tournament in the world. Barring 1 or 2 T20 matches in a bilateral series, all the teams play international T20 matches only during ICC T20 championship. And what is the news from Australian camp about ICC T20 championship? Nothing...This says it all. Australians attach immense importance to test cricket and that is why they have been so successful in this format.
What hopes does Australia have in ICC T20 championship? Even though they are placed in group of Death, along with WI and SL, Australia has a strong T20 team. They should be able to go through to next round. Anyway, that is another story...
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