Dhoni's strange ways

Indian team captain MS Dhoni is on a path to become the most successful captain of India. Under his leadership, the team is winning matches and it has become number 1 ranked team in test matches. Although there will always be naysayers and doubters about the number 1 ranking but there is no denying that he is a good leader of people and that he leads from the front.

The media has, in fact, has already anointed him as Captain Courageous. And he has actually become very courageous or so it seems.

Consider this:

• During 2009 ICC T20 World Cup when media questioned the team unity after Sehwag's unfortunate injury, rather than clearing any doubts or misgivings, he took the whole team out to the ground for a photo shoot. He  just wanted to show that the team is united.
• During 2008 Hero Honda Cup one day series when selectors selected Irfan Pathan ahead of RP Singh for last 2 matches, there was a alleged leak from an unknown selector that Dhoni threatened to resign during the selection committee meeting. It was said that Dhoni preferred RP Singh. In response to these allegations Dhoni challenged the so called selector to come out into open and proclaimed  that, because of the selector's blunder, it will now be difficult to manage team unity.
• And recently in ongoing SA-India test series he wanted Kirstein to stay as India's coach even after the World Cup 2011.

Family may keep Kirsten from renewing contract - Dhoni

These are the kind of things no-one in Indian cricket team has done or can dare to do. But then we are talking about Captain Courageous. May his courage wins us more matches than create news headlines.

Be Warnied!

An English model already under wraps; next English cricketers. Light, Camera, Action!

 Warnie, your team needs you

Cook's concoction to make 50 test centuries

More than a year I had written a post on Tendulkar's test tons. I tried to find out who would be able to overhaul his test centuries. My assessment was that Tendulkar's record is unlikely to be broken.

Most Hundreds in tests

Recently I read an article about Cook's hundreds.

Younger than the Don, a little older than Tendulkar

The author is making a case for English Opener AN Cook. He thinks Cook might be able to surpass Tendulkar's centuries.

At the time of writing this post Tendulkar has scored 49 centuries which is 10 more than, next in line, Ponting. Ponting, till about a few months ago, was a contender for surpassing Tendulkar's record. At the time of writing this post Ponting has fallen from grace. Australia is in middle of 2010-11 Ashes and Ponting is at the receiving a lot of flak for Australia's poor performance. There has been a talk to remove him as a captain of the team. Only time will tell whether he retains his place.

Personally I believe Ponting is the best man to do the job right now (even though I suspect his captaining ability). But that is another story. Whether Ponting revives his career or not, Cook is certainly brewing winning a concoction. But will Cook's recepie bear the fruit?

I don't think so. Consider this:
1. Did cricket pundits pronounce Cook as a great the moment he walked into test arena?


2. Do connosieurs of cricket think Cook as a great batsman or even a very good one?
3. Does Cook create a awe in bowlers as Tendulkar does?
4. Can Cook match Tendulkar's aura and passion for cricket?
5. Can Cook match Tendulkar's longevity?

The answers to all these Q is a big NO. And still he is the best bet of our times to do the job...

Can Australia redeem?

As I write, both Australia and England are fighting it out for Ashes 2010. Only time will tell who will win the series; but at the moment Australia is in dire straits. Australia is 0-1 down after 2 test matches. Even before this series started many pundits, world over, had predicted an unfaourable result for Australia.

Can Australia redeem? Do they even have a chance to come from behind and win the Ashes?

I do not have the answer. However, Australia are unlikely to be a decent force in test cricket for another 2-3 years.

I looked at the official ICC test player ranking. Although these rankings are not a fair measure to gauge team strength albeit they do tell a bit about players' ability and form.

http://www.espncricinfo.com/rankings/content/page/211270.html

I was not a wee-bit surprised to see that none of the Australian player is part of top 10 list. Does it give you any indication of times to come?