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Sight Screen

Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Ind-Zim T2 Day2 - Open Thread

So...India comfortably placed as of now. Lets see if Yuv and Karthik get a chance to bat, for they can certainly do with a decent hit in the middle. If we don't have a mid innings hiccup like last game(where 3 wkts fell relatively quickly) then India might already have a big lead by tea time, and can look to declare even before end of the day today. Especially if GG stays a while beyond his ton.

Open thread for the days play...


Some news bits...Sachin would not go for Super Series...Inzy might get his chance to refuse after all :-)

Flintoff reveals, in his upcoming book, that he was "shot at" during an ODI in Delhi! Intriguing...what he says about these 'pellets' which he found. Anyone knows more?

And one last bit....I'm sure most of you have seen this story, it appeared in all the media channels since yesterday(e.g. check out here, here and here)...but this one chooses to have the most...umm...'interesting' title. No comments.

posted by worma at 3:15 AM

219 Comments:

  • Interesting title indeed but I agree with Sachin entirely. What happens in the dressing room must stay there. And that applies to all the 'sources' that Prem has...

    On the same note, I am a bit dissapointed that Flintoff has come out with his autobiography while he is still playing as I am sure it will open a can of worms as well (already his statement about Hussain's captaincy has made headlines)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 03:59  

  • Ravi, the problem lies with us as well.

    The fact is we want guys like Prem to tell us all about who said what to who and when!

    And they just oblige...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:11  

  • Ravi, It's not up to us to filter that stuff; the responsibility lies with the journalists...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:19  

  • mock turtle, well said...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:19  

  • I always think reading Prem's comments is a bit like reading Dan Brown's Da vinci code.

    You get so impressed with his authority over the subject, the you fail to see when fact becomes fiction :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:23  

  • dadagiri...let me jump here in this discussion. I think I agreed with you on this one, when arguing with Prem...and I in fact gave the Imran example also....but I dont think Prem ever implied that *for sure* there was something fishy in AA selection or DD selection....he said that he, and other journalists, do know these...and some of them choose to 'assume' that there is such connection....and form opinions about players like SG accordingly.....and then there opinions start coming out in their articles....which may be the case in some stories today. While the thing with Prem....I dont think 'officially' he ever did an unbalanced piece on any cricketer? Or do you have some example?....what he says here is just the journalistic 'raw material' what many in his profession use (people like him use it wisely)....so lets not impose the 'rules of the game' here

    By Blogger worma, at 04:25  

  • Ravi, I rephrase; "The responsibility lies with the GOOD journalists"

    I rate Prem as good (hence we are all here). But (as per my previous comment), he should not misuse his position because I know some guys who trust his opinions blindly...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:26  

  • looks like Sahir is fighting a losing battle trying to keep the focus on the cricket. Not that this game is interesting...

    What's the score guys?

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:28  

  • and Saurabh...about reading Prem's comment...well that depends on how you judge people....I tend to enjoy everything...and add up pieces myself....for example I never agreed with him on the AA opinion he offered...and even he never insisted that its necessarily true....simply that thats what he knew..and that was being talked about in his cricles...ofcourse there is no proof so he could be wrong...and I think he would accept it that he 'could' be wrong on it....I'm not trying to defend him :-)...have my fair share of disagreements....just saying that in such forums....why do you want to believe everything that ANYONE writes (be it prem or someone else)...

    By Blogger worma, at 04:28  

  • Worma, my favourite cricket writer is Simon Hughes (the Channel4 analyst) becuase he sticks to cricket and not the hype or politics of cricket.

    When Prem talks about the game, he comes very close to him (His analysis of Bajj's bowling was a treat).

    The problem with Prem is that every now and then (more often then he should), he diverts and starts talking about the 'Politics of cricket' and that's when I "switch off".

    But I guess it's personal opinion.

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:35  

  • dadagiri...atleast I looked at it this way....he gave us the 'raw material' that many in his profession have access to- in this case it was teh gf connection of SG and AA- and then disclosed the 'obvious' conclusion that many(including him) drew from that material. I, and you also, disagreed with the conclusion...in this case that was also prem's personal opinion(I got the impression that even he wasnt having a well formed opinion on this, but lets say even if he does). So what is the big deal? He has an opinion which we disagree with, but atleast he didn't manipulate the facts...right? The opinion part is not something on which you would ALWAYS agree with anyone in the world...isn't that so? (atleast with me it is). What exactly is the issue here....no seriously...I dont see it? Difference of opinion...isnt that so. But that doesnt stop us from listening to what he has more to offer...and maybe agreeing and disagreeing on some of those as well. Isnt that normal discussion?

    ..sorry...I sound 'preachy' there ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 04:38  

  • dadagiri, good point.

    Ravi, If a person expects people to start filtering out his comments/articles, then he is not a good writer.

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:39  

  • saurabh...to each his own. I like the analysis, but I also like to read the the subtle hints...the non official bits...about players...their game...their views on other players....etc etc.....I use that to form my own opinions (and keep refining them)...when someone hits close to my opinion...I agree...other times I tend to disagree. But I still love all the material that helps me form the opinion.

    By Blogger worma, at 04:40  

  • good move mock. and since the cricket is not worth my time as well, I am switching off as well...

    Have a good day guys...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 04:44  

  • see you later saurabh. maybe when the game is 'interesting'!

    By Blogger worma, at 04:46  

  • ok Dadagiri...I do agree (with you as well as mock turtle on this) about many people being impressionable...and they may take the wrong impression from the readings here. Although I don't know what Prem should do about it(I'm trying to keep myself in his place and thinking)...I certainly don't want him to 'refrain' from speaking out his mind here...just because the material is not up to the mark in terms of official credibility.

    But back to the game...and India again having the 'hiccup' I mentioned in the post. GG should have played better I think. His problem is entirely mental..and GC needs to solve it. And soon.

    By Blogger worma, at 04:55  

  • Dadagiri says:
    quite a few people don't think like you (Worma) and I do.

    Please sir, how can I be as clever as you two?

    By Blogger i, at 04:55  

  • A personal observation guys........SG seems to be aloof in the team nowadays. Observed this for quite some time....maybe since Pak tour to India. he does not seem to participate actively in the team huddle as before

    By Blogger Sid, at 04:55  

  • k-slice thanks for the explanation. I also thought air pistol when I read it first. But hasn't the security in our stadiums been tight even in those days? Why would someone want to bring in a relatively harmless air-pistol and risk being convicted 'seriously'. Anyways...fred only knows :)

    By Blogger worma, at 04:58  

  • Thank you Ravi sir. Have you the intimate knowledge of this drink sir?

    By Blogger i, at 05:01  

  • Ravi sir, thank you for suggestion. What is this IMHO, sir?

    Are your children as smart as SRT sir? My congratulations.

    By Blogger i, at 05:05  

  • Dadagiri, I dig. And I would agree that while hanging out in a pub and gossiping is fine, care should be taken when the source realizes that it is more of a seminar than a pub and he is more of the plenary speaker than a careless lounger. Responsibility, is the word.

    By the way Sir are you also as smart as Ravi sirs children. Ravi sirs children also having SRT's cricketing brain. Me very excited.

    By Blogger i, at 05:09  

  • Dear k-slice and mock_turtle sirs. Thanks for more information, but at least it guarantees ravi sirs children will study till clas 10. My beautiful congratulations.

    By Blogger i, at 05:12  

  • Dear K-slice sir, it is very exciting to find clever children sir. As celever as SRT and SRT(najafgarh model). More boost to them sir.

    By Blogger i, at 05:13  

  • K-slice sir, I am mature sir. Relax sir, no sarcasm meant sir. I don't know what sarcasm means sir. Thank your for your mature wisdom sir. must be boost.

    Somebody hit a four, I am getting bored here. And everyone here is so uptight.

    By Blogger i, at 05:20  

  • Ravi sir is so mature. First he brings children into play, then takes them away.

    Anyway, for the recorde, I am not targetting his children. Poor chaps had no choice :) Just pulling a little leg for advertising boost as a brainy drink.

    By Blogger i, at 05:23  

  • Anyway, in my not-so-humble opinion, the two batsmen should stop this high risk play involving singles, and running between the wickets. Run outs can happen. They should stick to fours and sixes.

    By Blogger i, at 05:25  

  • dear mock, and since when football with Lee become a gauge of gray matter?

    By Blogger i, at 05:26  

  • blwe sir is full of the infinite wisdom.
    WWF wrestlers next noble prize winners sir? Brains size of water melons on steroids sir?

    By Blogger i, at 05:29  

  • Dear mock, it was the addition that I was questioning. Brawny I accept without reserve

    By Blogger i, at 05:30  

  • blwe sir they are conserving their energy for their brains sir. For as Yoko Ono said a body without brain is an empty commode.

    By Blogger i, at 05:37  

  • k-slice sir is slicing and dicing his sarcasm about. Well played sir

    By Blogger i, at 05:38  

  • Whats happening out there?

    Current Partnership: 20 runs, 10.4 overs, RR: 1.88

    Why so much respect for a pedestrian attack?

    By Blogger Shankar Anand, at 05:40  

  • I think this is the last time skipper SG batted for india. However I am pretty sure SG will bat next time for India but not as a captain

    By Blogger Sid, at 06:10  

  • kaif and yuvraj have not proved themselves at test level yet. So i guess they might have to wait a tad bit longer

    By Blogger Sid, at 06:16  

  • Is it ok if he gives just 30s and 40s even against weaker oppositions?

    As long he scores 100s and 200s against Aus & Pak, its fine with me :)

    By Blogger Kansultant, at 06:20  

  • Sehwag averages 50 against Aus and 100 against Pak ( 6 tests)

    Discussions to drop him wud be Blasphemy

    By Blogger Kansultant, at 06:24  

  • VS probably feels too bored to concentrate while batting against the minnows.

    Quite contrary to you know who ???? :))

    By Blogger Kansultant, at 06:26  

  • Empty Vessles make more Noise...and here is the proof

    http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v516/hkannan4/EmptyVessels.jpg

    By Blogger Kansultant, at 06:31  

  • dadagiri... u r living upto ur name :)

    I stand by what i had written last time......NDTV Breaking news is that Govt, RBI etc are pretty much sure that some gol maal is going on in the sensex. and r working to find the culprits...FYI Sensex fell 235 pts today......

    By Blogger Kansultant, at 06:40  

  • Boy, Sunny Gavaskar, Raavi Shastri and Harsha Bhogle really did a job on Freddie Flintoff being "shot" at in Delhi. They pretty much ridiculed it.
    And rightly so. Freddie bloody talked about the indian fans like they were a bunch of savages. "You expect to be hit by bottles in India, but not shot at".
    Not that I am condoning such dumb actions by the spectators, and lack of security.

    But it was made to sound as if Freddie had a life and death experience, while in reality he was probably hit by a spitball.

    By Blogger Dhruv Deepak, at 06:52  

  • After all this play and miss, if Yuvi makes a big score he will teach Hindi 101 to GC. They way "stars" behave !!

    By Blogger Karrileaf, at 07:18  

  • Yuvi hits a Boundary. Has he started using his Hindi ?

    By Blogger Karrileaf, at 07:28  

  • Yawn - this blog has gotten so boring. I used to remember when cricket discussion used to go on. Today all I read are people whining about how these big bad journalists are ruining everything. It seems like all the contributors are living in the Soviet Union. They are tied to their computers and forced to read all the "bad" things these mean journalists write.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 07:40  

  • Tombaan you are full of the milk of human kindness aren't you? Let me know when you stub your toe, I will come along and laugh.

    By Blogger i, at 07:46  

  • Don't worry about him blwe, we will send him some Boost, the energy drink, if people's failures are not good enough to boost his little life.

    By Blogger i, at 07:50  

  • reverse sweep - I'm not sure exactly what the meaningful discussion can go on a Zim match but atleast I'm hoping for cricket discussion. All I read in this blog this mroning is a group of pro-dada guys whining about how their guy is being opressed by the journalists.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 07:51  

  • K-slice, I was always full of the milk of human kindess. Though I have little tolerance for uptight, know-it-all people, and none for people who take pleasure in other's misfortunes.

    And dude, you got to work on your kidding :)

    By Blogger i, at 07:54  

  • But of course Blwe, if you are pro-dada, you are anti-India, and should be thankful we don't book you under TADA.

    That will teach you, you no-good person who knows nothing about cricket, unlike the rest of us who were wielding the willow. hah!

    By Blogger i, at 07:56  

  • blwe - I believe in choice. You put everything out there, from all sides, and people can read what they choose and believe what they choose.

    But turning away from this and talking cricket, I read this articleand thought it was interesting:
    Watson wants to be like Freddy
    http://foxsports.news.com.au/story/0,8659,16676330-23212,00.html

    Not related to India but cricket nonetheless.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 07:57  

  • Yacrik, I am with you totally. I think SG is a total idiot. I am thankful, he knows which end to hold his bat.

    Can I get my certificate for cricketing knowledge abve and beyond the call of duty?

    But for people like you and me, Indian cricket would be down the drain.

    Oops it is down the drain. Help Yacrik!

    By Blogger i, at 08:01  

  • blwe - I have not probs if you are pro-dada, I am pro- some players also, but I respect those that aren't unlike some. Not referring to you, specifically, but others on this blog.

    Another non-India cricket article that I thought was interesting:
    Bell tips Freddie as next captain (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/4267236.stm).

    I heard Beneaud also say he thought Flintoff may be the next England captain in the post ashes interview on BBC.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:02  

  • Fie on you blwe for not jumping a burning ship like the rest of us rats.

    May you fry in extra virgin olive oil

    By Blogger i, at 08:03  

  • Oh come on K-slice, it is so much fun kicking a man in the teeth when he is on the ground. Esp. since we have the moral cloth called the "good of indian cricket" to hide behind.

    Come on man, where is your patriotism and cricketing know-how?

    By Blogger i, at 08:07  

  • Hey guys just logged on to check the score.

    Indis has scored 111 runs in 45 overs today. Great show, especially against the likes of Flintoff/Jones/Warne and McGrath.

    Oops, almost forgot we are playing Zimbabwe and not a combined Ashes XI...

    Great show. Me back to what is the best thing to do in this match...

    zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 08:14  

  • ..just came in...wow..some new discussion going on here ;-)

    ..and in the match it looks like Zim or rather Streak...has pulled back India quite well. There goes Yuv...hmm more interesting. I hoped this morning that Yuv and Karthik get to bat, looks like both got enough space. Very important for Karthik(from his own point of view, since Dhoni seems to be impressing a lot of people) to hang in with Dravid.

    By Blogger worma, at 08:16  

  • abhay - I thought it was agreed that in the last test SG's was slow but a good innings. Is it a double standard at work here?

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:16  

  • Oh, don't get me wrong Mr. Slice. I don't do cricketing debates. Debating on topics and people where ones knowledge and skill is highly questionable is just not done. You can indulge in it, but it is not debate, its called shooting the breeze.

    And it is great study to see people debate these questions like grizzled veterans. Taking sides with all the panache and pride of a "all-for-the-greater-good" soldier.

    Feel free to proceed with cricketing quesitions, I can't help you chaps there, but can I have a quite laugh?

    By Blogger i, at 08:18  

  • Do you float while you gloat my bosom friend yacrik?

    By Blogger i, at 08:20  

  • I think it is presumptious of you to think I am laughing at you. If you go back and read what you believe were comments directed at you, dear friend, you will find that I was taking a piss at the average side-taking, logic-fixing, cricketing joe here, like myself.

    If you are a cricketing genius, rest assured your logic will be followed and appreciated. As they say, I may be an ass, but I am not a silly ass.

    By Blogger i, at 08:24  

  • vick...mate winning the match is important, isn't it. Atleast for me its way better than trying to 'look' better and in the process loose direction. So very very well batted RD (and also from what I read, Streak seems to be bowling brilliantly)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:25  

  • My dear Sriram, there are no personal battles. As wise Prince Vader said, battles are seen by people with fire in their eyes. I can't afford fire in my eyes, it would melt my specs.

    By Blogger i, at 08:26  

  • abhay - my comment was supposed to be sarcastic, I should have used the emoticon:-).

    worma - good to see you back. I got to give you props for being consistent, unlike those who criticized one and praised the other innings based on their personal preference.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:28  

  • Pathan's the man. No personal demons to fight, no elections to be won. Batting, someone said, is more in the mind, less in the blade. Considering my scores with Cornell X1, I would agree.

    By Blogger i, at 08:29  

  • gopal..I dont have favourite 'personalities'..not atleast in this cricket team ;)...more often than not, I am assigned those roles.

    Anyways...back to the game...lets see how much improved Pathan's batting really is....these two should try to hang on for couple of overs...I guess Streak and Mahwire would be off sometime soon...should be a respite.

    By Blogger worma, at 08:31  

  • i - then my mind must be empty because my scores usually are :-).

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:31  

  • ohh..ok vick :)

    By Blogger worma, at 08:33  

  • This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    By Blogger i, at 08:33  

  • Ravi, my friend, its a frequent diagnosis. No wonder I am still single. If there are any single women here, hear what Ravi sir has to say, and send me your phone numbers :)

    I would much hate to be in sir Kathik's gloriously smelling shoes.

    This will surely grow hair on his chest

    By Blogger i, at 08:34  

  • another one bites the dust....get this guy karthik out of the team:-)...

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:34  

  • Karthik goes...not good for him...ahh well...lets see if atleast we get a lead of 200. And, now atleast there would be some more challenge in our second innings bowling besides just holding on to see 'how long' it takes to knock them over..

    By Blogger worma, at 08:36  

  • Gopalblog: That is funny.

    Ravi sir, exciting fun is being had by everyone. Missing cricket very much so sir.

    But, I am missing India playing good cricket even more.

    I think early in life I figured out that cricket is Ok, but its only fun when India wins. Cricketing nuances go hang.

    By Blogger i, at 08:38  

  • vick, abhay...I think he should be retained...depends on what GC's seen in him. Two cheap dismissals is not enough to judge is it. But then, our next test series is a long time away...a lot can happen till then

    By Blogger worma, at 08:38  

  • I guess I spoke too soon. Karthik will have to remain smooth-chested for a while. Poor kid.

    By Blogger i, at 08:39  

  • Does he (KKD) have long hair? I thought MSD was the long haired kid on the block.

    By Blogger i, at 08:43  

  • yeah ananth, thats what I meant...since there is a long time for our next test series...in the meantime Dhoni can impress too much to be ignored.....but I still think Karthik would be watched more closely by GC etc(if not already done so) in camps and practises to see where he stands. I dont think its 'curtains on his career' yet!!

    By Blogger worma, at 08:47  

  • Which one ravi sir?

    I know only a few of them as I haven't seen cricket for nearly a year now. E.g., know nothing about GG, KKD, MSD, .

    By Blogger i, at 08:47  

  • yep vick...from what I've read...Parthiv is very much there in the picture...and its not as if Dhoni is deeply entrenched in the ODI side...there's a lot of scope for him to improve as well..

    By Blogger worma, at 08:49  

  • While Dhoni may be good with the bat his keeping may be below par - similar to the G Jones vs Chris Read England controversy?

    Maybe Dhoni can come into the team as a batsman, maybe he can take Yuvi's place ...but wait he is taking ... kaif's place ... maybe he can take ... SG's place ... ummm, no I don't want to start that discussions again ... aghhh .. it'll never work dhoni is out! Sorry bud! :-)

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 08:49  

  • cricktip...I have a feeling that the team is playing as per their game plan, and the demands of the bowling and the situation. As you said, winning is important. And 'even against this team' does not hold true mate...out there in the middle...when RD or VVS or SG is facing the ball..it doesnt matter who the opposition is...as long as the bowling is good. And that, today, seems to have been the case.

    I have been saying this right from the beginning of this series, that Indians are going to be cautios...try to play it a bit safe...no matter how it looks....because winning is foremost requirement..and because we are not in sterling touch.

    By Blogger worma, at 08:54  

  • Just came across this from Rick Eyre's blog, re: earlier discussions today:

    “At Africa’s premier online conference, HighwayAfrica, Mark Comerford from Stockholm University emphasizes that blogging is really ‘just a content management system.’ For example, to say blogging is journalism is like saying your telephone is journalism. It’s really the content and the stories people have to tell that’s important here. Technology is just the carrier or enhancer.” - Matthew Buckland, writing on the Poynter Institute’s excellent E-Mail Tidbits, 16.9.05.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 09:01  

  • ananth, am not watching the game so not sure if it was too cautious...but atleast from reading the commentary it does look like Streak is bowling exceptionally well (and yes, it just takes ONE good bowler with moderate support from other end for a batting lineup to loose its way). You also need to keep in mind that most batsmen came fresh during this 'inspired attack' period...hence couldnt cope up. Only Dravid was well set....but then, on this day, Streak seemed to be too good for him. Gambhir, earlier in the day, was the one who should have capitalised more (not faulting him in general...he got us 97 runs after all!).

    ravi yes it would be great to have inside info on the game plan. I think we would hardly have any arguments here then ;)

    By Blogger worma, at 09:01  

  • Tiger, dear friend you come across as a nervy cricket follower?

    I will let you in on a secret. It is a game. For us.

    Now for those poor chaps on the field, it is their whole life.

    So, relax buddy.

    By Blogger i, at 09:07  

  • Seriously Ravi sir, we, and the newspaper men, are rather quick to call for the chop for this cricketer, the guillotine for the other. Hey, it is their whole life, their career you are talking about. I would hate someone judging me on my job. Here, we have a billion or so "qualified" judges.

    By Blogger i, at 09:13  

  • Ah, "i" has returned :)

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:15  

  • ravi, you were one of those who knew LS (from yesterday's discussion), right?
    Do you have any idea what Badanai is upto?

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:20  

  • Toney, my friend, there is an "i" in all of us.

    By Blogger i, at 09:20  

  • I read Graham Thorpe played his last game in England and is going to spend the winter in Australia as asst coach for NSW. When this was first announced I remember a quote from Steve Waugh saying:

    "I must admit my initial reaction was 'Why do we need a Pom to help us out'?
    ref: http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/england/4579553.stm

    I wonder after ashes if Aussies want more Poms going down under to help them?

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 09:21  

  • Ridiculous title that from IE..

    BTW, i am having horrid time with sportingstreams... worst today.. anyone has any suggestions?

    By Blogger Raju, at 09:21  

  • sure, mate... That "i" is the source of all problems

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:21  

  • same thing here raju

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:22  

  • Seems like Blignaut is working up some pace, 137-140?

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:23  

  • Ravi, it should be even more important to them - this is their identity. This is what we know them as. Not nice to hear one of us know-it-all judges casually mumble between peanuts and beer - that guy Zaheer Khan, he should be sacke. He doesn't knw how to bowl.

    There was an interesting anecdote about Balaji along the same lines.

    By Blogger i, at 09:24  

  • A true word, dear Toney. As Jambelezi Wattambanga used to say, "Miniaturize your 'i', and the World is your peanut."

    How he heard of miniaturization in the lower Zambesi, is beyond me.

    By Blogger i, at 09:28  

  • Pathan is saving his rnning for bowling later. Me thinks he will break the sonic barrier while bowling.

    By Blogger i, at 09:29  

  • i, what abt those with an allergy to peanuts?
    HS in, something like the previous innings will be very welcome

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:30  

  • rameesh, you never know, with Zim, it might just be all over today too

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:32  

  • toney yes..kumble is out. His game plan (in batting) is the one I most often fail to understand...why does he have to(or is instructed to) try and score when there is someone better at the other end. He's quite good in blocking...ahh well...now we enjoy the bhajji party

    By Blogger worma, at 09:33  

  • sstreams down again?

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:34  

  • Dear Tiger, you burn bright with wisdom. Yes, they are supposed to be the best in their business. Thus, they should be judged by the best judges, and we should acknowledge that while failure tastes like last years rasmalai to us, to them it would probably taste like the aftermath of Heath Streak's lunch, which by the way must have had that something special, for the havoc he has caused.

    That is all I ask - A balanced view keeping in mind our own insecurities, and ignorance.

    By Blogger i, at 09:35  

  • come on mock and others who mock at Pathan, it would be ideal for us to bat the day and Zim out, declare with overnight score, come all cylinders fired up in the morning. Remember this is only the second day of a test and even NZ in the first test struggled initially to some 110 odd for 5..

    By Blogger Raju, at 09:36  

  • vick, whats your point? That Jaggu is a saint who is being persecuted by the TN clubs? There might be some problems b/w the BCCI and TNCA which might be prompting these but dont make it sound like Jaggu is the nice guy in INdian cricket.

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:36  

  • Toney, dear lad, you raise an interesting question about peanuts. We shall refer it to the lower Zambesi high council. Till then I would recommend a nice plastic pacifier.

    Kban honey, I hope you have insured your carpal tunnles? We all love you though. All this wear and tear just so we could get the inside juice.

    By Blogger i, at 09:39  

  • so kban1, you think kumble leaked it?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 09:41  

  • Thanks i, for considering my q :)

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:42  

  • at first you think sportingstreams is too good to be true. . .and it is;)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 09:43  

  • Kban, what is the name of your new book?
    How about,

    GREGANGULY: The monster from middle Africa... a tale of forbidden romance

    By Blogger i, at 09:44  

  • so vick, is this why BCCI was so inefficient? So was BCCI honourable in all its affairs, pre-TNCA law suits? Mate, I can understand your defense of SG, we all have our personal favourites. But the bcci?

    BTW, Pathan is looking good

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:44  

  • kban1 - You spent a lot of time writing without telling me anything. Are you a management consultant? or maybe a college professor?

    This has been hashed through this blog. What I get is some people are pro-SG, some are anti-SG, some don't like PP, while others like PP. And all of us have waaaaaay too much time on our hands.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 09:45  

  • What can I say, I am Irfanned.

    By Blogger i, at 09:45  

  • true rouben. Even then, this is better than the days when I dish out hard earned money for willow where there isnt a lot more on offer, right?

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:46  

  • yep..Pathan is looking good...probably run out of partners though...

    By Blogger worma, at 09:46  

  • Gopalblog, like a mystic you see the truth. Time hangs heavy on our hands, inexorably pushing it onto the keyboard.

    By Blogger i, at 09:47  

  • vick, agreed. There's way too much going on to blame just the BCCI.

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:48  

  • kban1, this game put me to sleep 2 hours ago and now you....

    kidding! Good analysis...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 09:49  

  • I know Bajji is not a top order batsman but I hate it when batsmen dont trust their partner's calls. IP called for a single, HS had to turn back and make sure, before taking the run. Sorry for being too critical

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:50  

  • Bhajji doing his thing in the middle. Has hit 2 fours already.

    By Blogger sv, at 09:51  

  • 6 for streak. What are his best figures?

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:51  

  • toney - streak 6/87 bbi

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 09:53  

  • toney, yeah plus really, all I want is a taste of cricket. A little goes a long way. If the BCCI had a site where you can get clips from the day's play. . .oh sorry, I temporarily drifted off into an alternate universe, where the BCCI is efficient and responsive to the public;)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 09:53  

  • Dear Tiger, Naipaul nai padha hai.

    By Blogger i, at 09:54  

  • roublen, nothing comes free anymore :) I remember a couple of friends telling me they were able to see live cricket during 2001 on the dd website, free!!!

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:56  

  • Irfan is doing really well. Without him, Zimbabwe would have had a better chance of drawing the 2 matches.

    By Blogger sv, at 09:57  

  • yes toney, I've watched live cricket on free dd website as well! But then why would they, or anyone else in the world do that? This is not BCCI domain either.

    lead of 200...I think all that slow batting would now serve us well.

    By Blogger worma, at 09:58  

  • vshan, there's a lead of 200. India would have to do smething xtraordinary to lose from here

    By Blogger Toney, at 09:59  

  • vshan what madness and confusion?

    By Blogger worma, at 09:59  

  • Sidhant, dear friend have you come across the terms "improvement" and "reflection". They explain a lot in this World of ours.

    By Blogger i, at 10:01  

  • vshan, that would be spectacular then :)

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:01  

  • worma I'm just talking about something like the Baggy Green. http://aus.cricinfo.com/db/NATIONAL/AUS/ How come the Indian site isn't as good?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:02  

  • roublen, thats cricinfo. Dont think that has anything to do with the individual cricket boards. Does BCCI have a website?

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:04  

  • right, so why is Cricinfo's Australia site so much better than the India site?

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:06  

  • ZK out for 3. So much for him making 75 before.

    By Blogger sv, at 10:07  

  • no idea, roublen. Are you talking about the llook and feel or the content. While many may disagree, I generally like reading opinions from Vasu, Premachandran etc... (if you are talking abt content)

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:07  

  • roublen, sure BCCI should have a convenient website. But clips of the days play..??...thats against business...does CA do it at baggy-green?

    vshan, some poor batting...a lot of good bowling...I think thats normal cricket...not madness (its not as if we collectively threw away wickets to long-hops?)

    Confusion...not at all mate. To me it looked like a decent 'safety first' plan of a team not playing at its best...and deciding to work with the given conditions...and look for the favourable results. How would you have liked them to be bowled out for 300 or so...in trying to up the scoring rate (what the heck...this is second day..why obsession with the scoring rate?). Its not fair to just go by scores at the end of day and say 'oh we didnt do well'.

    By Blogger worma, at 10:08  

  • toney - I think the Baggy Green part of cricinfo is run by the ACB or Channel 9 in Australia.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 10:08  

  • Well, as they say in Mabutoland, it takes one good ball to get a wicket. Streak sneaked in helluva lot of 'em. Naughty kid. We shall ban chocolate exports to Zim.

    By Blogger i, at 10:08  

  • tiger, thats a good stat, 9 for 168.

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:10  

  • yeah, they do when they're playng in australia. Or at least they did. doesn't seem to have been updated in a while. http://usa.cricinfo.com/db/NATIONAL/AUS/SIGHTSSOUNDS/NINENEWS/

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:11  

  • gopal, any idea if BCCI has a site?

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:11  

  • same thing here too, cricktip. Work, post and watch cricket in mute, in ascending order of priority

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:14  

  • toney - I can't find an official BCCI site. A google search for BCCI yields the Bulgarian (or Bloemfontein or Belize) Chamber of Commerce and Industy site.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 10:15  

  • Dear cricktip, if we work and post at the same time, then it makes a cricketing postman's life so much easier.

    By Blogger i, at 10:15  

  • Avinash, the problem with ZK is you never know, when he will perform and out of the blue one day he will bowl very well ( like he did in the first test in Australia in 2003 - 2004 and after that had to dropped because of injury ) and carries on with this one performance for the rest of the season. He has one of the poor bowling averages in the team. And statistics most of the time never lie. Apart from that he bowls so many no-balls and wides - which we did not see in the second test. Hopefully, he will continue with what he did in the first innings - which is bowling within his limitations and try not to do too much.

    By Blogger sv, at 10:16  

  • toney/roublen - the south african cricket has a website cricket.co.za.

    By Blogger Gopal Bhagavatula, at 10:18  

  • gopal, that seems a decent site, though no clips to download

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:20  

  • ugh, cartan. Talk abt the richest board... How abt we all something for a site?

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:22  

  • Toney.. BCCI has no website.. they have been working on it for quite sometime..
    http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/jul202005/sports221332005719.asp
    In one of their recent meetings, some of the members questioned the need of a website and what use it could be and so the whole thing got sidelined off the agenda..

    By Blogger Pavan, at 10:23  

  • deepak,
    on the same count, we might have done even better against the Aussies if Parthiv was a better keeper. At least, he has time on his hands. With a little hard work, he could do well

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:24  

  • deepak..Patel was surely a good batsman. Can't show u Dhoni's innings on tricky pitches, because he hasnt played on those surfaces yet. His keeping needs improvement, but both he and Karthik are way better than Patel in that aspect.

    By Blogger worma, at 10:26  

  • nice slip cordon by the way

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:26  

  • avinash, we could play AA as the fifth bowler?? :)

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:28  

  • gr8 catch by RD, proves his utility in several depts of the game once again

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:33  

  • shri, did he say he wont come to India? I really wish someone do the same thing again...

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:35  

  • shri...he didn't say he wont come to India, did he? And that wasn't a statment as such...its from his upcoming book

    By Blogger worma, at 10:36  

  • cartan, shri
    AF is just another POM. He's probably taking anticipatory bail for his poor outings in India

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:38  

  • deepak..I thought you were talking about seaming conditions (like Eng example for Patel)?...and yes ofcourse he likes to play on flat tracks...but then these are ODIs, there's always the pressure to score...you cannot judge his test game from them totally. Anyways...sure by the looks of it Patel seems a more composed test batsman...although he is(was) too young to have any power in his shots...his pulls hardly reached midwicket ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 10:39  

  • worema, I thought Patel was limited in his shots too. Sure, he had a great attitude to batting, esp in hostile conditions. But other than the pull and the cut (usually over gully), there was very little on display.

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:41  

  • toney...yep he had limited range of shots...mainly horizontal bat shots..

    By Blogger worma, at 10:44  

  • was that out?

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:45  

  • why must you be so anti-pathan, prem;)

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:46  

  • we cant know toney...because the 'Lords' did not provide us hawkeye ;-)...(btw me not watching)

    By Blogger worma, at 10:47  

  • sheesh, either that or Harper was exercising his arm and shoulder

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:47  

  • and anti Harper too Prem ;-))

    By Blogger worma, at 10:48  

  • deepak...as far as I know...Patel is still in 'contention'...in the sense that he is their in camps..challenger etc...so i think our team management knows he can be a bet for future.

    By Blogger worma, at 10:49  

  • the decisive moment in the match is probably that dismissal- bad decision by Harper. Now Zim can blame him for not drawing the series

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:49  

  • worma they showed the replay. Hit the batsman on the top of the pad when he was jumping. at least 6 inches above the stumps and rising when it hit the batsmen.

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 10:50  

  • roublen ok. I was just taking a dig...not watching ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 10:51  

  • another one, the door's wide open

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:51  

  • prem, POMS will remain POMs. That is the only interesting/amusing part of their snobbish characters

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:52  

  • prem i commented on the Flintoff incidence earlier also....I cannot imagine someone in India would risk(life and limb) carrying in a gun in such a high security place (and that too when Advani and Sonia were there)..just to shoot some pellets at Freddie?

    By Blogger worma, at 10:54  

  • speaking of the faster bowlers in Indian conditions, Srinath's spell against SA (6/21, was it?) should be a lesson.

    By Blogger Toney, at 10:54  

  • deepak..now thats carrying it too far...mate Patel may become good test batsman over time...but we dont need a specialist batsmen in playing XI whose full blooded pulls literally fall short of midwicket :-)...Yuv and Kaif may not be the right answers (I dont think so) but Patel definitely aint one

    By Blogger worma, at 10:57  

  • ..unless someone just got some pellets in the pocket and threw those at him :-)))...that DOES make sense ;-)

    By Blogger worma, at 10:59  

  • Dear Aditya, you are right we have had enough. You should immediately send him his last months salary, and tell him to find another job. This is no way for Ganguly to work for us. What are we paying him good money for?

    Oh, we are not?

    Sorry,

    By Blogger i, at 11:00  

  • Prem, i am baffled by Flintoff's statement as well. Much as I loke that guy, I think it's rubbish for him to make this statement.

    I hope the BCCI must take this matter up with ECB and not buckle down under pressure.

    Unless he is telling the truth that is and the matter was actually hushed up (I contridict myself, but it's a crazy world out there)...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:08  

  • Inzi is a giant potato, what abt all those things he said 2 days ago? Doesnt he have any memory?

    By Blogger Toney, at 11:12  

  • tiger, like I said, its a crazy world out there. Only yesterday, the guy did not want anything to do with the Super-series or the ICC...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:12  

  • Anyway, I don't think Freddie was shot by an Indian. It was an Autralian with tremendous foresight.

    A selector? A coach? Ponting? Clark?

    Your guess is as good as mine.

    By Blogger i, at 11:13  

  • yes saurabh ROFL...he said he would better invest in time preparing for Eng series....and that ICC would not give him any award because they would be embarassed to award a player not in WOrld XI....what if he still doesnt get an award? :-)

    By Blogger worma, at 11:14  

  • in that case, i, that shooter sucks

    By Blogger Toney, at 11:14  

  • Prem, at least the Poms have a reason for losing to India before they get there :-)

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:14  

  • i: that was funny :-)

    Prem didn't someone point out a report saying BCCI will take up the matter with ECB?

    By Blogger worma, at 11:15  

  • Dear Toney, That was because Aussies are best when shooting off from their mouths. The fact that they sometimes put their foot in it, might have spoilt his aim.

    But I agree, poor aim. Esp. when there was so much of Freddie to go around in those days.

    By Blogger i, at 11:16  

  • LOL, i

    By Blogger Toney, at 11:17  

  • Prem, add to tahat the fact that the series is still some time away. There's enough time for the likes of Harmison to get conveniently injured

    By Blogger Toney, at 11:18  

  • hey guys
    did u notice something
    sourav went off the field in the middle of a ZK over to adjust his contact lenses
    RD immediately strenghthened teh slip cordon by having an extra man in there
    pretty aggressive
    and 2 balls later Taibu was gone
    caught by kumble in the gully
    RD is a pretty agressive captain though u cant say the same about his batting
    Prem, isnt that interesting how the same person has totally different approaches when it comes to batting and captaincy.
    Another man who comes to mind is Mark Taylor
    not the most aggressive of the Aussie batsmen, but a very aggressive captain

    By Blogger Shyam Sankar, at 11:18  

  • I agree Prem. At least 4 Tests would have been good.

    The next 3-4 months should be fun. The Eng tour of the sub-continent and South Africa's tour down under should tell us if there is going to be a change in the world-order next year....

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:20  

  • oops...nope Chauhan from DDCA has rubbished the claims...and asked BCCI to take it up with ECB...no reaction from BCCI yet

    By Blogger worma, at 11:22  

  • Yes, shri, but the Windies are worse then Zim or Bangladesh if they are not full-stength. And at full strength, they are only slightly better so I am not looking forward to the WI-Aus series...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:24  

  • Prem, Prem, I have question too. What do you think about Masakadza's fitness regime? Do you think this chap has good work ethics, or should he be sacked from the Zim. team?

    I would like to hear your views.

    By Blogger i, at 11:31  

  • I agree with you Prem. I think the Eng-Ind series will be big!

    By the way Prem, you probably have some insight into how the BCCI (don't) work. Any ideas how they go about scheduling matches.

    There does not seem to be any logic in either the timing or the frequency of when the matches are held...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:35  

  • But, you can't do this to me Prem. You are God. You know everything. So many people ask you questions and get answers. Why not me. Did I do something wrong? Don't shake my faith please.

    By Blogger i, at 11:36  

  • blwe_torch, you are awesome man!

    How did you predict ?

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:36  

  • I think, in terms of scheduling, the BCCI makes sure that the teams get to visit all corners of the country in the most circuitous way possible. The rest are just not impt details

    By Blogger Toney, at 11:39  

  • Yes Tiger, depends on who rotates more in front of Dalmiya!

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:40  

  • no vic, the ICC only mandate that you play 2 series (home and away) with all test playing countries in 5 years.

    So India can play 20 games in one year and 5 the next-the ICC has no say in that...

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:42  

  • Did you guys see this? It was on The Hindu's online edition......

    http://www.hindu.com/2005/09/21/stories/2005092110451900.htm

    Now it turns out that the PCB wants to avoid any chance of a public spat (if Inzy decides to snub a possible invite) by advising Inzy to "avoid long distance travel"!

    By Blogger anantha, at 11:48  

  • guys, just to highlight how inconsitent the Schedule is; Sri Lanka last visited india to play a Test series in 1997/98!!!

    By Blogger Saurabh Wahi, at 11:48  

  • prem,
    that is an interesting remark you made abou sanjay manjrekar
    which brings me to a very interesting topic
    players who wud have made great captrains but never got a chance
    i think shastri (1 test as captain), manjrekar and kumble wud have made very gud captains
    these 3 have got great cricketing brains
    whats ur opinion?
    anyone else in that list?

    By Blogger Shyam Sankar, at 11:48  

  • And then they have "made it clear that it was up to Inzamam to decide whether he wanted to play in the Super Series in Australia and attend the world cricket captain's conference in Sydney."

    Reminds me of the time my advisor advised me to reschedule my thesis defense days before it was due to happen and then told me that I am free to make the final call, though if it was him, he would reschedule! And you obvsly can guess what I did :p

    By Blogger anantha, at 11:51  

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