Shifting news

For those of you who just arrived here....the news is that SightScreen has moved to the new rediff-based home here

Check it out, for latest updates from the SightScreen folks there. Although do bear in mind that its in experimentational phase. Comments, feedback welcome.

p.s. This was posted earlier too....have moved it up here just to redirect all new arrivals here.

Blog of the Year

Sightscreen has been voted the best Indian sports based blog for 2005.

Upcoming seasons

More news on the board's rescheduling of the next few seasons.

So,apart from more cricket with the big nations,it will also not participate in the Champions Trophy in 2008.

Is this really a good thing? It is one thing to want to completely maximize revenue, but surely there is also a larger picture, beyond revenue and prestige?

Which is, that if smaller nations like Bangladesh and Kenya and lesser powerful yet established countries like SL and NZ get totally marginalized, what does it do for the game?

How will Bangladesh or Kenya ever develop? And is it fair that the cricket loving countries of SL and NZ are deprived of a chance to see their players participate in top-level sport, simply because they have lesser financial clout? How fair is it on the players of SL and NZ ? The likes of Jayasuriya, Murali, Vaas, Bond, Astle,Fleming, they have enriched the game as much as a Sachin or Waugh.

Shifting news

For those of you who just arrived here....the news is that SightScreen has moved to the new rediff-based home here

Check it out, for latest updates from the SightScreen folks there. Although do bear in mind that its in experimentational phase. Comments, feedback welcome.

A job well begun..

is a job half done.

One of the key factors in India's successful test series in 2003-04 in Australia and Pakistan was that they started both series very well. Saurav Ganguly's 144 in Brisbane and Virender Sehwag's triple in Multan set the tone very well, and put the opposition on the back foot.

Sunny Gavaskar also made the point that on foreign tours, it is the first test where India has always faltered badly, and once that happens, it is very difficult to fight back.

Pakistan isnt exactly a "foreign tour", especially now with the pitches also being "regular sporting wickets" rather than the promised greentops. Yet,given the immense hype and build up, and the inevitable pressure, the first day or two of the test series could be crucial, in terms of grabbing the momentum and putting the pressure on the opposition.

In this respect, if Sehwag,Sachin,Pathan or Bhajji can land a few killer blows, it could make a huge difference, no?

Poll results and Open thread

An open thread has been started on the discussion group for the first day of the Lahore test match.

Also, here are the results of the poll run earlier this week on the outcome of the India-Pak series.

There were two thousand and forty five votes, as compared to the previous polls, which had between 300 to 400 votes. I guess this blog is seeing a lot more traffic now, with the test series starting in less than 24 hours.

62% of the voters predict that India would win by some margin, with 33% going for a 2-1 win. Another 17% predict a drawn series.

A miniscule 3% predict a whitewash either way.

The conclusion I can draw from these results is that almost everyone feels that this series is going to be a competitive and closely fought one.

Exciting times lie ahead.

ICC meet (-worma)

According to this BBC report, BCCI did not raise the issue of abolishing Champions Trophy at the ICC meeting in Karachi today. Also, the venues for the 2006 edition have been announced as Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi.

There were a few other contentious issues in the agenda..like the Indian initiative to change the ICC calendar, the ICC's concern on the GoI directive for compulsory sharing of match feed with DD etc. But no news on these yet....watch this space.

Team? (-worma)

And to add some desi ghee (trans: clarified butter) to the speculative bonfire, here's cricinfo's *likely* starting lineup for India. Notice Saurav in the opener's role there. And here's how that bit added up

Considering that he was one of the first specialist batsmen to pad up in the nets, and that he practiced against the bowling machine after that, just might. He may not necessarily replace Yuvraj Singh, but come in for Gautam Gambhir.

..indeed we live in interesting times...but can we fast-forward please.

Pakistan opener confirmed (-worma)

Inzy confirms that Malik would be persisted with in the opening position.

And from the sound of it, its going to be a regular subcontinental 'sporting' pitch i.e. not underprepared or flat dead one.

Update: And Siddhartha Vaidyanathan confirms on cricinfo that it is indeed a subcontinental pitch...infact even come cracks visible.

And Dravid confirmed that the playing XI has been finalised.

Also, its been sunny in Lahore...match looks likely to start on time (bad news for those who were planning on extra sleep)

Quick response to slow one? (-worma)

Remember some time back Prem started the discussion about Shoaib's 'new' slower one...and I made a reply post in analysis...taking hints from Hoggard's article on the problems faced by English batsmen. One aspect of that was the height of the sightscreen, and how English batsmen seem to have faced difficulties sighting the release of the ball?

Well..here's the good news...the Indian batsmen (Sachin in particular) has requested for an increase in the height of the sightscreen, and ground management at Gaddafi have already agreed.

"They have said that Tendulkar has asked for the changes because he feels he might not be able to sight the ball leaving the bowler's hand properly in the backdrop of the current sightscreens," Altaf said.

More management (-worma)

After the fiasco at the Media Interaction event, as I pointed out here, and Prem also here, comes another one. This time during the team's visit to Imran's hospital. And even Dravid seems to have lost his cool on the occasion.

"“How many times do I have to speak to the press? I have already told you I am not going to talk today,"” Dravid told an embarrassed Walia within earshot of a few journalists as the Indian players prepared to leave for practice.

And by the way, if you think about it, this one could be coming directly from the first fiasco...where the team was *expecting* to interact with the media closely, and were denied the chance due to mis-management.

Harsha's plan (-worma)

As Prem had been pointing out for past few days, now Harsha has a look at the problems in our domestic games...and his research says its not the absence of stars (or not *just* that). What is found missing is positive cricket (or an intent of positive cricket), good pitches (not the 'good pitches' phrase as used in ODI cricket implying a true batting beauty) and better trainers and physios for domestic teams.

It is only when you play positively on good pitches that you get good cricketers. There are two elements to it: good pitches and positive cricket. By the look of it, it is a combination that is eluding us and the BCCI don’t seem to have noticed it either for I haven'’t heard anyone say that six rounds into this year's Ranji Trophy we have had some pathetic cricket.

There’s more trouble. Lakshmipathy Balaji hasn’t been playing (a fact that seems to have escaped some demonstrators in Chennai!), and we have seen virtually nothing of VRV Singh either. Ashish Nehra has vanished and seriously Munaf Patel remains the only contender for a new ball bowler’s slot.

Speaking of pacers....it would be really interesting to know what's up with Balaji - on whom I last read a cricinfo piece by Anand Vasu saying he's recovering and looking forward to the Ranji..but is still missing from TN squad and Nehra - who was last heard saying he is targetting the Pak ODI series for the comeback, which would mean high time for him to start playing domestic matches now?

And as for sporting pitches...the simple solution, IMO, would be to mandate Saurav Ganguly to play in all our domestic matches...for these days he cannot seem to come accross anything but a sporting pitch :-)

Blogger issues

Prem's facing some issues with Blogger (actually I faced it here in Europe throughout the day too) so not able to post smoothly.

Will be back when the service gets better.

Ooh Ahh (-worma)

Glenn McGrath has had an average test series against SA, and not just by his own standards. And he admits that since his 'downfall' on that famous Edgbaston morning, he's not been on top of his game. But is coming back, and 'feeling good' again.

"I haven't been 100 per cent happy with my bowling and it wasn't until the last 1 1/2 Tests that I really sorted it out."

Looks like just the good news the SriLankans were hoping for.

Sri Lankan cricket (-worma)

They say one's never too drunk to fall off the floor. Apparently Sri Lankan cricket is. For the depths they keep plummeting since...well since they stepped out of home..has no limits in sight. After being absolutely overwhelmed by the Indian team in the ODI series, they easily surrendered the test series despite a not-upto-the-mark batting display by the hosts.

And in New Zealand they didn't look like winning anything for a long time (add to it the controversy around Jayasurya's recall and subsequent injury/unknown dropping-out) until they managed to eke out a win in the final match.

And, in Australia now for the VB series, they now lost their practice match against Victoria when, after being bowled out in 33 overs for a mere 130 runs total, Victoria chased them down in under 25 overs for the loss of 3 wickets. And this while going in to face number 1 & 2 ranked teams.

Flashes of individual brilliance is what can save a few of the upcoming cricketing days for them. But even a Murali needs some runs to defend.

And to imagine..it was just a few months back when we thought Moody got the better of Chappell while looking for an international lineup to coach!

Management? (-worma)

Dileep Premchandran has a column today in Cricinfo about the 'media interaction' event organized by the Indian tour management for the media...and how it turned out to be a big fiasco, with large sections of print media almost boycotting the session...hence resulting in awkward silence and grim faces. Not an ideal precursor, one would say.

Also relinking the post from Amit Varma on his blog, about the same event (that presumably took place yesterday) again highlighting the mis-management of this crucial occasion...resulting in farcical situations. Check out the photographs too...they really tell a story worth thousands of words.

All in all, a big mess-up by the tour management (if there is any at all) and something which our players, already burdened with the extra-ordinary pressures of this tour, can do without.

Aquib Javed's plan (-worma)

Aquib Javed, the former tormentor of (only)Indian batting lineup, has some insights for the Pakistani bowlers..who are faced with the toughest challenge against the strong Indian batting lineup...as every bachcha-bachcha (trans: kid-kid) in India now knows, this whole series is only about - our batting vs their bowling.

And his proffered gameplan against our lineup? Sehwag - outswing, Sachin - outswing, Laxman and Ganguly - outswing. Mercifully he spares Dravid (there his advice is try everything...maybe including outswing?)

Shall we start? (-worma)

The endless repetition of the same facts, the same theories and postulation is getting to be a bit too much. Imran Khan has some more for us...on the SG vs Yuv question this..

"Form is real thing. If Yuvraj is playing better then obviously he gets in"

Going by the insight on offer here, I guess he's also wishing for the real game to begin soon.

On the possible negative influence that an ex-captain can have on the team..this statement from Imran was a partly amusing

When I had become the captain, there were four ex-captains and about three ex-vice-captains and it was a very difficult situation for a while. ... You do not allow any disruptive thing. Everyone sort of realises that the best player plays. If that happens, that's a happy situation to be."

and a bit nostalgic..those were the days in subcontinental cricket..gone forever. Now the Pakistani team has no ex-captain...even the Indian team has only a couple of those.

Meanwhile Telegraph, from its 'informed sources', brings the news that the team is likely to play both the spinners. And then delves into some conjecturing

Considerable attention, expectedly, was on former captain Sourav Ganguly. He qualified for the master net (after Yuvraj Singh), but when he settled down there, Chappell was seen having a chat with Yuvraj and, then, V.V.S. Laxman.

More than anything else, it almost confirmed Sourav doesn’t — as of Tuesday — feature in the thinktank’s plans for the Gaddafi face-off.

While this Express article postulates that SG can be included only at the cost of Harbhajan

And I say play 3 openers or 3 seamers or 2 spinners or whatever...just get on with the game. Please?

"Pakistan need individual, collective strategies to neutralize Indian challenge": Rameez Raja

The build up to the first test is slowly but surely gaining momentum. In this exclusive article for the Daily Times, "Rameez Raja" joins the bench of numerous ex- cricketers giving their expert opinion on a series which is promising to be one that will be remembered for a long time.

"Pakistan after outstripping England are glowing with florid complexion. However, they must now get over the euphoria or risk being burnt by overexposure. The task at hand is to grapple with India, a team that overpowered them at home in 2004. The marathon is about to begin and trust me, it's going to be a gruelling race to the finish".

More emphasis on playing positive cricket by Rameez: "For Pakistan to stay on course, it must abort all thoughts of 'what if' and focus simply on 'so what' "

No expert can finish an article without making a comment on the "Wall Of India". Rameez also feels the same: "To control the game, Pakistan will have to plot Rahul Dravid's downfall. Get the captain on the mat and the rest can get paralyzedlyzed by its effect"

I guess Rameez is conveniently undermining the potential of Sachin Tendulkar, V. Shewag and V.V.S. Laxman to name a few...

I agree with his take on Ganguly "Sourav Ganguly's selection will have more value to Pakistan than India. I firmly believe that a senior player and that too an ex captain, when relegated to 12th man duties, can effect the calmness of the dressing room."

Star Wars and other jazz (-worma)

More technology in the game...even if in unofficial capacity...is the mantra of Channel 9. It promises things like wired up players (commenting live on the proceedings), heat-seaking or some such lbw sensors (for viewers...not umpires. Let them grope in the dark) and what not.

"We want to try and bring the audience at home a bit closer to what the players are thinking or what I'm thinking as captain and how we are going out on the field," Ponting said.

And take the 'game' further away from real cricket..right?

..here's more of same

Umar Gul (-worma)

Osman Samiuddin profiles Umar Gul, who first played with a real cricket ball when he was 16, and three years later, was picking up Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman and Parthiv Patel in a single spell. An 'arrival' more blockbuster-ish than the famous Shoaib twin-strike in Kolkata (in the '99 tour). A must-read.

And compare this (-worma)

And here is a contrasting post from the same Amit Varma....providing us lovely 'informal' snippets, on his blog India Uncut, of the media event organised for the Indian team to interact with the press. And this is why that whole Guardian article thing I earlier mentioned is difficult to fathom.

Anyway, watch out Indian Uncut along with Siddhartha Vaidyanathan's tour diaries (on cricinfo) for more 'informal' and hence more insightful reporting.

Another one comes to the party (-worma)

Amit Varma, from cricinfo (and also host of a few popular blogs) is apparently reporting for Guardian too as their tour correspondent from Pakistan. And his first installment is about what? - why...Saurav Ganguly bashing..what else? Isn't that what sells, and especially when 'actual news' is on low supply...in these days of build-up.

Not only is the article a regurgitation of facts, innuendos and insinuations encircling the former Indian skipper (and a few other members of the drama) - and this applies even for the supposedly English audience towards whom this may be targeted and who would have read many such pieces from some members of the English media tribe who feed on similar Saurav bashing - but is even factually incorrect at places (intentionally, or otherwise). For example

He is loved by his supporters in his home city of Kolkata, there was a national outcry when he was originally left out of the squad for this tour, and questions were asked in parliament

As far as I know, he was there in Pakistan tour squad from day one, and the issue was raised in the parliament around the Sri Lankan series.

But its neither the inaccuracies, nor the insinuations presented as information (rather expected from the tribe of some lesser informed English journalists than Varma - a journalist of some repute atleast in Indian sports media) which is the question here. The question is why bring it up..why now? And where is the link of the 'story' being told in this article with the 'division' he brings by his 'presence'(as per the title).

Ahh...but I forgot....it sells. Right?

Happens only in India? (-worma)

Often, through the tour diaries of visiting reporters, we keep reading how they are struck by the similarity of whole atmosphere across the border. It seems that the similarity extends to all aspects...including the chaos at media events, presentation ceremonies etc.

While the sponsors and Shaharyar Khan, the PCB chief, occupied all the seats on the dias, the captains were made to sit in the front row. After all the ritual speeches were made, the organisers announced that the captains would take questions from the media.

The media then requested that the captains be made to sit on the dias, ensuring smooth conduct of the question round. However, the organisers ruled it out, stating that even the dignitaries on the dias would take questions. This proved to be a major inconvenience to both the media as well as the captains. Only a couple of questions were asked, for which the response was hardly audible.

Apparently Dravid wasn't amused..and understandably so.

Dravid, who was already peeved at the inefficiency and chaos which marked the evening, quietly walked out without informing anyone.

The usual telecast imbroglio (-worma)

Few months back GoI passed a directive that all international cricket matches featuring India would compulsorily be shown on DD, irrespective of the winner of the telecast bid. The order was also to apply in retrospect...for the telecast deals already made between BCCI and a channel.

Since this meant a paid bidder (channel) having to share its feed with DD, the way out suggested by GoI (or rather, ordered?) was that DD would share 80% of the revenue from such telecast (mainly advert money) with the original rights holder. Fair enough?

Now comes the confusion....the recent tussle between Ten Sports, holder of Ind-Pak series rights, and DD. Ten is forced by GoI directive, goes to Supreme Court saying it would incur a loss of Rs 20C Cr. Then DD(or the court, on its behalf) offers to pay 25 Cr, to push Ten above the loss (rather, into profit I would think?). But, hold on, Ten wants DD to pay that money, and then...make no money from advertisement...i.e. relay the Ten feed without generating any revenue of its own.

How come? Where did this twist come from...why the heck should the tax-payers of India add to the profits of Ten Sports? Note that Ten was already being offered a sum beyond the losses it was portraying...so where is the problem?

The GoI directive, when it was announced, was IMO a very well intentioned one. To let the masses of India cheaper access to our matches without the right-holders being ripped off (hence the 80-20 division) their investments...okay the retrospective aspect of the directive may be debatable. But why this further confusion.

Ofcourse, we know that the real reasoning lies elsewhere. That the unregulated 'cottage industry' that is cable service in India is fuelled by the un-ethical hikes in subscription fees (and the following arm-twisting) around the important Indian cricketing assignments. And sharing the feed with DD (even if being offered 80% of the revenue DD earns from it) would suck the life-blood out of this monster.

I'm sure there's lots more to follow...we haven't seen the last of this...more certain than death and taxes :-)

Warne unlimited (-worma)

There are reports that Shane Warne may make a comeback to the limited overs arena for the World Cup...and even Warne seems to have broached the subject with Hohns, albeit informally at this stage.

And his brother feels that Warne, with his limited fielding capabilities (Warne himself confessed that he wants to protect his shoulder, and slip-fielding in tests helps him in that sense) and maybe less-than-adequate batting (although he has improved a lot lately) can make him an ideal supersub choice.

With slow-low wickets of WIndies being the host for the Cup...he can surely fit in. Time to rethink the Kumble factor?

Ticket sales (-worma)

While news about PCB announcing 70% tickets of Ind-Pak test series to be distributed free of cost (and none of that, btw, has happened yet) we also get to read the reports of the ticket sale for...hold your breath....next Ashes series!

And I thought our series was 'bigger than Ashes'? And, ofcourse, we can easily forget, for a long long while, about ticket sales details of our own home series against England.


Another case for that BCCI website which everyone has been hoping for, from this new improved administration.

Btw...those of you who participated in the series result polls (on the right hand side) before today...please participate in the re-poll...mandated by a glitch in the earlier one.

The Slow Act (-worma)

Continuing from Prem's post on Shoaib's slow-un some time back, I looked into the archives to dig out what I had noticed, and written at that time. (here and here).

As Prem said (and I further discussed with him) he did seem to bowl it earlier also, even during our tour in 2004, and as he noticed in those videos, Sachin, Sehwag etc were able to pick it up not from the action, but at the time of release. Good enough to check the shots (as Prem noticed from their backlifts)

In this context, the comments made by Hoggard in his article (just after the series) are relevant

Also, Shoaib Akhtar had a point to prove in this series and he did so brilliantly by running in and bowling at 90mph-plus at the start of the day and still doing so at the end of the day. His slower ball fooled a lot of our batsmen, helped a little bit in Lahore by a dark spot just above the sightscreen that it seemed to keep coming out of. When he released the slower ball, it felt as though it was coming straight for your head, only for it to dip and hit the pitch just in front of you. It is as good a slower ball as most of us have seen, bearing comparison to the ones that Courtney Walsh bowled to Graham Thorpe and Chris Cairns bowled to Chris Read

And its quite apparent here that he is talking about the team's feeling about that delivery (rather than drawing on his own experience as a batsman:-)...a relevant point here is that the English batsman had a difficulty reading it at the time of release due to a 'dark spot' above the Lahore sightscreen. This could be a problem for our batsmen as well, since they are generally shorter than their English counterparts

And I believe that the English batsman have faced Shoaib earlier (although maybe not in test matches?) so they should have known about that delivery, or atleast its earlier avatar. And for them to be thus lured despite that knowledge, and especially for their most 'technically correct' batsman Vaughan (who was almost 'caught in the headlight in the dismissal I saw') speaks of something worthy of more analysis, IMO.

In the duration I watched the game there was no slow-mo analysis done of the change in action, release etc. For all we know, maybe the Indian team management is already at it.

Captaincy the key

In this Cricinfo article Greg Chappell praises Bob Woolmer for transforming the Pakistan side.

He also seeks to downplay the perception that this series would be a test of his skills vs Woolmer's.

It is all about the captain and the team. The captains are the ones who extract the best performances from their players. Our job is to guide them as best as we can and ensure every player plays to his potential.

Rahul Dravid and Inzamam-Ul Haq are tremendous batsmen, and have proven that the burden of captaincy will not affect their batting. However, as far on field captaincy goes, whoever does a better job could make a vital difference.

This is one area, IMO, where India might have a significant edge. Dravid's on field captaincy during India's defense against Australia in the Mumbai Test came in for widespread praise. That is possibly one area where he scores over Inzamam.

Also, the poll on the India-Pakistan test series was reset and put back on the blog earlier this morning. This was because the option for a drawn series (0-0 or 1-1), was not previously available.

Update: For those of you who have already voted, you would need to vote once again, as the poll has been reset.

Is there a doctor in the house? (-worma)

First Hameed goes down with typhoid (around the time when Razzaq is recovering from the same ailment) and then Kaneria and Yousuf reported suffering from severe cold.

And now comes a report of Inzy joining the list of 'patients'. At this rate, after the warm-up...we might have to play the first test against the A side as well.

Cricket? (-worma)

Sunny bhai, talking about India's prospects on the ongoing Pakistan tour, made this remark

"If pace is supposed to be Pakistan's strength, then we can negate that by having three openers. They are quite comfortable against the new ball as they have been brought up playing the new ball," he said.

And I wondered what sport he is talking about :-)

But seriously, this surely must be a comment not made too seriously. I cannot imagine him suggesting a negative move like going in with an extra 'opener' in the lineup, rather than looking to play the 'best' set of openers in the first place, and let the middle order (isn't it supposed to be the best in the world?) take care of the rest. And anyway, as it is, our team management may be losing sleep over the problem of plenty in the middle order..they can surely avoid an extra accommodation at the top.

Also had an important point about the 'hype' around the green-wickets that Pakistan is supposed to be preparing for us

"A green wicket in our part of the world is a big joke. Only green wickets in Australia and South Africa can make a big difference, because the surface beneath is hard,"

At long last (-worma)

News about Balaji, one of the heroes of our last Pakistan tour, now recovering from injury and from his earlier dumping after SL tour (which was not on fitness grounds, as he clarifies here).

Anyway, lets hope he makes a good comeback in top form....for the sight of him in full rhythm...bowling those inswinging-outseaming deliveries is really one of the modern spectacles of Indian cricket.

Umpires for Indian series (-worma)

The ICC has announced the list of officials for upcoming series...and the good news for India is that we have a Bucknor-free test series in Pakistan as well as at home against England. He does get to officiate in a couple of ODIs against Pakistan (and officials for ODIs against England are not yet disclosed)...but hey..this is as good as it gets.

The umpires for the series all come from the Elite Panel and all have previous Test experience in Pakistan. Rudi Koertzen will stand in the first two Tests, at Lahore (starting January 13) and Faisalabad (starting January 21) and he will be joined by Darrell Hair for the first match and Simon Taufel for the second. Taufel will be joined by Daryl Harper for the third and final Test, at Karachi starting on January 29.

Elite Panel match referee Chris Broad will replace Madugalle for the five-match ODI series that follows the Tests in Pakistan, starting at Peshawar on February 6. Taufel will stay on for the first three matches of that series before Steve Bucknor, another Elite Panel umpire, takes over for the last two games, at Multan (February 16) and Karachi ( February 19).

and

Ranjan Madugalle will act as match referee for the three-match Test series between India and England that begins at Nagpur on March 1. The umpires for that first Test will be Aleem Dar and Ian Howell. Simon Taufel and Darrell Hair will then stand in the second and third Tests of the series, at Mohali (starting on March 9) and Mumbai (starting on March 18). The appointments for the ODI series between India and England, scheduled to start at Delhi on March 28, together with other future series, will be made in due course

The perennial potential (-worma)

Of Mohammad Sami...the one who has always been talked about in terms of potential, but who has very little to show for the investments done in him by the PCB (which is frankly why he is still edging out hopefuls like Asif, Gul, Arafat and sometimes even Naved). Sarfaraz speaks his mind about Sami's problems.

When you keep on bowling almost five of your six deliveries outside the off stump, the batsmen get used to your bowling and unless and until he commits a blunder, you cannot take his wicket," he said.

The likes of former Indian Test batsmen Sanjay Manjekar and former Pakistan opener Ramiz Raja, he said, had also pointed out Sami's weakness of not having a genuine wicket-taking delivery.

Ofcourse with some batsmen (umm..Sehwag) he can't even get away with bowling outside the off :-)

Australia beat SA again (-worma)

Another hopelessly one-sided Twenty20 match played between SA and Aus. Only noticeable point was good batting form of Martyn making 96 in 56 balls. Their new vice-captain didn't even get a chance to bat.

I'm sure the VB series would be more closely contested than this.

Tour musings (-worma)

So the warm-up match ended with the expected result for Indian team i.e. a good warm-up for almost all the members (which is almost the ideal scenario). Khan came back with a good spell today to take a wicket (and gave away 24 runs in 12 overs today). Pathan added another to his tally, as did AA and RP got a couple.

Pakistan A tried to gain some psychological advantage by declaring at 358/9 and having a go at the Indian batsmen again, but the openers easily negotiated the 13 overs. Although, its still too close to call between Jaffer and Gambhir.

Meanwhile Farhat has earned the recall, as was likely after his innings yesterday. Neither Kamal nor Gul (Mohammad Asif did instead) made it into the 15. Which makes the starting lineup for Pakistan almost clear except for the identity of Butt's partner. With Inzy favouring Malik and continuity while selectors and form preferring Farhat.

Razzaq has also been included, and in-case he doesn't recover in time, would most likely be replaced by Asif.

Meanwhile Imran has invited the Indian players to visit his hospital. That would, as he conceded, help raise the profile of his project and help in fund-raising activities.

More on tour match (-worma)

Osman Samiuddin, in his article after today's session of play at Bagh-e-Jinnah, looks at the Pakistan opening conundrum, and Farhat's form in the context, as I also touched upon earlier in the day.

He also focuses on the general balance of the team that Pakistan is likely to go with, and Inzy's reluctance to bring about changes in the winning combination. Which means Razzaq and Afridi, if available, taking their place in the starting lineup.

Sami, Naved, Shoaib and Kaneria likely taking up the genuine bowling slots...with Kamal and Raza (who was impressive today, and may get in...in case Razzaq doesn't recover) missing out once again.

Splitting hair over umpiring errors? (-worma)

Umpire Hair has joined the party....had this to say about the simmering issue of umpiring errors, pressures of appeals, dissent, questioning of decisions and all that jazz.

"I don't find that players questioning an appeal adds pressure," he said.

"What I do find disconcerting is having to answer the same question from the captain, the bowler and the wicketkeeper.

"It's the gang attacks that grind umpires down and make them feel pressure."

I'm sure he's referring to...umm...Dravid, Kumble and Dhoni trio ;-)

Saurav goes on tour (-worma)

After months of turmoil in his life and all around him, Saurav Ganguly looks to have calmed down...made peace, atleast to some extent, with the situation he finds himself in for now. And is sounding positively calm too

Looking ahead on his career, he said, "I don't have to prove to the world I can play. I will go out and give my best shot. I am confident I will succeed. But even if I don't it won't be the end of my life. ...I'm not an insecure man. I am not dependent on cricket for my life. If I fail I will think of something else".

Now, if only we could see him translate this confidence, and the good domestic form, into his tour performance...nothing better for the Indian team as well than a brimming middle order full of runs.

Tour updates (-worma)

After Laxman and Yuraj also completed the customary half-century, and with Dhoni playing a typical run-a-ball cameo (would have been better if he had played longer too....but hey, lets not get too picky) Indians opted for a bowling practice in the tour match.

And on evidence so far, the Pakistan lineup, which is almost the strongest outside their test players, is also doing pretty well with 191/3 in 39 overs - wkts for Pathan(2) and Agarkar(1).

Crucially, Farhat has scored a century. With news from Pakistan camp being that they 'had' officially dumped the experimentation of opening with Malik and opted for Hameed. Only problem being, Hameed is down with typhoid now, and Malik may get a last chance, since Inzy denied the option of using Rafatullah Mohammad (why was he recalled in the team is a good question..not to be asked :-). Farhat's century may prove timely in this situation. The selectors, it seems, were in favour of playing him even before this century

"Their choices are limited and eventually Malik might again be given this responsibility as things stand," the source said. Interestingly, the national selectors are said to be pushing for the inclusion of opener Imran Farhat in the team if Yasir is not available, something they might find difficult to do before the team announcement despite the discarded left-hander's good form at the domestic level.

The selectors are expected to announce a squad of 14 for the first Test on Sunday with Wasim Bari, the chief selector, and Ehteshamuddin both being present at the Bagh-e-Jinnah Ground on Saturday for the Indians and Pakistan A tour match.

Cricket for peace

Pakistan president Musharraf will invite PM Manmohan Singh to watch a part of the keenly awaited India Pakistan series. Musharraf hopes that the neighbours can move forward in the peace process, if such a visit materializes.

Another wonder (-worma)

Amazing story of a comeback by the new Aussie pace prospect Bret Dorey...who gave up cricket in his most formative years....lived in Europe working as a bodyguard....had a terrible accident while snowboarding in Austria. Read the full piece here. Did I mention..he's as tall as Bruce Reid (thats full 203 cms...for the un-initiated ;-)

Botha reported (-worma)

Cricket South Africa's chief Gerald Majola is not happy with Botha's reporting (for illegal action)

"However, we are disappointed by this step as we believe Johan's action is legitimate. He has bowled at first-class domestic professional level for two seasons without once being reported for an unfair action by our leading match referees, umpires and players.

Welcome to the real world, Mr Majola!

Although I agree on this point he makes

"We hope Johan's promising career will continue to progress at a time when everybody in world cricket is trying to encourage the art of spin bowling in South Africa and elsewhere."

For the sake of spin bowling in SA, we all should hope for Botha to be found clean, or atleast remodels his action soon (since spin is something which he started only a couple of years back) and makes a good comeback.

Botha, who has played one Test and four one-day internationals, has only been bowling spin for a couple of years after changing from medium pace.

Botha's action, modeled on that of India's outstanding tweaker Harbhajan Singh, looks suspect to the naked eye, particularly when he is delivering the doosra, the tricky away spinner perfected by Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.

But I do wish that such columns give the rightful claim about the mastery of 'doosra' to Saqlain...the real inventor of the 'modern' mystery ball (ofcourse offspinners would have been bowling it for ages before him).

Warm up in Pakistan Vs Ranji matches

Here is the scorecard after the first day's play. 298/4 in 77 overs at a run rate of 3.87 doesnt exactly show a struggle on hands. Tendulkar and Dravid seemed to be in excellent touch and Jaffer and Gambhir both showed intent with their half centuries. Laxman and Yuvraj, unbeaten at the end of day's play werent in any serious trouble either. The cricinfo bulletin rates the pitch to be a flat and slow one, not the hard, bouncy kind of wickets which Imran proposed and Inzy seconded.
This reminds me of our 1996 tour of England. India did very well in each of the first class matches which were played on batting beauties. Barring one 4 day match where Tom Moody took Kumble and company apart, the matches ended up as tame draws. But come the first match at Edgbaston and we have a greener pitch, with variable bounce. The Indians with the notable exception of Tendulkar in the second innings surrendered meekly. Perhaps, here too, we'll have more result oriented pitches for the tests. But hopefully, that doesnt prove a surprise to the Indians, like in 1996.
This match will, in all likelihood end up as another one of those tame draws. So, even if a few conspiracy theorists would like to believe that Ganguly was made to stay back to further keep him out of the test team, he, along with Sehwag and Kumble might have got better practice in more meaningful Ranji cricket. Ganguly's Bengal opted for a greener wicket at Eden Gardens and Ganguly did well, with both bat and ball, in conditions that were much more challenging. It seems, things worked out well for everyone in the end.

Cross border updates (-worma)

Indian team had as perfect a 'warm-up' match as they could ever hope for. The entire batting order, right uptil Yuraj at 6, had decent time in the middle....the top 4 made half-centuries and number 5, 6 are not-out overnight. Dhoni may have his fun tomorrow(?) before the bowlers are given a chance to stretch themselves.

From Pak point of view Gul wasn't as effective as they would have liked. Here's Siddharth Vaidyanathan on cricinfo and also a BBC report on the day's play.

Although the virtual shoot-out between Jaffer and Gambhir ended in a stale-mate. But since both did reasonably, maybe it would mean going ahead with the incumbent?

Also noteworthy is the fact that Bob Woolmer seems to have realised enough of the mindgames...and probably after watching the Indian batting come together as if they never left Pakistan (since last tour)...had a word of caution for his own wards

Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer, meanwhile, has warned his players to expect a tougher test than they encountered in the recent series against England.

"England's batsmen found it hard to adjust to the pitches and were lacking in the spin department. India are strong in both areas," he commented.

On a totally separate note, since I can't really come to see that this gentleman and his utterings have any connection with the tour, Raj Singh Dungarpur has denied making statements about Ganguly....charged the tv channel....hinted at a conspiracy and what not. I'm sure there's much more to come from this corner.

On expected lines...

Raj Singh Dugarpur denies making any controversial remarks against Saurav Ganguly. He has a point when he says that the footage shown on the Indian channel did not have him actually show him speaking. Rather, they just "quoted" him on these controversial statements.

"This is not the first time I am managing an Indian team, this is the fifth time that I have been made the manager of the side. How could I have ever said that? Until now, I never had any such experience from any batsman whether from India or abroad. I think this puts a big question mark on the integrity of whoever is doing this.''

I wonder if this channel (was it Aaj Tak) will now come up with actual footage showing Dungarpur to be a liar or will they tender an apology to both Dungarpur and Ganguly for their irresponsible journalism. I hope, for the sake of peace in the dressing room, it is the latter.

Beyond the obvious (-worma)

Is it really about Pak bowlers vs Indian batsmen? Hold on...what about our bowlers? Another carefully crafted analysis by Saurabh suggests that the Indian bowlers have their nose ahead of their Pak counterparts. They may not be cartwheeling the stumps...but then that's not what wins the matches, is it?

Smith still talking (-worma)

This time about the return series in SA few months later. He wants revenge. Although that would mean having to wait for Ponting to do something equally mind-numbing as Smith's declaration in Sydney today.

Agreed that the game does not need draws, and agreed that its good to be positive. But this is outright reckless. I mean, asking to chase under 4 an over...and under 300 runs on Sydeny (with hardly a spinner in the ranks to hold them back). And this against an Aus lineup whose tenth wicket stand had won them a match last time around!

But Smith still has hope...after all Ponting himself is not known for talking 'helpful' decisions in recent times (Edgbaston...should I hint anymore?)

Keep it Simple....(-worma)

Sarfaraz feels that its easy to get Sehwag, Sachin out...just angle the ball in from wide

Commenting on India's batting, Sarfraz said Pakistan still had the edge over them. "It's easy to get them out. The bowler needs to go wide of the crease and angle the ball in," he said. "When (Virender) Sehwag tries to drive the ball, more often than not, there is a gap between bat and pad. Pakistan needs to exploit this gap. A similar line will work for Sachin (Tendulkar) as well."

And we can wonder how this simple plan escaped notice of the rest of the cricketing world...especially those Aussies, the masters of homework and planning.

Also mentioned is the fact that the new ICC rule of allowing 15 degree limit to fast-bowlers can be 'exploited' by reverse-swingers

Sarfraz added that in Pakistani conditions, late swinging yorkers have the potential do undo the best of starts, and under the ICC's new ruling - which allows a bowler to bend his arm upto 15 degrees - this will prove decisive to those who can master reverse swing. "You can cock your wrist before you release the delivery, you will get better curve in the air," Sarfaz said.

And there goes another sweep-under-the-carpet rule of ICC.

And then this (-worma)

The Aussies can't seem to do much right off late...after Lee's reprimand comes one for McGrath..this time for using obscene language (probably against his team-mate...in frustration of a dropped catch)

McGrath has been fined four times in his 119-Test career and suspended once.

And this is one record that he would like to erase from that metronomically accurate memory of his(he remembers each international wicket he's taken!)

This on a day when weather interventions almost killed any chances that SA had of winning the match. With a lead of 186 going into the last day, SA can only hope for psychological victories (ahead of the return series in SA couple of months later).

But coming back 0-1 from Australia is still an achievement. Even against the post-Ashes Aussies.

Signs? (-worma)

An indication of times to come?...the Aussie selectors continue their ruthless march to future...with appointment of Hussey as vice-captain for Twenty20 match against SA.

Although this one is due to absence of Gilchrist, it does indicate a further shift in the balance of power in the team. Its not unrealistic to expect, as the next logical step given the current state of things, Gilchrist to be 'rested' from ODIs and Hussey to take over.

Although how 'futuristic' can the step be termed, given Hussey is already 30, almost the same age as Ponting and thus having little realistic chance of actually getting the top job, is debatable.

Shades of yellow (-worma)

After Monty Panesar, whose chances of touring subcontinent this winter seem to be bright, its the turn of Usman Afzal to be talked about as one with high prospects of a return to English side.

This English batsman, who already has a test fifty against Australia, seems to have...umm..more than the family connections to the subcontinent.

Four years ago it was his relationship with former Miss World Diana Hayden that hit the headlines. More recently he has been seeing Bollywood star Amrita Arora.

Ok..that was the quota of 'scoop' news on this slow day ;-)

Rahul on captaincy (-worma)

...building a team is as much about finding the right people as it is about not having the "wrong people around them".

and

"You don't want people whose own insecurities, whose own problems and whose own fears drag everyone else down. That can be a big dampener in teams.

also

"Players need to understand that they need to give energy to the unit. There are times of course when you're not doing well, and your form's not good and you'll need the support of other people. But most of the time you've got to give to the team and make sacrifices to the team and give back to the team."

That and much more from Rahul Dravid, in an interview given for the cricinfo magazine (a new venture by the cricinfo group, and sounds promising indeed)

Younis for future (-worma)

Younis Khan, the most improved Pakistani player since the last Indian tour, talks about the upcoming series here. Mainly concerned about the weather conditions possibly playing spoilsport in the series (as they did against England too).

Now..for all the positivity and tact he has shown as a skipper in recent times while standing in for Inzy..this statement alone is worth a reserved ticket for the top-seat (beyond Inzy, that is....from whom getting a statement itself is a task, leave alone a controversial one) coming in these a-quote-a-day times

Younis refused to comment on Sourav Ganguly's inclusion in the Indian team saying it was an internal issue of India.

The unmentionables (-worma)

This report, as Toney predicted earlier in the day, about Lee earning a trip to the Referee with his...umm...gentle questioning of the umpires verdict. Routine stuff I would say...no? My own experience of watching the Aussies says that its part of their act. Why the sudden call-up, I wonder?

Coach John Buchanan denied Australia's grumpy behaviour in the field today, with Glenn McGrath and skipper Ricky Ponting appearing to have angry exchanges with the umpires, was linked to its frustration at a lack of bowling success.

Opening the debate? (-worma)

After reading Salman's post yesterday about Akmal being considered as a candidate for the opening slot, I was reminded of my own convoluted thinking about the reasons for Parthiv's selection in our touring squad.

Opening the innings with Parthiv could be an option that our team management may be contemplating....for similar reasons as Pakistan (that of team balance)...to be able to play both Saurav and Yuvraj in the middle order.

In that context, its worth noting that Parthiv, after being asked to play the Ranji game by the selectors(in consultation with the team management), opened the innings for Gujarat and made a decent 47 (highest in the team total of 162/8). Could it be that the promotion was also on suggestion from team management? Or it may be, as I said earlier, just plain over-workings of my brain :-)

In any case, for what its worth, the most watched-out aspect of that lonely tour game would be the performance of openers Gambhir and Jaffer. It could turn out to be a virtual shoot-out for the spot in playing XI...or it could even end in elimination of both.

Jayasuriya injured... for real

Jayasurya who is rumoured to have hidden the seriousness of an injury he suffered when playing some water sports, has dislocated his shoulder again. This happened when he slipped in his bath, on tour in New Zealand (overheard from the commentators for the Aus SA match). So Jayasuriya's woes continue. This is the third time he is dislocating his shoulder in the past 6 months.

Imagine the conspiracy theories that would have done the rounds if say, Ganguly, who is in a similar position in his career, experiences what Jayasuriya went through. Especially when the water polo incident occurs because of a collision with the team physio and the last one occurs in the bath (sabotage?).

Aussies and the art of appealing - II

This is probably continuation of Worma's pet peeve;). The second session on day 2 of the Sydney test match sees some more drama, in terms of appeals. First of all, Mark Boucher got a bad one when his attempted sweep was pounced on by Gilchrist, but not before the ball had already hit the ball. Why the umpires failed to check with the third umpire when the decision involved bat, pad, a possible foot or ground and then the keeper's gloves, all in very little time, is strange.
But what was more interesting was the welcome that Pollock received. A leg break from Warne spun enough to miss his bat. There was a noise on the way but the replays were clear enough to show that there was no edge. But Gilchrist, the walker and man of principles went up and the convenient noise meant, the rest of the close-in fielders joined in too. Warne's extended appeal earned him a private talk in public from Bowden. Something that could not be overlooked here is Gilchrist's double standards. A person who doesn't wait for the umpire to give him out doesn't consider it unethical to appeal for something he doesnt deserve, especially when he was in the best position to judge whether there was an edge in this case. Another rap on the pads did not deter Warne from launching yet another appeal. Apparently, the private talk didn't do any good (And admittedly, the shout was for a close one.).
It seems, Brett Lee repeatedly questioned Alee Dar's decisions on day 1. And he may as well receive Chris's broadside this time. Chris Broad has been in the news previously for using the rule book rather too zealously against a select few. Perhaps, he has the chance to make ammends there.

Does all this goes on to show that the South African attempt to bring Aussie appealing into the limelight has paid some dividends? Lee and possibly, Warne could lose out on a portion of their match fee. Maybe, Smith and company may be able to take some meaningful advantage too.

Kamran Akmal may open; Umar Gul & Rafatullah called to the camp

Hi Readers:

Have been out of the loop for a few days, I am traveling for work all this week, I am actually in NYC this whole week.

Prem said in one of his posts, "No stories out of the training camp, no interviews with any of the players; no punditry; no nothing. Is it indicative of a lack of real interest? Or of lack of real money in Pak cricket (you need to be in a newsroom to understand just how the need to keep sponsors happy with frequently uploaded sites forces you to come up with stories by the hour, even when there are none)?Anyone from Pakistan with any insight into this?".

Prem you are right the interest is lacking a little bit, or not where we would like it to be. I am pretty sure there is no shortage of interest amongst people, although I do feel that there are two things that are sort of on the front burner in Pakistan right now:

1. Kalabagh Dam and the water issue
2. The political situation in N.W.F.P

Also, the final itenery coming out so late did not help to much either. I feel interviews / articles / analyses will start kicking in once the Pakistani team starts it's training camp. For those of you who don't know, the "conditioning camp" starts from Jan 5th until Jan 10th. Bobby is also returning from his deserving break on the 5th of January.

Meanwhile, the 15 member squad has been announced. Pretty much the same team which played against England (which I was expecting), a few notable inclusions:

1. Umar Gul called back (returning from his back injury) after an excellent performance in
Quaid-e- Azam trophy. He took 10 wickets for PIA in a 4 day game, just a reminder that Wasim Akram is coaching the PIA bowlers these days. Gul couldn't have asked for any better preparation than this. Wasim says he has imense potential and talent.

2. Rafat-ullah has been called as an opener, he is an ok opener. This years avg of 38 and a career avg. of 29 approximately. I am a little surprised at his inclusion. Although, both Inzi and Younis Khan spoke very highly of him after he made 55 in a side game against England at Bagh-e Jinnah (Lahore Gymkhana - Ground on a pitch where the ball was seaming a lot and none of the English batsman could get a decent score), but still I wasn't expecting him to be called in so soon. I doubt that he will make it to th eplaying 11 though.

3. Razzaq has been included in the camp. According to PCB he is recovering well and should be in good shape before the first test. I seriously doubt that, but I hope that he gets fit before the first test.

The rest of the players were pretty much the same: Inzamam-ul-Haq, Salman Butt, Shoaib Malik, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, Shahid Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar, Kamran Akmal, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, Mohammad Sami, Danish Kaneria, Arshad Khan, Mohammad Asif, Asim Kamal and Yasir Hameed.

One interesting article in this daily "The News" from Pakistan talks about some gossip doing circles that Kamran Akmal may be asked to open the innings in tests as well. It might be a good move as it will give Pakistan batting more depth and will also allow them to either play Razzaq or Shahid Afridi as an all rounder.

"The feeling is that if Akmal opens with Butt then Pakistan has the option of playing three specialist batsmen — Younis Khan, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf — followed at number six and seven by either all-rounders Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq or specialist batsman Asim Kamal and Shahid Afridi to give more depth to the bowling and have a fifth bowler available," the article said.

This option will be discussed in detail when coach Bob Woolmer returns from his vacation and the conditioning camp begins in Lahore. I guess we would have to wait and see, although Bobby always has something different up his sleeve and might totally shelve this plan.

The article also says, "the fact that five specialist pacers and one all-rounder in Razzaq has been invited for the camp also means that captain Inzamam-ul-Haq is dead serious about his intentions to have pitches with more carry and bounce for the Tests to allow Pakistan to take advantage of its in-form pace attack".

Only time will tell if the attack is "in-form", I sincerely hope that this is true. No doubt the bowling attack was outstanding against England, Shoaib Akhtar was a "re-defined" bowler, Kaneria was attacking all the time and the support bowlers stuck to a plan. But will they be able to do this consistently? Being a fan, I can only hope that this is true!!

2016 Olympics in India?

This Rediff link quotes Suresh Kalmadi saying that India will bid for the 2016 Olympics

High time it came to India anyway, something that has been long overdue,IMO.

Wonder which city/state is best prepared to host it though, in terms of weather conditions, number of urban/suburban centers in close proximity, sports facilites and other logistical aspects.

Remember me ?? (-worma)

Collins Obuya...the lanky leggie from Kenya who was so impressive in the World Cup, and specially against the Aussies...apparently ran into a speed-bump in his development curve. Terry Jenner came to the rescue and it seems Obuya is all set to rock the cricketing world again. Now if only some of the cricketing nations could be bothered to play the world cup semi-finalists.

Not commenting on the Aussies (-worma)

This story on...umm....cricket...life etc....no Aussie bashing. Me no speak.

Gilly's form (-worma)

Gilchrist has gone 19 test innings without scoring a hundred...and he agrees that he is desperate to get into runs. Although he does not concede he is under pressure..although I would doubt that going by the ruthlessness, abnormally high even by their own standards, that the Aus selectors have shown in recent times.

The surprising aspect is that his keeping is going well (unlike the Ashes where almost nothing went right for him), and Healy also agrees.

Gilchrist is keeping things on an even keel by taking pride in his keeping, which his predecessor Ian Healy said recently was better than ever before.

"I've always said that's my No.1 job.

"Through my career if I've been batting well I've kept well and vice versa, so once again this is an odd scenario for me.

How good is Ponting? (-worma)

On occasion of Ponting's 100th test, BBC has come up with an interesting debate. How does he compare with his contemporaries...Lara, Dravid, Sachin. Is he in the same league, is he a great...or just very good? Does he have to bear a heavier legacy, being an Aussie than the others. I would think not, since Richards, Sobers, Sunny also make a significant enough legacy. Ofcourse they're not the Don.

But Ponting's overall record compares favourably to those three - his Test average is better than Lara's for instance and he has six more centuries to his name than Dravid.

Perhaps if Ponting, who at 31 has several years left at the top of the game, was not Australian he would also find praise easier to come by.

Don Bradman set an impossible legacy for future generations of Australian batsmen but they have not been shy to grasp the nettle.

On a similar note, Saurabh Wahi has come up with an excellent comparison of Ponting with Dravid on his blog, also highlighting the striking resemblance between the two careers.

Saurav Ganguly speaks

A Cricinfo article on Saurav Ganguly has him saying that he is relieved 2005 is over, and it was the worst cricketing year of his life.

More importantly, looking ahead, here is what I found relevant

He said he was ready for the challenge despite being written off by former players both in India and Pakistan. "It is their opinion," he said. "I've nothing to do with what they think or believe. I know that I've to score runs. If I can do so, that will be the best for me. And I don't want to be distracted at this moment. I just want to avoid controversies. The bottomline is, I have to make runs, lots of runs."

If Wishes were Horses, Part 3

Here are some more.

soul_freezer1947

I just wish that Indian's do well in Pak and win the Test series (if not the ODI).
I just hope SG and his ego is nailed once and for all!
And finally, I wish that BCCI folks, spend some time reading Prem's blogs!!!

gouravk

I wish Rahul Dravid scores his first double hundred in 2 years.
I wish VVS comes up with an innings that is half as good as his 281.
I wish Brian Lara and Shane Warne continue to provide us with joy.
Last, but not least, I wish India grow from strength to strength as a team

Chandan

To win at least 3 out of 4 test series, preferably the first 3.
To have at least one more world class pace bowler in our ranks along with Pathan.
Success for Sachin and Rahul.
To have Sachin play an important role and guide our team to victory in 4th innings in one of the tests.

shuklavivek

I hope Ganguly comes back with a bang in 2006 and score a double century in Pak. and after that he makes sure that no credit goes to GC for that

.

BCCI vs ICC (-worma)

There's a showdown brewing between the BCCI and ICC, as indicated in this Guardian story. Apparently BCCI has had bilateral talks with most other top cricketing boards to 'fine-tune' the international calendar accommodating more 'meaningful' matches between top nations at the expense of the minnows Bangladesh and Zimbabwe.

The BCCI deny they are holding the ICC to ransom, but sources told The Observer that there have been heated telephone exchanges between Dubai and Mumbai in the past few weeks. "They [the ICC] are very, very angry about this," said a source close to the negotiations. "They see it as a challenge to their authority and reckon it will undermine the whole structure of the game if individual countries act like this. It is a very disturbing development."

While it is true that such a move, even if camouflaged under 'fine-tuning' is going to undermine the authority of the ICC, they cannot complain that they had it coming for a while.

Nearly all non-minnow nations have been crying out for a change in the structure...to make the competition more meaningful...and for years its been falling on deaf-years as far as the ICC is concerned. I'm sure most of these nations would be happy that Indian board, with all its financial muscles, is the one to make the first move as they back it from the shadows.

The new regime of the Board of Cricket Control in India (BCCI) say they have cut a bilateral deal with Cricket Australia to play more games between their national teams, at the expense of the minnows - Zimbabwe and Bangladesh - though the Australians deny this.

And as for the CA or any other boards denying it, well in that case the ICC has no reason to worry, do they? After all BCCI cannot change the schedules without complicity from relevant national boards.
Lalit Mody, BCCI vice-president, had this to say

We are meeting England on the ninth, ahead of the ICC executive board meeting on the eleventh. We have had a positive response from member countries we have spoken to. This is not a challenge to the ICC. This is just a fine-tuning.

"We will be having bilateral talks also with South Africa and New Zealand. The old programme was always a problem for member nations. India was never listening to what they were saying under the old regime [headed by Jagmohan Dalmiya, who was recently ousted]. Under the new regime it is. I think this will be fair to all countries."

The Hussey story (-worma)

The story of a man who could easily have been a 'could-have-been'...who got his chance almost too late, and almost lost it again, for ever. Michal Hussey is now being hailed as the biggest hope in the post-Ashes Aussie lineup, and rightly so.

His belated call-up to national colours came in the one-day side and by the time he finished the recent Chappell-Hadlee Trophy against New Zealand, which he concluded with an unbeaten 88 in just 56 balls with seven fours and five sixes, his average in the pyjama game was 151 from 21 matches. In Test cricket it was 120. Not bad for an opener in an unfamiliar role in the middle order.

With this kind of a start to the career, its difficult for analysts to not get carried away.

His actions show, as do his words, how desperately he has been waiting for this chance, and how dearly he wants to cling on to it.

"I was desperate. I thought 'I don't want to play just one Test and not score any runs.' It's one thing to play, but you want to succeed. It's great getting the cap, and you can always hang onto thatand treasure it, but to know you can succeed at that level is something I was pretty keen to do as well," Hussey said.
"I had tears in my eyes before the first ball. It was ridiculous."

And to add another what could have been dimension to it

Had Hussey been taken to England as the third opening batsman this summer he might have played for Australia several months earlier. But with little cricket outside the Tests, he had to be content with a one-day place while spearheading Durham's unexpected surge to promotion in the County Championship

But then, ironically, he would have replaced, and in the process ended the career of, the other most prolific post-Ashes scorer in the lineup - Mathew Hayden. Some mistakes turn out to be less costly after all.

Smashing return (-worma)

After Imran got angry at Inzy for calling English pre-series favorites, Inzy has done it again. Despite Imran already proclaiming Pakistan as favorites this time around, Inzy has promptly labeled India with the tag.

Not only that, he has also countered the numerous other star-backed proclamations reaching our shores....whether its Akram about bouncy pitches or Moin about Ganguly's position or Waqar about shaky batting lineup

"And since there is not much difference in pitches in India and Pakistan, there will be no home advantage."

and

"India has a strong batting line-up and Ganguly's return has further strengthened it," he explained.

Although I agree with the balanced approach of Inzamam (and not just because of disbursement of the favorite tag...since that is more of a soundbite) wouldn't it be great if they sat across the table and decided, with finality, whether the Indian team (who is anxiously waiting on the judgement) should march in boldly as favorites or cautiously as underdogs.

And season's greetings? (-worma)

From Andre Nel...that embodiment of everything gentlemanly about cricket..who declares that "if you can't beat them, join them" is the way to go for SAfricans. So they would look to join the lung-fest at Sydney.

And just to flog the dead horse one final time (hopefully?) here's what Dileep Premchandran has to say about this issue in his year-end article

Shane Warne's appeals at the MCG made a mockery of the ICC's much-waved-about Code of Conduct. A more experienced umpire than Asad Rauf, who did a commendable job under the circumstances, might just have taken Warne to one side and asked him to shut his cakehole. As it was, astonishingly, Chris Broad, the match referee, let him off without so much as a fine. Having watched Lakshmipathy Balaji and Inzamam get stitched up for far less in the last India-Pakistan series, you just wonder what parameters the ICC use to define misconduct. Or does having taken 650 wickets allow you to behave like a prat?

Read on...there's much more in the article than just plain 'Aussie sniping' (as my fan-club accuses me ;-)

Happy New Year? (-worma)

And may the new year make his wish come untrue...Steve Waugh I mean...and I'm talking of his view that Ponting is the batsman most likely to overtake Lara's record. May the new year make him discover a certain Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar?

We all agree that Ponting has had a great year...but he's just at the 8000 run mark....just like Dravid, who himself has had a great couple of years until last season.