Friday July 25, 03:16 AM
While India play Sri Lanka and the rain in Colombo, on what seems like another batsman obsessed pitch, the juniors are out in Australia putting in some impressive performances against their peers. Cricket never stops, does it? It only moves elsewhere!
Rarely has a nation put out such vastly different teams within days of each other as India have in Sri Lanka post the Asia Cup. Eight out of the eleven in the first Test were not present in Pakistan and that tells me two things: one, that India must possess great depth in their cricket and two, that there ought to have been some rusty players in Colombo.
But these are different days in Indian cricket and there is now a fully functional cricket academy which means that there is a facility for players who haven't played cricket to get back into rhythm under a very good coach and fitness trainers. The NCA is, at the moment, one of the most valuable resources the BCCI could have built up. Just imagine otherwise. With the monsoon having set in, there would hardly have been any practice or training facilities around, a call would have to be sent out for volunteers. Instead, the players will be as ready for competition as they could have been.
Harbhajan gets his spot back straightaway and that is good and bad. It is a vote of confidence in his ability, which has never been doubted anyway, but it would have been nice if there had been competition forcing him to fight his way back. But there is none in Indian cricket when it comes to Test matches and that is why it might have been a better idea for the emerging nations to play three or four day games as well, for that would have told us of the quality of Piyush Chawla, Amit Mishra and Pragyan Ojha in the longer format.
Instead, Piyush Chawla will probably have to sit at home because in an unfortunate announcement, the BCCI has announced that Indian players cannot play for county sides in England that have ICL players on their staff. I wonder if I am the only person who is wondering if there is a new apartheid in world cricket. I can go so far as to understand one body not picking players who have played for another set-up. But not to take the field in the company of those that have played the ICL, in a third country, seems cruel and unfair. Even at the height of South Africa's isolation, Bishan Bedi bowled to Barry Richards in county cricket, Sunil Gavaskar batted with Graeme Pollock in a world eleven and nobody raised a hue and cry over it.
I think we need to be a little more generous. A little more understanding. It will help Indian cricket if VVS Laxman gets some more good cricket under his belt before Australia come to India; for Piyush Chawla to bowl a lot more overs and experiment and bowl more leg breaks. For just as Zaheer Khan benefitted from a lot of bowling, so too could young Chawla who needs to grow quickly since Anil Kumble doesn't have a lot of time left. I think we have missed an opportunity.
Terrific combination
Zaheer, indeed, is the player to watch out for in Sri Lanka. He has spent far too much time off the field in his career but he gives the impression of having come to terms with it and by not rushing back, he is giving himself the best possible chance of success in the time that he has. In England last year, he played a huge role in India's first series win there for years (under Rahul Dravid, it is often forgotten!) and I believe by using him wisely, we will get a lot more out of him. Luckily there are people to fill his slot. Ishant Sharma and Sreesanth in form, for example, would make a terrific combination.
I would also like to see a few serious challengers emerge for the middle order slots in the next year. Yuvraj Singh must feel disappointed at not being in Sri Lanka but the way out is to be hard on himself and return to where he belongs: the first cab off the rank. While Rohit Sharma is an obvious candidate, I would like to see a closer look at S Badrinath who has done almost everything asked of him. This may be a fantasy thought but won't it be great if India's current Test side could take on this in a five day game: Robin Uthappa, Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, Yuvraj Singh, Badrinath, Suresh Raina, Parthiv Patel, Piyush Chawla, Pragyan Ojha, Sreesanth and RP Singh.
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Botham rages over 'pathetic' selection
England legend Ian Botham slammed England’s selection for the second Test at Headingley that ended in a comprehensive ten-wicket victory for South Africa.
Little-known swing bowler Darren Pattinson was given a debut on Friday after Ryan Sidebottom failed a fitness test. The man born in Grimsby but raised in Melbourne has been back in England less than two years and has just completed his first half season in county cricket. Yet he was picked ahead of veterans like Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones.
Pattinson was the first new cap since the current selection panel of Geoff Miller, James Whitaker and Ashley Giles took over. Botham was one of several former England stars to knock the policy of bringing in the untried seamer.
“The England team selection on Friday knocked me sideways,” Botham said in his Daily Mirror column. “I feel very sorry for Darren Pattinson, but I don't have any sympathy for the selectors who lost all sense of perspective and embarrassed English cricket.
“His inclusion is beyond me. It is not the lad's fault, and I really did feel sorry for him when he had to walk into a dressing room and no one knew him. He'd have arrived there thinking: 'What on earth am I doing here?'
“It was the most illogical, pathetic and diabolical piece of selecting I've seen. I couldn't believe that I was picking up the microphone to talk about an opening bowler for England that I'd never heard of.
“I had people coming up to me asking about this bloke and I couldn't help them. Then we've got the England captain saying: 'Er, I think I played against him in a Twenty20 game once'. What a joke!
It was very bizarre and what message is that sending? The selectors suggested it was a horses for courses pick - what nonsense, the guy has played just six games.
“When you overlook someone like Steve Harmison who has been told to go and get wickets and get his pace up, which he has, and you leave out Simon Jones, Sajid Mahmood, Matthew Hoggard what is that saying? Please someone tell me who's magic hat this pick came out of. I want to know who said Pattinson was the man to come in ahead of all the other contenders.”
Little-known swing bowler Darren Pattinson was given a debut on Friday after Ryan Sidebottom failed a fitness test. The man born in Grimsby but raised in Melbourne has been back in England less than two years and has just completed his first half season in county cricket. Yet he was picked ahead of veterans like Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones.
Pattinson was the first new cap since the current selection panel of Geoff Miller, James Whitaker and Ashley Giles took over. Botham was one of several former England stars to knock the policy of bringing in the untried seamer.
“The England team selection on Friday knocked me sideways,” Botham said in his Daily Mirror column. “I feel very sorry for Darren Pattinson, but I don't have any sympathy for the selectors who lost all sense of perspective and embarrassed English cricket.
“His inclusion is beyond me. It is not the lad's fault, and I really did feel sorry for him when he had to walk into a dressing room and no one knew him. He'd have arrived there thinking: 'What on earth am I doing here?'
“It was the most illogical, pathetic and diabolical piece of selecting I've seen. I couldn't believe that I was picking up the microphone to talk about an opening bowler for England that I'd never heard of.
“I had people coming up to me asking about this bloke and I couldn't help them. Then we've got the England captain saying: 'Er, I think I played against him in a Twenty20 game once'. What a joke!
It was very bizarre and what message is that sending? The selectors suggested it was a horses for courses pick - what nonsense, the guy has played just six games.
“When you overlook someone like Steve Harmison who has been told to go and get wickets and get his pace up, which he has, and you leave out Simon Jones, Sajid Mahmood, Matthew Hoggard what is that saying? Please someone tell me who's magic hat this pick came out of. I want to know who said Pattinson was the man to come in ahead of all the other contenders.”
Sri Lanka v India start delayed due to overnight rain
India’s opening Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo has been delayed due to heavy overnight rain. Covers remained on the ground till lunch was taken with a further inspection scheduled just after. India are in the emerald island for a test series after seven years and last won a Test series there in 1993. Unorthodox Lankan spinner Ajantha Mendis is poised for his maiden Test cap
Botham rages over 'pathetic' selection
England legend Ian Botham slammed England’s selection for the second Test at Headingley that ended in a comprehensive ten-wicket victory for South Africa.
Little-known swing bowler Darren Pattinson was given a debut on Friday after Ryan Sidebottom failed a fitness test. The man born in Grimsby but raised in Melbourne has been back in England less than two years and has just completed his first half season in county cricket. Yet he was picked ahead of veterans like Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones.
Pattinson was the first new cap since the current selection panel of Geoff Miller, James Whitaker and Ashley Giles took over. Botham was one of several former England stars to knock the policy of bringing in the untried seamer.
“The England team selection on Friday knocked me sideways,” Botham said in his Daily Mirror column. “I feel very sorry for Darren Pattinson, but I don't have any sympathy for the selectors who lost all sense of perspective and embarrassed English cricket.
“His inclusion is beyond me. It is not the lad's fault, and I really did feel sorry for him when he had to walk into a dressing room and no one knew him. He'd have arrived there thinking: 'What on earth am I doing here?'
“It was the most illogical, pathetic and diabolical piece of selecting I've seen. I couldn't believe that I was picking up the microphone to talk about an opening bowler for England that I'd never heard of.
“I had people coming up to me asking about this bloke and I couldn't help them. Then we've got the England captain saying: 'Er, I think I played against him in a Twenty20 game once'. What a joke!
It was very bizarre and what message is that sending? The selectors suggested it was a horses for courses pick - what nonsense, the guy has played just six games.
“When you overlook someone like Steve Harmison who has been told to go and get wickets and get his pace up, which he has, and you leave out Simon Jones, Sajid Mahmood, Matthew Hoggard what is that saying? Please someone tell me who's magic hat this pick came out of. I want to know who said Pattinson was the man to come in ahead of all the other contenders.”
Little-known swing bowler Darren Pattinson was given a debut on Friday after Ryan Sidebottom failed a fitness test. The man born in Grimsby but raised in Melbourne has been back in England less than two years and has just completed his first half season in county cricket. Yet he was picked ahead of veterans like Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones.
Pattinson was the first new cap since the current selection panel of Geoff Miller, James Whitaker and Ashley Giles took over. Botham was one of several former England stars to knock the policy of bringing in the untried seamer.
“The England team selection on Friday knocked me sideways,” Botham said in his Daily Mirror column. “I feel very sorry for Darren Pattinson, but I don't have any sympathy for the selectors who lost all sense of perspective and embarrassed English cricket.
“His inclusion is beyond me. It is not the lad's fault, and I really did feel sorry for him when he had to walk into a dressing room and no one knew him. He'd have arrived there thinking: 'What on earth am I doing here?'
“It was the most illogical, pathetic and diabolical piece of selecting I've seen. I couldn't believe that I was picking up the microphone to talk about an opening bowler for England that I'd never heard of.
“I had people coming up to me asking about this bloke and I couldn't help them. Then we've got the England captain saying: 'Er, I think I played against him in a Twenty20 game once'. What a joke!
It was very bizarre and what message is that sending? The selectors suggested it was a horses for courses pick - what nonsense, the guy has played just six games.
“When you overlook someone like Steve Harmison who has been told to go and get wickets and get his pace up, which he has, and you leave out Simon Jones, Sajid Mahmood, Matthew Hoggard what is that saying? Please someone tell me who's magic hat this pick came out of. I want to know who said Pattinson was the man to come in ahead of all the other contenders.”
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Sports
Paris Saint-Germain unveils Makelele
July 23, 2008
Claude Makelele was officially unveiled as a Paris Saint-Germain player after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer. PSG have signed Claude Makelele on a one-year deal. Makelele started his career in France, playing for Nantes, and moved onto Marseille before joining Celta Vigo in Spain. The defensive midfielder then headed to Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants to two Primera Liga and one Champions League title. He then moved to Chelsea, where he played a major part in two successful Premier League campaigns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gasquet prevails over Llodra
July 23, 2008
Frenchman Richard Gasquet began his bid to reach his second Rogers Cup final in three years when he defeated compatriot Michael Llodra 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the ATP Tour's Masters Series event. The 10th seed saw Llodra level the match at one-set-all before breaking Llodra twice in the decider to reach the second round. Gasquet was runner-up to Roger Federer in 2006. Elsewhere, ninth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland beat Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-4, 7-6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federer focused on Olympic gold
July 23, 2008
Roger Federer launches his Olympic preparations and his North American hard-court campaign this week at the Toronto Masters. Federer is targeting Beijing gold medal as his top priority for the remainder of the year. The 26 year old feels representing his country at The Games is a matter of great honour The World number one finished 4th at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Federer lost the 2008 French Open & Wimbledon final Rafael Nadal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stoner takes pole in Laguna Seca
July 20, 2008
Casey Stoner took the pole position in the US Grand Prix qualifying session at Laguna Seca. The Australian, who won the US Grand Prix from pole last year, bettered his own lap record before setting a time of one minute, 20.700 seconds. It was a significant 1.5secs faster than the previous best. Valentino Rossi, who is confirmed to be staying with Yamaha for at least two more seasons, came second while American Nicky Hayden will complete the front row.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wallabies open with a win
July 20, 2008
Hosts Australia began their 2008 Tri-Nations campaign with a hard fought 16-9 victory over World Champions South Africa in Perth. Tries by Lote Tuqiri and Stirling Mortlock either side of half-time and a late drop goal by Berrick Barnes helped secure the Wallabies a seven-point win. All three teams now have one win under their belt as Australia host New Zealand in Sydney in seven days time while South Africa return home after completing their three away games
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freire takes stage 14 of Tour de France
July 20, 2008
Spaniard Oscar Freire of team Rabobank won the 14th stage of the Tour de France in a time of 4 hrs 13 mins 8 secs. Colombian Leonardo Duque of team Cofidis finished second while German Erik Zabel came third for Milram in the 194.5-kilometre ride from Nimes to Digne Les Bains. Australian Cadel Evans of team Silence-Lotto retained the overall leader's yellow jersey.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France prevail over Iran
July 20, 2008
France prevailed over Iran after a penalty shoot-out victory, following a six-all draw in the 2008 FIFA beach soccer World Cup. Goalkeeper Jean-Marie Aubry saved Mehdi Davoudi's spot-kick to ensure a 2-1 triumph. Earlier Iran managed an unlikely comeback from 5-1 down to five-all in normal time. Eric Cantona's side are now level with Senegal and behind quarter-finalists Uruguay whom they face in their final Group A match.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chandhok claims first win of the season
July 20, 2008
Karun Chandhok earned his first GP2 series win of the season after claiming victory in the sprint race at Hockenheim. Chandhok took the chequered flag in a time of 38 minutes 27.955 seconds and 0.702 seconds ahead of Andi Zuber. His isport teammate Bruno Senna came third while Kamui Kobayashi who finished tenth brought up the best lap time of 1 min 24.253 seconds. Chandhok started the race on pole but had to battle hard for his season’s first victory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wozniak and Bartoli in title clash
July 20, 2008
Serena Williams saw her bid for the season’s fourth title collapse after she was forced to retire with a knee injury at the Bank of the West Classic. The Wimbledon runner-up trailed 2-6, 1-3 in her semi-final match against Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak. Wozniak next plays Marion Bartoli in the final. Bartoli proved too strong for Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama, winning the second semi-final 6-3, 6-3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wie disqualified from State Farm Classic
July 20, 2008
Michelle Wie has been disqualified for failing to sign her scorecard despite finishing the third round of the State Farm Classic in second place on Friday. Wie was within one shot of leader Yani Tseng but she left the tent where players sign their scorecards mmediately after bogeying her final hole. Volunteers chased Wie to remind her that she had not signed but Wie had already walked out by then.
July 23, 2008
Claude Makelele was officially unveiled as a Paris Saint-Germain player after leaving Chelsea on a free transfer. PSG have signed Claude Makelele on a one-year deal. Makelele started his career in France, playing for Nantes, and moved onto Marseille before joining Celta Vigo in Spain. The defensive midfielder then headed to Real Madrid, helping the Spanish giants to two Primera Liga and one Champions League title. He then moved to Chelsea, where he played a major part in two successful Premier League campaigns.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gasquet prevails over Llodra
July 23, 2008
Frenchman Richard Gasquet began his bid to reach his second Rogers Cup final in three years when he defeated compatriot Michael Llodra 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the ATP Tour's Masters Series event. The 10th seed saw Llodra level the match at one-set-all before breaking Llodra twice in the decider to reach the second round. Gasquet was runner-up to Roger Federer in 2006. Elsewhere, ninth-seeded Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland beat Simone Bolelli of Italy 6-4, 7-6
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Federer focused on Olympic gold
July 23, 2008
Roger Federer launches his Olympic preparations and his North American hard-court campaign this week at the Toronto Masters. Federer is targeting Beijing gold medal as his top priority for the remainder of the year. The 26 year old feels representing his country at The Games is a matter of great honour The World number one finished 4th at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Federer lost the 2008 French Open & Wimbledon final Rafael Nadal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stoner takes pole in Laguna Seca
July 20, 2008
Casey Stoner took the pole position in the US Grand Prix qualifying session at Laguna Seca. The Australian, who won the US Grand Prix from pole last year, bettered his own lap record before setting a time of one minute, 20.700 seconds. It was a significant 1.5secs faster than the previous best. Valentino Rossi, who is confirmed to be staying with Yamaha for at least two more seasons, came second while American Nicky Hayden will complete the front row.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wallabies open with a win
July 20, 2008
Hosts Australia began their 2008 Tri-Nations campaign with a hard fought 16-9 victory over World Champions South Africa in Perth. Tries by Lote Tuqiri and Stirling Mortlock either side of half-time and a late drop goal by Berrick Barnes helped secure the Wallabies a seven-point win. All three teams now have one win under their belt as Australia host New Zealand in Sydney in seven days time while South Africa return home after completing their three away games
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Freire takes stage 14 of Tour de France
July 20, 2008
Spaniard Oscar Freire of team Rabobank won the 14th stage of the Tour de France in a time of 4 hrs 13 mins 8 secs. Colombian Leonardo Duque of team Cofidis finished second while German Erik Zabel came third for Milram in the 194.5-kilometre ride from Nimes to Digne Les Bains. Australian Cadel Evans of team Silence-Lotto retained the overall leader's yellow jersey.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
France prevail over Iran
July 20, 2008
France prevailed over Iran after a penalty shoot-out victory, following a six-all draw in the 2008 FIFA beach soccer World Cup. Goalkeeper Jean-Marie Aubry saved Mehdi Davoudi's spot-kick to ensure a 2-1 triumph. Earlier Iran managed an unlikely comeback from 5-1 down to five-all in normal time. Eric Cantona's side are now level with Senegal and behind quarter-finalists Uruguay whom they face in their final Group A match.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chandhok claims first win of the season
July 20, 2008
Karun Chandhok earned his first GP2 series win of the season after claiming victory in the sprint race at Hockenheim. Chandhok took the chequered flag in a time of 38 minutes 27.955 seconds and 0.702 seconds ahead of Andi Zuber. His isport teammate Bruno Senna came third while Kamui Kobayashi who finished tenth brought up the best lap time of 1 min 24.253 seconds. Chandhok started the race on pole but had to battle hard for his season’s first victory.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wozniak and Bartoli in title clash
July 20, 2008
Serena Williams saw her bid for the season’s fourth title collapse after she was forced to retire with a knee injury at the Bank of the West Classic. The Wimbledon runner-up trailed 2-6, 1-3 in her semi-final match against Canadian Aleksandra Wozniak. Wozniak next plays Marion Bartoli in the final. Bartoli proved too strong for Japanese veteran Ai Sugiyama, winning the second semi-final 6-3, 6-3.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wie disqualified from State Farm Classic
July 20, 2008
Michelle Wie has been disqualified for failing to sign her scorecard despite finishing the third round of the State Farm Classic in second place on Friday. Wie was within one shot of leader Yani Tseng but she left the tent where players sign their scorecards mmediately after bogeying her final hole. Volunteers chased Wie to remind her that she had not signed but Wie had already walked out by then.
Loss of unity cost us Test - Vaughan
England skipper Michael Vaughan said his side needed to regain their togetherness and unity after selection changes upset morale and their closeness as a team.
England were forced to leave out injured bowler Ryan Sidebottom before the game, star all-rounder Andrew Flintoff came back in, regular middle-order batsman Paul Collingwood was dropped after going more than a year without a century and little-known Darren Pattinson was a leftfield pick ahead of the more experienced Matthew Hoggard, Steve Harmison and Simon Jones.
“I’ll be sitting down this week and be discussing areas we can improve,” Vaughan told reporters. “There are obviously areas we can and hopefully we can find a side that can beat South Africa at Edgbaston.
“We didn’t feel as much as a unit this week as we did the week before. I have a huge belief that we need to be a unit in Test match cricket and have that togetherness. Two changes don’t help.
“Over the next week it’s important the guys get away and work and come back to the squad on Sunday and react like we did at Lord’s and get that buzz back. This week it wasn’t there.
“I think Darren’s been given a lot of criticism but it’s not his fault. He turned up and tried his guts out and at times bowled some good spells. I felt sorry for him. He’s not been in the set-up and didn’t know anyone. And we didn’t know him, so it was very difficult for him.
“Whether it affected the other players in the dressing-room, I haven’t heard that it did, but we didn’t play as a unit. I was involved in the selection. Hindsight is a wonderful thing. But one man didn’t lose us a Test match, the collective unit lost us the match.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
