Dear All,
Thanks for still coming here. I have however moved my Sport's Blog to
http://sportsblog.umarpirzada.com
Please update your bookmarks, blogrolls etc...and re-direct to the above for the best in Sports...from my point of view...
UTP
Saturday, 24 May 2008
Saturday, 8 March 2008
Age-Old Australians at Brink of losing Top ODI Spot
So the recent CB Series loss against the Indians was more than just a loss. Being beaten by the latest rivals in more ways than one in a best-of-3 finals. At their own home, just to add. The question floating around the cricket world is that have the Aussies finally started to go downhill?
Aussies are at the brink of losing their Best ODI team in the world status to South Africa who's task at hand is to clean-sweep the Bangladesh team which shouldn't be too hard to do. We should be able to see South Africa finally make it to the top after a long struggle. Lets hope they get there.
But the questions being asked are only natural as well. I read something on age being a problem for Aussies with the average age being 32. I think thats been the average age for them since the last 12 years and they have won world cups with the same. So, that is something that shouldn't really be questioned. I mean would they have performed better with younger players in the team? I don't think so.
Ponting and Symonds are by the far better than many youngsters around and its only because they couldn't fire on the day of the finals was the issue. Its difficult to pin-point anybody based on a single series defeat but the high standards that the Aussies set, leads the media to do the same. This leads to questions asked on every loss. Its almost like they are inhuman and everybody expects them to win every day. There is no doubt that they have been tested in the recent past and its not easy to be the best for so long.
I don't think there is any lack of talent, or strategy or leadership or age for that matter. Its just that they are now getting a little more human. They have had an unbelievable run and its only because of some very high standards in all facets of the game. I don't think its they who have got down on the standards. Its more about the other teams who have brought their standards up and while doing that, I think they have been able to beat them also.Aussies are at the brink of losing their Best ODI team in the world status to South Africa who's task at hand is to clean-sweep the Bangladesh team which shouldn't be too hard to do. We should be able to see South Africa finally make it to the top after a long struggle. Lets hope they get there.
But the questions being asked are only natural as well. I read something on age being a problem for Aussies with the average age being 32. I think thats been the average age for them since the last 12 years and they have won world cups with the same. So, that is something that shouldn't really be questioned. I mean would they have performed better with younger players in the team? I don't think so.
Ponting and Symonds are by the far better than many youngsters around and its only because they couldn't fire on the day of the finals was the issue. Its difficult to pin-point anybody based on a single series defeat but the high standards that the Aussies set, leads the media to do the same. This leads to questions asked on every loss. Its almost like they are inhuman and everybody expects them to win every day. There is no doubt that they have been tested in the recent past and its not easy to be the best for so long.
Its a good phase in cricket history and the top place is up for grabs. I can see South Africa, Sri Lanka and even India in many ways closing in on the top.
Thursday, 28 February 2008
Sania Mirza - With all the HUFF & PUFF
Sania Mirza is the Indian tennis revolution and does have the potential to be bigger than Leander Paes & Mahesh Bhupathi who weren't really great singles players. They were a marvelous doubles team but at last India do have someone who could be their singles tennis superstar.
Sania's career hasn't really got off to the start she would have dreamed but she has won some matches and does hold as respectable spot in the rankings, only improving.
Recently she was involved in a bit of controversy with disrespecting the Indian Flag. She could have been a little more careful but the way this issue was just blasted in proportions was something that didn't do much for her image. Also being a Muslim and wearing unacceptable clothes as per the religion had a few Islamic criticism following her as well.
She really needed a boost and with her recent exit from the Dubai Open Championships 2008, its going back to the drawing board for her. She lost to the No.4 seed, Jelena Jankovic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. It wasn't exactly a roll-over and die scenario but she didn't look at her best.
She has such a big fan following in Dubai considering its not only the Indians but other Asians who look at her as the Asian revolution in a lot of ways. She did disappointed a lot of fans who will not watch any further as the spice is out of the tournament.
Saying all that, many tennis players still believe she has potential to get into the top 10. Maybe less controversy and more quality tennis is the call for the day. Otherwise, Anna Kournikova and Martina Hingis are some good examples of what could happen to a potential good career amidst controversies.
Sania's career hasn't really got off to the start she would have dreamed but she has won some matches and does hold as respectable spot in the rankings, only improving.
Recently she was involved in a bit of controversy with disrespecting the Indian Flag. She could have been a little more careful but the way this issue was just blasted in proportions was something that didn't do much for her image. Also being a Muslim and wearing unacceptable clothes as per the religion had a few Islamic criticism following her as well.
She really needed a boost and with her recent exit from the Dubai Open Championships 2008, its going back to the drawing board for her. She lost to the No.4 seed, Jelena Jankovic, 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. It wasn't exactly a roll-over and die scenario but she didn't look at her best.
She has such a big fan following in Dubai considering its not only the Indians but other Asians who look at her as the Asian revolution in a lot of ways. She did disappointed a lot of fans who will not watch any further as the spice is out of the tournament.
Saying all that, many tennis players still believe she has potential to get into the top 10. Maybe less controversy and more quality tennis is the call for the day. Otherwise, Anna Kournikova and Martina Hingis are some good examples of what could happen to a potential good career amidst controversies.
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Ponting worth $400,000
In an auction where Symonds went easily above a million and Brett Less near a million, Ricky Ponting could only fetch $400,000. Yes, I am talking about the recent IPL auctions. I was wondering why the top captain in the world and definitely one of the best batsmen on the current cricket scene didn't fetch a bargain.
I believe a big reason of this might be his recent form. He hasn't been in the best of form in the last few games. It might also be because he may not bring the Indian crowds to the game as much a Symonds would. People would love to see some HUGE hitting and Ponting somehow doesn't sell that big-hitter image.
Plus he is not really an all-rounder which is an asset in 20-20. Those might be few of the reasons of his low big. A similar figure was there for Mike Hussey. I guess again, missing all-rounder characteristic might have done them there.
Saying all that, if somebody asks me my view on IPL or ICL or anything of the sort....I would say no from the start till the end. I am a true traditionalist who would enjoy a 5-day game more than any of the shorter versions. The game of cricket that was, will only loose its charm and quality with each step into commercialization.
We are already seeing the repercussions of this big money coming in. Early retirements and people just deserting home teams for more money. No patriotic spirit. Honestly, the players who are playing are only doing because of their home contracts and board regulations. Otherwise, everybody will just jump into it. Its too big an offer to leave.
Anyway, thinking positively, lets hope these new leagues help the game money-wise without losing its charm and traditions.
I believe a big reason of this might be his recent form. He hasn't been in the best of form in the last few games. It might also be because he may not bring the Indian crowds to the game as much a Symonds would. People would love to see some HUGE hitting and Ponting somehow doesn't sell that big-hitter image.
Plus he is not really an all-rounder which is an asset in 20-20. Those might be few of the reasons of his low big. A similar figure was there for Mike Hussey. I guess again, missing all-rounder characteristic might have done them there.
Saying all that, if somebody asks me my view on IPL or ICL or anything of the sort....I would say no from the start till the end. I am a true traditionalist who would enjoy a 5-day game more than any of the shorter versions. The game of cricket that was, will only loose its charm and quality with each step into commercialization.
We are already seeing the repercussions of this big money coming in. Early retirements and people just deserting home teams for more money. No patriotic spirit. Honestly, the players who are playing are only doing because of their home contracts and board regulations. Otherwise, everybody will just jump into it. Its too big an offer to leave.
Anyway, thinking positively, lets hope these new leagues help the game money-wise without losing its charm and traditions.
Monday, 18 February 2008
Modern Day Cricket Coaching
The role of a coach in the modern game of cricket has changed in so many ways, I think they should think about renaming that position. Today's coach is a strategist to the core and someone who runs the trainings, practices, injuries and in some countries even team selection.
From the past, this person was someone who would just be in the background and help out on the basics. The coach's role today is much better than many white-collar jobs in the market. In fact, considering the pay-check most international coaches take home today, they should mark it as a white-collar job.
A lot of it has to do with the change in the modern game itself. With so much commercialization and money getting in the game, having an expensive coach other than him being a good coach is important as well. With the introduction of former players taking up coaching roles, it has become an even more respectable and involved role.
The coach is directly involved in player nurturing, skill development, strategy and also the events off the field. So, controversies and differences are no longer restricted to the players only. Coaches have enough ways to get into news as well.
In fact its not even one coach now. There is the bowling coach, the fielding coach, the trainer and a whole team of coaching staff. An idea coming from Amercian sports I presume, NBA, NFL etc. Every role appreciated and specialized in their own way. I guess there is no harm in specialized roles only that it comes with a cost. In the old days, all those roles were associated with a single person.
Another interesting part of modern day coaching is the cultural differences that most international coaches need to adjust to when they come into a new country. This is usually a trend in the Asian teams where money is not an issue hence take examples of Greg Chappell, the late Bob Woolmer, Dav Whatmore, Tom Moody etc, all have had difficult times adjusting to a varying culture as compared to their origins and people would have mixed opinions about their success.
I wont go into details on individuals but commercialization has revolutionized the role of the modern day coach as well. I am not exactly sure if thats good or bad for the game overall, but its definitely brought in a lot more quality & professionalism into the game which is good for the future of cricket.
From the past, this person was someone who would just be in the background and help out on the basics. The coach's role today is much better than many white-collar jobs in the market. In fact, considering the pay-check most international coaches take home today, they should mark it as a white-collar job.
A lot of it has to do with the change in the modern game itself. With so much commercialization and money getting in the game, having an expensive coach other than him being a good coach is important as well. With the introduction of former players taking up coaching roles, it has become an even more respectable and involved role.
The coach is directly involved in player nurturing, skill development, strategy and also the events off the field. So, controversies and differences are no longer restricted to the players only. Coaches have enough ways to get into news as well.
In fact its not even one coach now. There is the bowling coach, the fielding coach, the trainer and a whole team of coaching staff. An idea coming from Amercian sports I presume, NBA, NFL etc. Every role appreciated and specialized in their own way. I guess there is no harm in specialized roles only that it comes with a cost. In the old days, all those roles were associated with a single person.
Another interesting part of modern day coaching is the cultural differences that most international coaches need to adjust to when they come into a new country. This is usually a trend in the Asian teams where money is not an issue hence take examples of Greg Chappell, the late Bob Woolmer, Dav Whatmore, Tom Moody etc, all have had difficult times adjusting to a varying culture as compared to their origins and people would have mixed opinions about their success.
I wont go into details on individuals but commercialization has revolutionized the role of the modern day coach as well. I am not exactly sure if thats good or bad for the game overall, but its definitely brought in a lot more quality & professionalism into the game which is good for the future of cricket.
Friday, 15 February 2008
Tribute to Stephen Fleming - One of the Greatest captains of All-Time
I am a person who appreciates the great minds of the game of cricket. These are the people who have maintained the charm of this great game even amongst the commercialization of it. These people have in the past and will keep making great captains in the future as well.
When I see a captain, I want to see someone who is a leader. Not just someone who wins matches or plays well. That category is for the stars. When I want to see a captain, I want to see someone who can lead from the front, be the last man standing. Take the boos in a loss and be modest in a win. A thinker, innovation being the middle name, and fight till the last ball or wicket attitude. Make everybody play to their best. Now that is a true skipper.
Bottom-line, I want to see someone who is a complete personality and some one to look up to.
In this regard, my all-time favorite captain has been Stephen Fleming. The guy may not get credit with his modest records as others might but this guy has been there in a best possible way a guy could be for his team. With not the best players in the world around him, Fleming made sure that each player plays to his top potential. If they are able to do that then he would go home content. Winning or losing is part of the game but playing it well is what the true cricket lover wants to see. Fleming ensured that cricket watchers got their money's worth.
Its a game, one of the sides will lose. But in order to watch good cricket you would like to see someone like Fleming on the field ordering his troops around. All his career, he has been known for his creativity. Call it strange fielding positions, strange bowling changes, new ball bowling with spinners and what not. Stephen Fleming is your captain for a team that isn't filled with superstars.
When required, leading from the front, opening the innings. Top standards of fielding and then nurturing young players. Look what Vettori has become under him. He is the next captain and those are some big shoes to fill. Talent needs to be nurtured and used correctly. Fleming has made it happen for the Kiwis.
Just read that he retires after the England Series. He will be missed for his innovations and creativity in the game. Thats how I will remember him.
When I see a captain, I want to see someone who is a leader. Not just someone who wins matches or plays well. That category is for the stars. When I want to see a captain, I want to see someone who can lead from the front, be the last man standing. Take the boos in a loss and be modest in a win. A thinker, innovation being the middle name, and fight till the last ball or wicket attitude. Make everybody play to their best. Now that is a true skipper.
Bottom-line, I want to see someone who is a complete personality and some one to look up to.
In this regard, my all-time favorite captain has been Stephen Fleming. The guy may not get credit with his modest records as others might but this guy has been there in a best possible way a guy could be for his team. With not the best players in the world around him, Fleming made sure that each player plays to his top potential. If they are able to do that then he would go home content. Winning or losing is part of the game but playing it well is what the true cricket lover wants to see. Fleming ensured that cricket watchers got their money's worth.
Its a game, one of the sides will lose. But in order to watch good cricket you would like to see someone like Fleming on the field ordering his troops around. All his career, he has been known for his creativity. Call it strange fielding positions, strange bowling changes, new ball bowling with spinners and what not. Stephen Fleming is your captain for a team that isn't filled with superstars.
When required, leading from the front, opening the innings. Top standards of fielding and then nurturing young players. Look what Vettori has become under him. He is the next captain and those are some big shoes to fill. Talent needs to be nurtured and used correctly. Fleming has made it happen for the Kiwis.
Just read that he retires after the England Series. He will be missed for his innovations and creativity in the game. Thats how I will remember him.
Friday, 8 February 2008
Nathan Bracken - Brains over Brawn
Nathen Bracken showed today what a little bit of extra thought in evaluating the weather, the pitch could do. He read the pitch picture-perfect today and executed the plan to perfection. Slower balls was the call for the day and he had every Sri Lankan who took guard trying to pick up the pace of the wicket.
Overcast conditions and the pitch under covers led to a slow pace on the wicket. Where Jayasuriya failed, Gilchrist came out well. Adjusting and showing patience. But it was Bracken who played with his brains today. He made it count and worked on the batsmen, led them to mistakes and went on to his career best 5 for 47.
It was a day to celebrate the brains of cricket rather than sheer power. A day to celebrate Steve Waugh, Javed Miandad, Stephen Fleming, ...
Overcast conditions and the pitch under covers led to a slow pace on the wicket. Where Jayasuriya failed, Gilchrist came out well. Adjusting and showing patience. But it was Bracken who played with his brains today. He made it count and worked on the batsmen, led them to mistakes and went on to his career best 5 for 47.
It was a day to celebrate the brains of cricket rather than sheer power. A day to celebrate Steve Waugh, Javed Miandad, Stephen Fleming, ...
Tuesday, 5 February 2008
Dravid, Ganguly - No place in Indian ODI Team
It's really strange how decisions like these made without a second thought about it. Rahul Dravid and Saurav Ganguly were recently excluded from the the ODI series for the Indian team. There is a way to bring in your youngsters not at the cost of 2 greats who are at the twilight of the career.
Indians with already a demoralizing defeat in the test series really need to pull up their socks in the ODI against the recent World Cup Finalists Australia and Sri Lankan. How do they prepare for it? Remove 2 greats from the team, make way for youngsters. I think this was the most foolish move by the Indian selectors in the recent past. Just their presence makes all the different. You do not need to move them out this way. Batting is India's strength any day. There is a process of bringing in youngsters. This would have been their last tour down under. I think deserved a little more respect.
Now you look a weaker side, hope floats as they say. It can only be the 3rd team in the ODI series. There has not been a competitive ODI series in the recent past and it would have been much more interesting getting all teams at full strength.
Saying all that, I do wish the youngsters well also. I am not being unfair to them. They have a chance to prove so they should take it with both hands but I would loved to see Dravid and Ganguly for one more time in the ODI series.
Indians with already a demoralizing defeat in the test series really need to pull up their socks in the ODI against the recent World Cup Finalists Australia and Sri Lankan. How do they prepare for it? Remove 2 greats from the team, make way for youngsters. I think this was the most foolish move by the Indian selectors in the recent past. Just their presence makes all the different. You do not need to move them out this way. Batting is India's strength any day. There is a process of bringing in youngsters. This would have been their last tour down under. I think deserved a little more respect.
Now you look a weaker side, hope floats as they say. It can only be the 3rd team in the ODI series. There has not been a competitive ODI series in the recent past and it would have been much more interesting getting all teams at full strength.
Saying all that, I do wish the youngsters well also. I am not being unfair to them. They have a chance to prove so they should take it with both hands but I would loved to see Dravid and Ganguly for one more time in the ODI series.
NBA Slam Dunk Contest '08
Ok its time to look into this year's Slam Dunk contest at the NBA All Star Weekend '08. The participants - Gerald Green (last year's champion), Rudy Gay, Dwight Howard & Jamario Moon. We saw a lot of Gerald Green last year and it would only be the 3rd time in history that someone wins the contest back-to-back. Jason Richardson in 2002 & 2003 and Michael Jordan in 1987 and 1988.
Honestly I don't see a repeat coming this year. With two new entrants in Gay and Moon, I think there will be enough new stuff to see amongst those 2 only. I think it would be one of them taking it away this year.
Its amazing how these guys can come up each year and raise the bar one more level. It is tough to beat previous years best but every next year we see a new dimension added. Its really unbelievable what these guys can do.
Anyway, 16th Feb is the date to note for this event. Enjoy!!!
Honestly I don't see a repeat coming this year. With two new entrants in Gay and Moon, I think there will be enough new stuff to see amongst those 2 only. I think it would be one of them taking it away this year.
Its amazing how these guys can come up each year and raise the bar one more level. It is tough to beat previous years best but every next year we see a new dimension added. Its really unbelievable what these guys can do.
Anyway, 16th Feb is the date to note for this event. Enjoy!!!
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Shoaib Akhtar - Valuable Excess Baggage
Since the day he broke open onto the scene, there have been less performances than the so called "expected potential". When he has played, he has been the most terrorizing bowler in the world but these numbers are too few to even talk about.
From day 1, the PCB has just taken up to his tantrums. Call it injuries, disciplinary actions and the big time foreign expenses for fixing his bowling action and God knows how many medical problems. I guess even the PCB has had enough and they have clearly indicated the same by not offering a central contract. They are not letting him go, they have offered him a retainer. What they mean by this is, we are not bearing your expenses any more. Be fit, you can play.
What Shoaib says to that is close to hilarious. He is in complete denial. Quoting, "Central contracts are not an issue because I play for my country and not for money. I will not accept retainership..."
He is deaf to the clear voice of PCB to say the least. Everybody has had enough of waiting for this volcano to erupt and cause destruction. He is well past his prime and where one had hoped he would take the reigns from Wasim and Waqar he has actually taken up a spot in the team long enough and many other Paki bowlers have missed their chance to prove.
Very happy with PCB's decision and hopefully the Paki team can find a few more of the infinite talent of fast bowlers that they seem to have. Its a good lineup even now if they are fit. Asif, Umar Gul and the list of newcomers, I think the future is more brighter than it was with Shoaib on contract.
Bye-bye Shoaib, have a nice day.
From day 1, the PCB has just taken up to his tantrums. Call it injuries, disciplinary actions and the big time foreign expenses for fixing his bowling action and God knows how many medical problems. I guess even the PCB has had enough and they have clearly indicated the same by not offering a central contract. They are not letting him go, they have offered him a retainer. What they mean by this is, we are not bearing your expenses any more. Be fit, you can play.
What Shoaib says to that is close to hilarious. He is in complete denial. Quoting, "Central contracts are not an issue because I play for my country and not for money. I will not accept retainership..."
He is deaf to the clear voice of PCB to say the least. Everybody has had enough of waiting for this volcano to erupt and cause destruction. He is well past his prime and where one had hoped he would take the reigns from Wasim and Waqar he has actually taken up a spot in the team long enough and many other Paki bowlers have missed their chance to prove.
Very happy with PCB's decision and hopefully the Paki team can find a few more of the infinite talent of fast bowlers that they seem to have. Its a good lineup even now if they are fit. Asif, Umar Gul and the list of newcomers, I think the future is more brighter than it was with Shoaib on contract.
Bye-bye Shoaib, have a nice day.
Tuesday, 29 January 2008
Harbhajan vs Symonds - Cricketers but not Gentlemen
It's been a controversy to say the least, something that could even have been expected on an Australian tour.Things were said in the Sydney Test and charges were brought on Harbhajan Singh, who allegedly racially abused Andrew Symonds by calling him a "monkey".
Harbhajan has been cleared of the racial abuse part but will be penalized for a lower classification of abuse as he did plead guilty to using some abusive language.
I sometimes wonder what has happened to the gentleman's game. It used to be that cricket was a game and nothing more. There was an element of respect and a good delivery was acknowledged by the batsman, while a good shot was acknowledged by the bowler, all in good spirits. Umpires would intervene only to conduct the game, the batsman would walk if he knew he had hit the ball.
So where has that game gone now? Has competition, sponsorship and commercialization made it ungentlemanly in some way? The game has grown in popularity and it might just be because of the gossip and antics by different players and officials.
You never know, it might just be a way to hype up a series or generate more revenue from newspapers and websites. But it's not cricket any more, a huge money factor is involved as well.
With Twenty20 and day-night Test matches coming into the frame and more money getting into the game, has cricket lost its charm? I sincerely hope not.
Is cricket too commercialised? What do you think...?
Saturday, 26 January 2008
Adam Gilchrist - The Last Hurrah
The guy who renamed the role of a wicket-keeper and brought in another kind of an all-rounder to the game who was the "wicket-keeper batsman". Gone are the days when a team is looking for a guy who can just keep wickets and bat at 7 or 8 after the one off all-rounder. Gilly got in the game and brought in the explosive style of batting at the top in ODIs and a similar nature in the middle-order in Tests. He was the man to have in any World XI.
At the retirement of Ian Healy, one of the greatest wicket-keepers himself, the Aussies were looking for the next flag bearer. Least did we expect that the flag bearer would not only take it from Healy but also make it more brighter along the way. This guy is an crucial member of the Aussie Dream Team which won 16 tests in a row twice and a series of World Cups. The recent Aussie team spells domination of World Cricket for over a decade now.
Well-defined behind the stumps and the "Here-she-comes-there-she-goes attitude" while batting made him an essential member of the Aussie Rule. Played vice-captain for a little while in his career as well and many would have loved to see him as captain as well but he has done it all besides achieving that. A well-accomplished career which deserves a salute to another great who played his part in revolutionizing the game.
Saturday, 19 January 2008
Lebron James - Mr. Fourth Quarter does it again
Lebron James is the self-proclaimed "Mr. Fourth Quarter" but nobody can deny the fact that King delivers wherever he goes. He was required with 33.6 second left against the champion San Antonio Spurs and he answered the call as he has been doing throughout his career.
The shot led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 90-88 win against their last year NBA Final rivals. A much needed win which should set them back on the track they followed last year which ended at the NBA finals.
The Cavs had Tony Parker to thank for his two crucial missed free throws with 29.4 left on the clock. Manu Ginobili had a shot in the dying seconds and James and the Cavaliers would have breathed a sigh of relief with the missed shot as that would have taken them to a fourth overtime in 3 games.
The Cavs played well defensively and that was the difference in the end. It is important to remember that the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals last year. The Cavs are now on a 3-win streak and would like to continue the good work ahead. They are a championship team and its about time they come to the party.
The shot led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 90-88 win against their last year NBA Final rivals. A much needed win which should set them back on the track they followed last year which ended at the NBA finals.
The Cavs had Tony Parker to thank for his two crucial missed free throws with 29.4 left on the clock. Manu Ginobili had a shot in the dying seconds and James and the Cavaliers would have breathed a sigh of relief with the missed shot as that would have taken them to a fourth overtime in 3 games.
The Cavs played well defensively and that was the difference in the end. It is important to remember that the San Antonio Spurs swept the Cavaliers in the NBA Finals last year. The Cavs are now on a 3-win streak and would like to continue the good work ahead. They are a championship team and its about time they come to the party.
Laxman - The Thorn in the Aussie Back
V.V.S. Laxman proved again why he is the world's top run-getter against Australia in Australia. A gutsy 79 against some fiery pace from Brett Lee saw the Indian team set up a potential record run chase of 413 runs in the last innings for the 17th straight test win for the Australian team.
Moved down the order, Laxman proved once again why the Aussies fear him so much. This wasn't a free flowing Laxman innings that one usually remembers him for against the Aussies. He had to dig out his runs and 2 late partnerships with Dhoni (38) and R.P. Singh (30) set up what could be a match-winning target.
The hosts closed at 65 for the loss of both the openers. This left the strong Aussie middle order to chase a further 348 runs while still 2 full days to play. With Ponting and Hussey at the crease right now, a lot depends on a steady start tomorrow if they stand any chance in chasing this record target.
By the way things are, one can surely believe that it might not go till the last day as with Indians surely with the wind behind their backs would want to wrap things up quickly. On the other hand the only way the Aussies play these days is quick and if they do get off to a flyer, the only way they can make the Indian go on the back foot is with a counter-attack suggesting the run-chase getting over in 1 day.
A lot to play for considering what has happened during the series. An unlikely bowling attack consisting of Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and R.P. Singh surprised the formidable Aussie batting lineup in the 1st inning and Pathan continued the good work in the 2nd inning getting both openers in the 5th and the 9th over of the innings respectively.
A win for the Indians would go a long way in proving what they have been standing against during the series as well as stopping the Aussies from a record 17th straight test win. A record they would regret not reaching.
An Aussie win which looks a lower chance at the 3rd day's close would really underline their dominance in world cricket killing the biggest 4th inning run-chase record and 17th straight test win with one stone. However, easier said than done.
Makings of a happening day tomorrow.
Moved down the order, Laxman proved once again why the Aussies fear him so much. This wasn't a free flowing Laxman innings that one usually remembers him for against the Aussies. He had to dig out his runs and 2 late partnerships with Dhoni (38) and R.P. Singh (30) set up what could be a match-winning target.
The hosts closed at 65 for the loss of both the openers. This left the strong Aussie middle order to chase a further 348 runs while still 2 full days to play. With Ponting and Hussey at the crease right now, a lot depends on a steady start tomorrow if they stand any chance in chasing this record target.
By the way things are, one can surely believe that it might not go till the last day as with Indians surely with the wind behind their backs would want to wrap things up quickly. On the other hand the only way the Aussies play these days is quick and if they do get off to a flyer, the only way they can make the Indian go on the back foot is with a counter-attack suggesting the run-chase getting over in 1 day.
A lot to play for considering what has happened during the series. An unlikely bowling attack consisting of Irfan Pathan, Ishant Sharma and R.P. Singh surprised the formidable Aussie batting lineup in the 1st inning and Pathan continued the good work in the 2nd inning getting both openers in the 5th and the 9th over of the innings respectively.
A win for the Indians would go a long way in proving what they have been standing against during the series as well as stopping the Aussies from a record 17th straight test win. A record they would regret not reaching.
An Aussie win which looks a lower chance at the 3rd day's close would really underline their dominance in world cricket killing the biggest 4th inning run-chase record and 17th straight test win with one stone. However, easier said than done.
Makings of a happening day tomorrow.
Friday, 18 January 2008
Roddick Exits in a 5-Set Thriller
He faces Jarkko Nieminen seeded 24th in the 4th around and possible meet-up with Rafael Nadal in the quarters. Interesting prospect ahead for the German.
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