Corridor of Uncertainty - Abhishek's blog!

Record to Savor

2006-07-03T06:43:00.000-07:00

So finally India does what the previous Indian teams could not do it in the last 35 years. And althought this win came partly as a result of the poor pitch that was prepared, there is no way that you can take the credit away from the team for the way they have performed during the entire test series. The win could have been very easily 3-0, but for the rains and some shortage of time.

I think the team has done extremely well coming back from a 1-4 loss in the ODIs to be able to win on the carribean soil. Of course they were expected to win, but to actually do it takes a lot of effort. Of course, this does not neecessarily mean that the win is really a leap forward in the Indian cricket, but certainyl with the absence of ace batsman SRT, this win is at least a step forward - in the right direction.

Hooray to all the members of the team for having won a great Test series! Hopefully this will not be just a flash in the pan and the India team will give us - their fans - lot more to cheer about in the coming months, specially with the World Cup just round the corner, and the coming years as well!

Dhoni's 6 sixes - India Vs WI 1st Test Day 4

2006-06-06T05:55:00.000-07:00

Brian Lara Cry Baby! -- The Dhoni Video

2006-06-06T05:53:00.000-07:00

Indians lose convincingly

2006-05-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

For a team that started out as favorites to lose 1-4 is nothing less than disgusting. I think India is back at what it has been know for over the years that I have been following their game at least – that of losing outside the sub-continent, through their inability to adapt to local conditions, inexcusable extras, shambolic fielding and not-to-be-mentioned batting. In summary as Rahul Dravid stated earlier “ it was a collective failure”. What else would you accuse this lose to?

When India came to the West Indies they were being looked at the side that could finally win a series abroad. Well, the Test match has not even started, and the Indian team already looks in utter disarray. The bowling has failed them completely with so many extras. Batsmen have failed to come to grips with the pitch condition and the fielding has just not been up to the marks.

And of course – we may all be too inclined to say – well everyone on Team India just caught up with the law of averages – but I would just say – India’s strength continues to be in the sub-continent, but outside of it, it’s the same old story!

Windies bring India to Ground Zero

2006-05-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

And so we have it again. One more series outside the sub-continent. One more lost series to cherish about. Before this series, there was a lot of talk about India having won 19 of their last 26 games, and were deemed favorables to win the ODI series at least, if not the test series. But since the first ODI, they have not looked like the team we have known for more than 6 months now. Is it the sub-continent factor again, and tbe load of an overseas series, or is it just that we tend to make heroes out of zeroes way too soon and too early.

I had predicted much before the series was underway that no one should put their money on Team India based on the sub-continent laurels only. It is not as if the Windies have played exceptional cricket, but it is just that we have not played good cricket. Adapting to overseas playing conditions has always been a problem with the Indian team - across all generations. It just seemed to have surfaced here again!

Looking at the current form and adaptibility of the players, I doubt any of the test matches will even go into the fifth day with India succumbing to the Windies too soon too quickly!

I am not against this team or any of its players, but am just a true and sincere critic. Lets see if India can turn around things in the Test series. They have never dissappointed me in the past, and so, I don't see any dramatic change in performances or form!

Windies End Indian’s run-chase juggernaut

2006-05-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

It finally ended. India’s ability to chase down totals is under scrutiny again. A couple of months ago, when we were playing against the Pakistanis, everyone seemed to suggest that this was a new Team India – one that had learnt the ways to win a game from any position, specially when they were chasing totals.

Well, at that time too, I mentioned that of all the run chases that they had been doing, they had all been in the sub-continent. There was not one of them away from the subcontinent. The first time that India had to chase the total was in the first ODI against the Windies, and almost lost that game. I guess, they just carried some momentum and some luck with them into that game. But with the second game that momentum was all lost, and the luck also deserted them this time around.

Chasing or setting targets outside the sub continent has always been a problem for Indian cricket. This is their last chance to learn and get adapted before the World Cup next year. Its going to be the same conditions, and I think this is really an ideal platform to get adapted.

Whether India will bounce back, or will the loss just start India’s valley – well, there has been a peak in the current season, and as expected a valley was just round the corner. That’s how Team India plays its cricket – right? Full of peaks and valleys, and no consistency ever! But, let’s see, if this team has the courage and the attitude to bounce back and win the series from here!

Master Returns to the Academy

2006-05-15T19:16:00.000-07:00

With the Indian team due to play its only warm-up game before the ODI series in West Indies, the Indian ace batsman has returned to the MRF academy to get some serious match practice, and to test both his recovery and fitness before he embarks on yet another Test series against the WI. Among the only 4 other cricketrs in the current team to have ever played in the West Indies before, I am sure that he must still be nursing the injury of the last defeat.

I can only hope that he will come back much stronger, not only to defeat the Windies, but also silence all the critics who have been suggesting about his retirement from the game. There is still a lot of cricket left in this man, and I am sure he will showcase the same to all his critics in the years to come by.

Here is wishing Sachin all the best with his game!

Famous Cricketing Sledges

2006-05-02T10:38:00.000-07:00

--- Contributed by my friend Ravindra Aute, and several others .....a little lengthy, but fun all along!!!

Best Cricket Sledges

Wiki refers to sledging as 'exchanging words with opposition player(s) which can put him(them) off their usual game; it is an attempt to "psych out" an opponent'. Cricket is a very interesting game, and sledging adds to it the extra spice that make it much more than just game. Here is a compilation of the best sledging related incidents, witnessed in the history of cricket...

History

Sledging has always been a part of cricket.Even the great WG Grace did it. Once in an exhitbition match given

out leg-before, he refused to walk and told the umpire: " They came to watch me bat, not you bowl". And the innings continued.

Grace's ability to stand his ground would have done Sunil Gavaskar proud. Once, when the ball knocked off a bail, he replaced it and told the umpire: " Twas the wind which took thy bail orf, good sir."

The umpire replied: "Indeed, doctor, and let us hope thy wind helps the good doctor on thy journey back to the pavilion ."

The best WG Grace sledge was on him, though, not from him. Charles Kortright had dismissed him four or five times in a county game - only for the umpires to keep turning down his appeals. Finally, he uprooted two of Grace's three stumps. Grace stalled, as though waiting for a no-ball call or something, before reluctantly walking off with Kortright's words in his ears: " Surely you're not going, doctor? There's still one stump standing."

The Prasad Vs Sohail Incident : Hero to Zero in 3 easy steps

Chasing India's score of 287-8, pakistan got off to a flyer of a start, Amir Sohail and Saeed Anwar went about tearing the Indian bowling attack. Pakistan looked all set to win as they reached 110 odd for the loss of just 1 wicket within the 15 overs.

1. Play a Great Shot: Amir Sohail was completely bent on demolishing the Indian bowling to pieces, charging down the track to the faster bowlers (if u can call Prasad that) in this particular case he came down the ground (a good 4-5 steps, anymore and he would have hit Prasad too) and slashed the bowl over vacant off side area... the ball disappeared into the fence in a flash ... what followed has since been etched in the memories of every cricket fan in the subcontinent.

2. Act Oversmart: Amir Sohail is no Miandad. But he tries to be,and fails miserably. Sohail after hitting the shot pointed his bat the area where the bowl had disappeared and then towards Prasad apparently gesturing where he will send the next one .

Its not everyday that you see a batsman sledging the bowler, and Sohail was about to learn just why.

3. Get what you called for: Sohail attempting to repeat the shot (albeit with his feet stuck to the ground this time) made room and exposed his stumps, and his weakness, and in return lost his wicket and his face.

As the wicket lay uprooted, Prasad returned the favour to Sohail, pointing to the pavilion this time. The comeback was truly remarkable, almost a miracle .... Prasad has bowled thousands of deliveries and taken hundereds of wickets in his career but, it was this one granted him a place in the History of Indian Cricket .. for ever... the ghost of Miandad's last ball six was exorcised, once and for all.

You can also watch the video of the incident.

Steve Waugh Vs Curtly Ambrose Episode.

It really does not get any bigger than this, the two legends of cricket came face to face, literally and engrossed in a verbal duel in a test match in Trinidad. All the juicy details were not to be known until Steve Waugh came out with his autobiography.

Ambrose repeatedly stared Waugh down during a searing spell, and Waugh, who sized up the towering Ambrose, said: " What the f*ck are you looking at?” Ambrose was stunned because, as Waugh says (in his Autobiography), "no one had ever been stupid enough" to speak to him like that. Ambrose replied, "Don't cuss me, man", before Waugh's response, which had nothing to do with bowling. Unfortunately, nothing inventive or witty came to mind, rather another piece of personal abuse: 'Why don't you go and get f*cked.' " The Windies skipper Richie Richardson had a hard time keeping Ambrose from hurting the Aussie.

McGrath Vs Brandes(the Best one till now….)

In a showdown of best pacers of two countries, Brandes made up for his complete absence of batting skills by some displaying some great sense of humor and presence of mind. Aussie paceman Glenn McGrath was bowling to Zimbabwe number 11 Eddo Brandes - who was unable to get his bat anywhere near the ball. McGrath, frustrated that Brandes was still at the crease, wandered up during one particular over and inquired: " Why are you so fat?" Quick as a flash, Brandes replied: "Because every time I make love to your wife, she gives me a biscuit ." Even the Aussie slip fielders were in hysterics.

Viv Richards v Greg Thomas

This incident took place during a county championship match between Glamorgan and Somerset.

Glamorgan quickie Greg Thomas had beaten Viv Richards' bat a couple of times and informed the legendary West Indian ace: " It's red, round and weighs about five ounces, in case you were wondering."

The very next ball was given the King Viv treament and smashed out of the ground, into a river - at which point Richards piped up: " Greg, you know what it looks like. Now go and find it."

Merv Hughes and Viv Richards:

Merv Hughes usually never short of a word while on the field, rarely keeps quite. During a test match in the West Indies Hughes didn't say a word to Viv, but continued to stare at him after deliveries. " This is my island, my culture. Don't you be staring at me. In my culture we just bowl." Merv didn't reply, but after he dismissed him he announced to the batsman: " In my culture we just say f*ck off. "

Sachin Tendulkar Vs Abdul Qadir

The year was 1989, the little master had recently made his debut in Pakistan. Sachin not even old enough to get a driving licence Sachin Tendulkar was facing the best bowlers in the business. As the Pakistani crows jeered and mocked Sachin holding out the placards saying "" Dudh Pita Bhachcha ..ghar jaake dhoodh pee", (hey kid, go home and drink milk), Sachin sent the then young leg spinner Mustaq Ahmed hiding for cover (he had hit two sixes in one over. The frustaded mentor of Mustaq Ahmed the legendary Abdul Qadir challenges Sachin saying " Bachchon ko kyon mar rahe ho? Hamein bhi maar dikhao` (`Why are you hitting kids? Try and hit me.`).

Sachin was silent, since then we all have come to know that he lets his bat do the talking. Abdul Quadir had made a simple request and Sachin obliged, and how. Sachin hit 4 sixes in the over, making the spinner look the kid in the contest. The over read 6, 0, 4, 6 6 6, David had felled Goliath ... and a legend was born.

Ian Healy Vs RANatunga

Ian Healy's made a legendary comment which was picked up by the Channel 9 microphones when Arjuna Ranatunga called for a runner on a particularly hot night during a one dayer in Sydney... " You don't get a runner for being an overweight, unfit, fat c*nt!"

McGrath to Ramnaresh Sarwan:

Sarwan, the West Indies vice-captain, and McGrath went toe-to-toe in an ugly shouting match in Antigua in May 2003, The incident was sparked after Sarwan, on his way to a match-winning second-innings century, reportedly reacted to lurid taunts from McGrath by telling him he should get the answers from his wife, who was recovering from radiation therapy for secondary cancer. The details :

McGrath: "So what does Brian Lara's d*ck taste like?"

Sarwan: "I don't know. Ask your wife. "

McGrath (losing it): "If you ever F*&king mention my wife again, I'll F*cking rip your F*fing throat out."

Mark Waugh Vs Adam Parore

Mark Waugh was standing at second slip, Adam Parore relatively new to cricket came to the crease played & missed the first ball.

Mark Waugh- " Ohh, I remember you from a couple years ago in Australia. You were sh*t then, you're fu*king useless now".

Parore- (Turning around) "Yeah, that's me & when I was there you were going out with that old, ugly sl*t & now I hear you've married her. You dumb c*nt ".

Ravi shastri v/s Mike Whitney:

Its common knowledge that Indian's usually don't resort to sledging, and the Aussies swear by it. In this rare ocassion the tables had turned and it was the Aussies who were at the receiving end.

Shastri hits the ball towards Mike Whitney (the 12th man in the game) and looks for a single, this guy gets the ball in and says

Whitney: "If you leave the crease i'll break your f***ing head"

Shastri didn't bat an eyelid before replying : " If you could bat as well as you can talk you wouldn't be the f***ing 12th man "

Merv Hughes Vs Cronje

Merv Hughes was one of the greatest exponents of the fine "art" of sledging. Once during a tour game in South Africa Hughes was bowling to Hansie Cronje . It was an especially flat wicket and Cronje was hitting Hughes for fours and sixes all over the place.

After the umpteenth boundary, Hughes headed down the pitch, stood near Cronje, let out a fart and said: "Try hitting that for six." It was five minutes before the guffawing stopped and play could resume.

Robin Smith and Merv Hughes

During 1989 Lords Test, Merv Hughes said to Robin Smith after he played and missed: " You can't f*cking bat".

Simth replied, both with the bat and with words, he smashed Hughes to the boundry and said " Hey Merv, we make a fine pair. I can't f*cking bat and you can't f*cking bowl ."

Team mates Sledging :S

England were playing Pakistan and, at what turned out to be a crucial moment later on, Frank Tyson managed to get an outside edge off a Pakistani batsman after the batsman had been frustrating them on a hot sweaty day. The ball went right through the hands of Raman Subba Rao who was standing in first slip and through his legs. After the over Raman heads over to the bowler and says, "Sorry Frank, I should've closed my legs." Frank Tyson, who didn't find any of this amusing, quipped back, "No, you bastard, your mother should have ."

Ian Healy Vs a Short chubby batsman:

In one of the tour matches in South Africa, Australia played Hansie Cronje's province. Cronje was at the non strikers end, there was a short chubby batsman on strike.

Ian Healy yelled to Warne, " Bowl a Mars Bar half way down...We'll get him stumped"

The Aussies and Cronje were all in hysterics, all this was before a classic reply from the batsman.

The exact words: " Nah, Boonie (David Boon) fielding at short leg will be onto it before I can move."

Miandad Vs Lillee: The 'brats' clash:

Miandad played Lillee to s quare leg and completed an easy run, with a collision taking place in the center. According to Miandad, Lillee had tried to block him in the path. After a verbal exchange, Lillee went ahead and kicked Miandad on his pads. Miandad, started charging towards Lillee with his bat lifted high above the head, as if to hit him. The umpire's intervention prevented what could have turned out to be a real assault had Miandad gone head with his plans. However, the picture of Miandad hurling his bat at Lillee made the whole incident look even worse, and was promptly declared as the most indignified incident in the history of Cricket.

Lillee's version, to this day, had Miandad first hitting him with the bat, and then swearing at him. He maintained that there was no contact from his side throughout the incident.

Note: The author is awsare if the fact that this incident has nothing to do with sledging, but found the temptation of mentioning the episode was too hard to resist.

The Frog Jumping incident, 1992 India Vs Pakistan:

India vs Pakistan matches are always a treat to watch, and if its the World Cup its stakes are even greater. Javed Miandad, the Bad boy of cricket, at the receiving end for once. Miffed by the verbals from Kiran More, he complains " Insaan khel rahe hain janwaar nahin" (Human beings are playing not animals). And after a sharp run out chance, where Miandad closely survives Miandad starts jumping up and down, face distorted imitating Kiran More's appealing. A sight to behold. Pure comedy. Pakistan loses the match but go on to win the cup.

'I did it instinctively', Miandad later told. He added, 'Hey, is this the way you appeal for everything? Don't appeal like that '. You can also watch the video of the incident.

Dropped the Cup?

Perhaps the most famous sledge in a World Cup match took place the epic Super Six clash between Australia and South Africa (in 2003). South Africa looked on course to a routine victory with Australian captain Steve Waugh at the crease and on 56. At that stage, Waugh clipped the ball in the air straight to South African fielder Herschelle Gibbs. In his haste, Gibbs dropped the ball when attempting to throw it in the air in celebration as he had not fully controlled it. As he passed him, Waugh is said to have asked Gibbs: " How does it feel to have dropped the World Cup?". Waugh carried on to make an unbeaten 120 and Australia posted an unlikely win and won the World Cup a few days later.

Waugh has however denied that quote, instead claiming that he said " looks like you've dropped the match".

Hughes Vs Miandad

The inimitable Merv Hughes has forgotten more about sledging than most people will ever know, so he was more than a little miffed to be on the receiving end in the 1991 Adelaide Test against Pakistan. Hughes and Javed Miandad almost came to blows after the Pakistani batsman dared to call big Merv a " fat bus conductor". But revenge was sweet for Hughes. A few balls later he finally got his man and as Miandad walked past, he could not resist shouting " Tickets, please!"

Dennis Lillee Vs Sunil Gavaskar

Dennis Lillee and Sunil Gavaskar, were involved in a war of words in the 3rd Test, MCG, February 1981. A historic win for India in that Test would definitely not have taken place had Sunil Gavaskar not calmed down. He clashed with Australian

fast bowler Dennis Lillee, who Gavaskar claims abused him after claiming his wicket and the Indian captain asked non-striker Chetan Chauhan to walk off the field, forfeiting the match. Gavaskar was batting on 70 when Lillee appealed for a leg before decision. Gavaskar showed his bat to the umpire, indicating he had 'nicked' the ball before it hit his pads. Angry words were exchanged between the batsman and the bowler, and Lillee even went to the extent of pointing to the batsman the spot where the ball had his pads. The decision went in favour of the bowler and as Gavaskar started his long, dejected walk back to the pavilion, Lillee turned around and abused him. That was it. Gavaskar snapped, and decided to forfeit the match.

Later, Gavaskar was to write in his book 'Idols': "That (the walkout) was the most regrettable incidents of my life. Whatever may be the provocation and whatever the reason, there was no justification for my action and I realize now that I did not behave the way a captain and sportsman should ."

Flintoff Vs Tino Best

Best, never short of a word or two when he is bowling, was done up like a kipper by the England all-rounder as West Indies slumped to defeat in the first Test. Flintoff saw his opponent preparing to face Giles' off-spin and shouted: " Watch the windows, Tino!" The wind-up had the desired effect, causing Best to come charging out of his crease like a man possessed. He took a wild swing at the ball, missed and was promptly stumped by Geraint Jones. Not a broken window in sight. Flintoff could not contain himself and spent the next five minutes giggling like a teenager, as Best sat on the balcony rueing his stupidity.

Viv Richards to Gavaskar:

Gavaskar had decided to relinquish his opening position and come in at no 4 for that test. But, Malcolm Marshall fired out Anshuman Gaekwad and Dilip Vengsarkar for ducks, setting the stage for Gavaskar to walk in at 0/2.And he thought there would be less pressure! Viv Richards says " Man, it don't matter where you come in to bat, the score is still zero."

Steve Waugh and Parthiv Patel

Amidst all the hype surrounding his farewell match, Steve Waugh had to contend with an unexpected dose of his own medicine from a player half his age.

As Waugh fought a grim battle to stave off defeat in the series-deciding fourth Test in Sydney, 19 year-old Indian wicket-keeper Parthiv Patel tried to unsettle the veteran batsman through some banter.

The baby-faced Patel egged on the 38 year-old stalwart to play one of his sweep shots one last time.

The India 'keeper was saying, 'Come on, just one more of the famous slog-sweeps before you finish'

Waugh replied: 'Look, show a bit of respect. You were in nappies when I debuted 18 years ago' .

Rod Marsh and Ian Botham:

When Botham took guard in a Ashes match, Marsh welcomed him to the wicket with the immortal words: " So how's your wife and my kids?"

Trueman and Aussie batsman

In an England v Australia Test during early 1960's Trueman was fielding close to the gate from the pavilion. As a new batsman came out he turned to shut the gate, Trueman said " Don't bother son, you won't be out there long enough."

Daryll Cullinan and Shane Warne.

As Cullinan was on his way to the wicket, Warne told him he had been waiting 2 years for another chance to humiliate him. " Looks like you spent it eating ," Cullinan retorted.

Adam Parore and Daryll Cullinan

Because Cullinan is well known for being Warne's bunny, New Zealand keeper Parore greeted the South African, carefully playing the first ball from kiwi Chris Harris, with a cry of: " Bowled Warnie!"

Malcolm Marshall and David Boon

Malcolm Marshall was bowling to David Boon who had played and missed a couple of times. Marshall: " Now David, Are you going to get out now or am I going to have to bowl around the wicket and kill you? "

James Ormond and Mark Waugh

James Ormond had just come out to bat on an ashes tour and was greeted by MarkWaugh……..

Mark : "F*ck me, look who it is. Mate, what are you doing out here, there's no way you're good enough to play for England "

James: "Maybe not, but at least i'm the best player in my family"

Waugh Vs Jamie Siddons

In a Sheffield Shield game between NSW and SA, a Waugh twin (not sure which) was taking an enternity to take guard, asking the umpire for centre, middle and leg, two legs - the whole lot. Then he steps away towards leg side and has another look around the field, before re checking centre.

Jamie Siddons is at slip, and decided enough is enough. He yells out."For christ sake, it's not a 'f*cken test match."

Waugh replies: "Of course it isn't ... You're here."

Mother (in law) of all sledges:

In the 1980's Ian Botham returned early from a tour of Pakistan, and on radio joked " Pakistan is the sort of country to send your mother in-law to ." Needless to say the Pakistanis did not find this amusing, and when Pakistan defeated England in the 1992 World Cup Final, Aamer Sohail told Ian Botham " Why don't you send your mother-in-law out to play, she cannot do much worse."

Barmy Army Vs Shane Warne

England's "Barmy Army" recently decided to sledge leg spinner Shane Warne musically, and it has been described as boorishly personal, but effective.

The sledge was based on Chirpy Chirpy Cheep Cheep - the "Where's your poppa gone?" Song. It has been converted to " Where's your missus gone?" (Warne had recently been divorced ith ife)

Special Mention:

Inzamam-ul-Haq once told Brett Lee to " stop bowling off spinners".

In the recent Karachi Test when Irfan Pathan came to bat in 2nd Innings Afridi shouted two times " O mera Shehzada aaya ! " (Oh! my prince has come) .

Sachin Tendulkar Counter Attack - againt SA - Video

2006-04-18T20:51:00.000-07:00

Abu Dhabi - India - Pak - 1st ODI - Video

2006-04-18T20:46:00.000-07:00

Waquar Being Slaughtered

2006-04-18T20:45:00.000-07:00

Sharjah curse continues

2006-04-18T20:08:00.000-07:00

Like I mentioned in my previous post, Sharjah has not been a happy hunting ground for the Indians. And even though the city changed from Sharjah to Abu Dhabi, the country (UAE) remained unchanged and along with it Tema India's fortunes on this land. But the venue alone cannot be blamed, for the way the Indians played today, they really lacked the passion, and the attitude and Pakistan were truly the deserving winners.

The lost in itlsef does not take away anything from the Indians, for they have truly be very consistent, but in my opinion every game that they play from here on, leading into the World Cup is a critical one, and the more games they win, the better it is for Team India and for all its players. Graham Gooch said in an article, that India should not peak too soon. And my only response to that is -- when did we ever peak?

The success that we have had so far has all been in the sub-continent, and more important in India. The moment they are out of the home grounds, they falter. We have just been winning good matches, not peaking. Did Australia peak too early, leading into the World Cup of 2003? No, they were just consistent, and so darn consistent. It is that consistency that India need to imbibe in themselves.

One wrong foot here, and a little complacency and the slide will be there again for all of us to see. There was also an argument in Prem Panicker's blog that India were just coming back from a drained out tourand so they were barely physically present there at the venue and hence a bad game. I tend to disagree on that. I mean look at you and me. I work as a software engineer at a reputed IT firm, putting in 12 and often times 15 hours a day to do the job for what I am being paid. Likewise Prem is sitting by the PC and writing about the game, at the oddest of hours, simply because that is his passion, and his job. Well, for the cricket players, it is both -- a passion (I hope) and are getting paid to play the game. So, what else would you need to get motivated and perform to the fullest of your abilities. I sit there day in and day out and work on my IT projects. Where is the difference. I don't think that a couple of close series should really be a reason for non performance.

Hopefully India will have a much better showing in the second game. Maybe I am expecting too much, but I suppose, every game is critical, and you better perform well on the job that you are being so handsomely paid for!

India - Pak in Abu Dhabi - Preview

2006-04-16T20:06:00.000-07:00

Well, India are on a high. Having broken the record for the most consecutive successful chases in the game, they have done themselves and their country proud. With almost no time for a break, India now travel to Abu Dhabi to play arch rivals Pakistan in a two match series. This will be the first time that the two teams will meet in UAE. The last time they met was in 1999-2000 series in Sharjah, when Pakistan won the last match comprehensively (Match Details)

UAE has not really been a very good venue for India, specially against the Pakistanis. While all of us remember the "Desert Storm" that Sachin raised against the Aussies in 1998, Team India's record against the Aussies has been dismal. The two teams have met in Sharjah (UAE) on 24 times in the past, and of all those matches, India have tasted success in only 6 matches.

Although the ground this time over is different, the country is the same, and I am inclined to believe the the playing conditions will also be the same. This series will really test the new Team India and all the young guns. For starters they do not seem to have history on their side. Then the Indian opening pair still seems to be a worrysome issue. It is here that we will see the true characters of some of the young guns. No doubt, Team India has all the arsenal and the momentum going their way, but a neutral ground, one where none of the teams have played a game before, is sure to test every player.

And on a closing note,, just one comment about the ground -- (take a look at the photo above). It sure looks like a beautiful ground, lush green outfield, excellent stadium, picturesque in every sense. The only unknown - the virgin pitch. Is it ready for the fireworks though? We will see..

So, lets just wait and watch!

India make it 16 in a row

2006-04-16T19:57:00.000-07:00

Well, the Englad series has been a real good one for this Indian team. India now have won 3 out of their last four series, and drawn the only other series with SA. With India extending its chasing streak to 16, there is already a talk of winning the World Cup. Huh, do we get excited about all this so fast? Why?

Just a couple of things that I would like to bring to the forefront here . All the past 4 series that India have played in the last year, have been on the sub-continent. The Rainas, and Yuvis, the Dhonis and Uthappas will really be tested once they are out on the Australian and the New Zealand pitches. I would expect that even the WI series coming up in May will test some of these players. Lets not start sepculating just yet.

As for the bowlers, well they will also be tested in more seamer friendly pitches, where controlling the ball is not as easy as it is on the sub continent pitches. Besides, playing against oppnents like Australia, New Zealand and SA on more bouncier pitches, where they play their best game will also test these bowlers.

No doubt that India has been doing well in the recent past, but a change in the pitch and playing conditions, that are somewhat different from the sub continent will really test this team. That is something that the players, captain and the team management has to be wary off.

Till then,, keep playing Team India!

Can Bangladesh pull off a miracle>

2006-04-10T20:02:00.000-07:00

The last two days have got to be the best days in the cricketing history of a nation whose current Test status is being questioned. Bangladesh for two consecutive days - yes mind you - days, and not sessions has managed to keep the Aussies at bay and have bettered them in every department!

If only they can sustain it for another three days, cricket lovers around the world will witness one of the most dramatic moments. I wonder how many ranking points will Bangladesh earn if they are to win against the mighty Aussies!

Well, its still a little too early to say, because the Aussies are consistency personified, and I just get the feeling that there is still enough pwer in the current Australian team to not just come of their current state of plight, but also force a result in their favor. But until then, they must fight, and the Bangladeshis must not, for one little second even blink and continue the way they have been playing their games in the last two games. For even a single bad session for them can take the game away from them.

Lets wait and watch -- I would also like to see the photo on the Daily Telegraph three days from now!

The failures amongst the wins

2006-04-07T17:32:00.000-07:00

Team India continues its impressive run with its unparalled 15th consecutive successive chase. But what is even more impressive is the fact that this team has been successful without the form and absence of some of its key players - Sachin Tendulkar, Virendra Sehwag and Mohammad Kaif. Amongst all the victories that India has been able to conjure in the last 5 months two of these three players have contributed little to India's cause. That, in my opinion is the loss in all these victories so far ...

The selectors, captain and the coach continued to show a vote of confidence in both Sehwag and Kaif, by not only retaining both of them in the squad but also selecting Virendra Sehwag the captain for the next couple of ODIs. That is indeed a big vote of confidence for him, and if nothing else at least this should produce an inspiring innings from Viru.

With Rahul Dravid already being rested for the next two ODIs, it will be left to Viru to not only make sure that we do not falter and start losing the confidence that has been developed in the last 6 months by losing the games but also to sort out his own form and come to terms with his batting disappointments. It is these non-consequential matches that I really fear the most. There is nothing to play for, or so it seems - from the series stand point at least - but there is a lot to play for, if you are looking to gain confidence and hone your skills.

Moving forward, every game from now on would be critical leading into the World Cup. Although India have played Sri Lanka, Pakistan, South Africa and now England beautifully so far, they still have to face up New Zealand and then of course Australia. And remember, they have not played any team outside the sub continent of pitches that are always a concern to the Indian batting. The only way to make sure that you play well, we need to make sure that we win as many matches at home and gain a lot of confidence. After all half the game is played in the mind!!!

India should not let England come out of their bad form and dominate them in the last three games. That would indeed, despite the series win would be a big failure, one which could lead into a drop in self-confidence and eventually performance leading up to the critical series in WI and then the world cup. It could really be a BIG failure amongst all the beautiful victories! India must stay guarded and focused!

Yuvraj Pulverizes England

2006-04-03T06:37:00.000-07:00

Before the match, in my previous post I did mention that India had refrained itself from experimenting on the ODIs so far. But here it was again, and it seems that the experimentation seems to always be working for India. Dropping out Gautam Gambhir to accomodate an extra bowler was a brave move, and all kudos to the captain - Dravid for once again taking on the onus on himself and opening the Indian innings in an attempt to get rid of India's opening blues.

The start was better than the usual considering the dual nature of the pitch. But Sehwag continued to disappoint. Looking at the way he was dismissed, I really feel now that he should be sent back to playing some more domestic cricket. Dravid on the other hand continued to impress and was rather unfortunate to be out in the way he did. India finally experimented again, promoting Irfan to No 3. It did make the English captain think and change his strategies a little bit because he had to delay the third powerplay. India were at it again -- the experimentation.

But it was Yuvraj's day today, and he really made it count. His strokeplay suggested as if this was really a 300+ pitch. It was really heartening to see the way he and Raina played the 20 overs - hard hitting boundaries punctuated with singles and twos. It has also been a pleasure to watch this Indian team perform at the highest levesl without Sachin Tendulkar. Way to go India!

As for the Englad -- well they never looked in sight of victory after Pathan took the top three wickets. Paul Collingwood provided some respectability to the total and played a very good game, but this English side is a little immature and short on experience and talent when it comes to the shorter version of the game. In the last two ODIs they lost the plot half-way through the second innings, this time though it was lost by the top order batsmen itself!

On a closing note -- while the Indian batting finally came true today, the catching is still a concern. Ramesh Powar missed out on another skier, although a difficult one -- but what do you expect at this level? Better ? Right?

Match Scorecard here

India - England - 3rd ODI - Preview

2006-04-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

As we start the daylight savings time here in the US, and move an hour ahead, its going to get late by an hour to see the 3rd ODI being played between India and England. At the moment though, India sit pretty well leading the series 2-0. Not an unassailable lead, but definitely a lead that would make them feel more comfortable and confident. The one other thing that this lead has done is that it has made Englad lose all the momentum (if any) that they would have generated for themselves by winning the 3rd Test match.

Although India seem to have won both the matches, there are a lot of areas that India could do to improve upon. Firstly of course if their catching. The catching was good in the first ODI, but the slips by Ramesh Powar and Suresh Raina let India down again in that department. I still cannot believe that Ramesh Powar could have dropped the catch that he did.

Secondly of course is their top order batting. Sehwag really needs to come up with a class act soon, otherwise he may also have to sit out of the team. His over-weight is now starting to cause a lot of worry for him and for the team -- it is really looking like excessive baggage. The balance in the shots that he plays is missing and so is his confidence. Gautam Gambhir on the other hand has looked in both the outings, but has failed to convert the starts into a big innings. These two and the number 3 and 4 batsmen really have to put up their hands and come up with much better performances, if India are to continue winning their matches.

It is also interesting to see that there has not been any experimentation in both these games so far. The batting order has come up with no surprises, and there have been no shuffling. Makes me think, if Dravid and Guru Greg had had enough of it, or if not experimenting with the batting line-up is also an experiment in itself? It would be worth to try someone else at the top of the innings and let sehwag come down the order for a couple of innings till he gets his momentum going.

The pitch at the Nehru Stadium in Goa will be a new one - re-laid out ( See the photo at the beginning of the blog). Only time will tell whether the Indian batsmen will get their act together or not. We are also waiting for the more traditional (now) ODI - the one with high scores and large number of boundaries. Will that be the case in tomorrow's game?

But one thing is for sure, that if India does not improve their two shortcomings, they may well see England convert their periods of domination into a positive result. Will Goa be that venue? Well, its not been a very good hunting ground for the Indians, having lost all the 4 games that they have played here so far. Lets wait and watch ....

Raina makes hay

2006-03-31T06:52:00.000-08:00

Hey All,

So here I am again, with the second blog for the second ODI that India just won against the English. Like I have said in my earlier blog, this Indian ODI team is far better balanced and more talented than the Test side. To be in the Test side you need some international experience, and I think the ODIs to provide some of it, though not all.

So, while in the last game, it was Harbhajan's guile that got us the match, today it was the youthful Suresh Raina - yet another off-spring of India's small town prodigy - that brought us home in this match. Just 18 years of age and an experience of just 14 matches, I was not even sure if he had the license to drive the bike that he got as the Man Of the Match award today. But I guess that's India and getting a driving license in India is not a big deal these days ( or well, it never has been a big deal). I am sure that he will savor this win for a long time. Besides his batting, his fielding - like most other youngsters in this Indian team - has been a revalation and he has only added more strength to the off side field with Yuvraj and Kaif.

In the recent past, India has been successfully bringing more and more young talent to the forefront and it is also a pleasant change in the attitude of the Indian selection comittee to be committed to them and persist with players for a longer period of time than has been the case in the past. With the likes of Irfan, Munaf, Dhoni, Raina, Yuvraj and Kaif I am sure the future of Indian cricket looks good. The strategy from Rahul Dravid and Guru Greg is not only to be able to build a strong Indian team for the World Cup, but also to be able to build a team that can move forward from there.

Only time will tell whether Suresh Raina is just a flash in the pan or is he in this for a long time.I think he is another player like Yuvraj Singh that we must look out for in the future. Am I too early to put him on the mantle? Only time will tell.....

Your comments?

All About Cricket

2006-03-31T06:50:00.000-08:00

Hi Folks,
This is my first attempt at creating a blog, so you all have to bear with my for all the fallacies that the site may have. I will be using this blog to throw out my ideas on cricket as a game in general and Indian cricket in particular. In the future you can expect regular comments from me on various cricketing games and news around the world and use this blog space to throw in your comments and ideas about it as well.
Lets see how far I go with this. For the moment lets just start blogging --

I personally feel that India will do a farily better job as compared to the recently concluded test series, with the scoreline reading 5-2 in India's favor. I think that as a team India is far better composed in the ODIs than they are in the test team. The primary reason for this is the simple fact that bowlers win you test matches, while batsmen win you ODIs. India has had a history of producing fantastic batsmen specially geared towards the ODI framework. Adn we all know that we have never had match winning bowlers of the caliber of winning us test matches.

In the past we have had some good options in the form of the spin trio of Bishen Sign Bedi, Pranassa and Venkatraghavan. But they too have been most destructive only on Indian pitches and maybe on the subcontinent. On foreign soil they have also not givne the desired results (as expected). Until recently where we are seeing folks like Irfan, Sreesanth, Munaf coming into the ranks, there has hardly been a combination of Indian bowling that has looked decisive and capable of winning a test match for India.

So I say again, that India is far better team in the ODIs and can certainly improve in the test match, if the current stock of bowlers are able to carry on their form and skills on foreign soils.

What do you all think???
Hi Folks,
This is my first attempt at creating a blog, so you all have to bear with my for all the fallacies that the site may have. I will be using this blog to throw out my ideas on cricket as a game in general and Indian cricket in particular. In the future you can expect regular comments from me on various cricketing games and news around the world and use this blog space to throw in your comments and ideas about it as well.
Lets see how far I go with this. For the moment lets just start blogging --

I personally feel that India will do a farily better job as compared to the recently concluded test series, with the scoreline reading 5-2 in India's favor. I think that as a team India is far better composed in the ODIs than they are in the test team. The primary reason for this is the simple fact that bowlers win you test matches, while batsmen win you ODIs. India has had a history of producing fantastic batsmen specially geared towards the ODI framework. Adn we all know that we have never had match winning bowlers of the caliber of winning us test matches.

In the past we have had some good options in the form of the spin trio of Bishen Sign Bedi, Pranassa and Venkatraghavan. But they too have been most destructive only on Indian pitches and maybe on the subcontinent. On foreign soil they have also not givne the desired results (as expected). Until recently where we are seeing folks like Irfan, Sreesanth, Munaf coming into the ranks, there has hardly been a combination of Indian bowling that has looked decisive and capable of winning a test match for India.

So I say again, that India is far better team in the ODIs and can certainly improve in the test match, if the current stock of bowlers are able to carry on their form and skills on foreign soils.

What do you all think???

Test

2006-03-31T06:46:00.000-08:00

This is a test