3.4.06

Cricket: Indians beach party in Goa.

This was one good match. The batsman sent the fielder for a run chase and bowlers get u the wickets. The task is well done. It won’t be wrong to expect Indians going in for the kill in the next game. This match was firmly controlled by India for most of the duration. They had made 294 and I think batted the English out of the game. The absence of Pietersen only helped matters.

Dravid’s captain prowess.

I think Dravid is a very sedate and a defensive player. He is al the strokes a batsmen can wish to have and plays all type of bowling really well. His captaincy has been full of bold and bright example of leading the front from the front. He shielding, Ganguly in Pakistan and convinced the team management opening against Shoaib Akhtar. I am sure that Ganguly would not have survived Akthar in the form, which he was in when in Pakistan.Dravid is far from a One-Day opener. He has something special though I think he is a good finisher of the one-day game. He has learned the tricks of the trade and now does well in one day too. He came in too bat upfront and send a very positive signal. It shows that he is in control. It also shows people how to set positive example. He compiled a very good 46 and ensured a good platform for the stroke makers to who were to follow.

Yuvraj Singh’s domain.

Yuvraj Singh would roughly translate to the young cub of a lion. One Day is his domain and India is hardly lost any match in which he has crossed a fifty. His batting in One Days (only) is silky, smooth and sublime. He has maintained his class since his debut against Australia in champion’s trophy what now seems ages ago. I think he is very destructive in the last ten over. One Day is his domain (Tests is not the same story) and on the current form, he is BSE Sensex on the cricket field, climbing new peaks every session. He deserved got the man of the match.

Raina presents a strong case.

Who have been the most prolific one-day batsmen? Tendulkar, Inzamam and Ganguly. These three have breached the 10 thousand-run mark. These batsmen started their careers at a very young age. Tendulkar has 39 centuries while Ganguly has 22 (or is it 24?). I think Raina present a strong case of him being promoted to open. He has three vital factors in his favour age, class and runs. All these three are very crucial in any form of the game. He is also a very good fielder.

Multitasking on view.

Yuvraj, Dhoni, Pathan and Raina. These players are specialist, while Dhoni and Pathan are keepers and bowler respectively; Yuvraj and Raina are specialist fielders. Yuvraj can always come in handy against England at least. The also are good batsmen and hit the ball a long way. They are the core of Indian team for me.

Kaif, I support you.

Kaif, I feel sorry for him. I think he should learn something. He made a 91 and then dropped for the following test. There is a lesson for each of the batsmen in the current squad only a 100 in batting will ensure a next chance. I firmly believe his lack of runs have roots somewhere else. I hope he comes well soon. He is a very good player to watch.

Collingwood wasted.

Collingwood is perhaps the best batsman who’s on show from the English side. He is wasted at five down. He should be at number three. He will do well there simply because he has runs against his name all throughout the tour. The inform batsmen should come upfront so should the in form bowlers. He actually deserves to be there.

English woes.

These weather conditions are just not for the English. I think it is more lack of application rather than acclimatizing process. They look very meek against the spin. The lack of quality also peeps from time to time.

In the end.

It is very interesting to note that India is pitching in two off spinners. Harbhajan after his five-wicket hall looks good. Powar has been a tough cookie. He has done well in this series so far. I hope England wins at least one of the next two matches just to keep the interest alive.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

even i agree with you on Kaif's aspect he will sure fight back in the next matches.He is a asset in field and with him,Yuvraj and raina in the off side gives great confidence for the bowlers to bowl.
He has performed rather well for india over the years he needs to be persisted and needs all the support.He should be overlooked as VVS Laxman in test matches.

Anonymous said...

we're finally winning!!!!!

Anirudh said...

Wow! U really seems to be a great cricket fan. Or how esle can someone explain those fine details written by u! Kudos to You my friend!!!

Tarun said...

@ Nagraj:Kaif should be persisted with and his perfomances must be rewarded as well as acknowledged.
@ Harry:I thought we have won last six One Day matches at least.
@ Anirudh:Thank U Anrirudh

Tarun said...

@ Sesh:Yes I do disagree.He is an not as good in Tests as in One days.He is likely to struggle against spinners and on seaming pitches in place like England.