Cricket: Spinning fortunes.

Do fortunes favour the braves? Or do the braves make their own fortunes? I think everyone if determined enough can make their own fortune. The question is debatable and should be answered in the light of the day. India did make some fortune and pulled victory from the jaws of defeat.
I have all ways maintained this at least for last couple of years, “India is that team that makes a one sided match exciting”. I mean it both ways. I have seen them screwing up some matches which seemed that as though they were in the kitty. But not always. There are some matches like these and some played over the last couple of series, which makes me, see something, which never resembles “Never Say Die”

Just about the Aussies.

They won an away series. “Shane Warne, he does it best when he takes wickets in all.” I managed to tweak the lines if “Notting Hill” starring a Julia Roberts. He just sniffs at opportunity and makes it count big. He took 6 for 86 leading Aussies to a 112 runs victory. I feel sorry for South Africans but they are not doing the right things. Jacques Rudolph will do a better job as the twelfth man then someone at five down. There is so much confusion in their ranks that the whole display is disheartening.
Ricky Ponting will pose a threat or may be surpass Tendulkar’s record of centuries. He is so marvellous to watch on a seeming green track. He fights fire with fire and last couple of calendars can be name after him. He has the advantage of captaining the most successful pair of bowlers Warne and McGrath in the game’s history along with the most prolific all rounder the game has seen, Adam Gilchrist, how I believe will come good in the third test. There are many other superlatives like that of Hayden and Langer and many other. I hope Ricky Ponting does well and breaks Tendulkar’s record of most centuries in a test. Tendulkar’s record of most centuries will be unfathomed for long.

Toss crucial.

England did the right thing by winning the toss and putting India into bat. They might have seen India’s recent performances. No matter who wins the toss, they will put the opposition into bat. Darvid again tried to hold fort. With little success.

Woeful decisions.

Indian team management have taken some woeful decisions. There are two key players in one-day team namely Yuvraj and Kaif. They both are specialist fielders in their own domain. They also happen to be good one-day batsmen with Yuvraj having a penchant for finishes and Kaif having fondness to provide solidity along with suppleness. There have been some wrong decisions, which may be responsible for their ordinary performances. I would have expected them to show good this time round. But alas, they could not. Kaif was kicked out for making ninety and then Yuvraj had a horrid time of it while in the field. He was today out bowled on an indecisive drive and Kaif in search of runs was left gasping as a traveller on seeing a mirage in the dessert. Kaif woes can be traced to he being not promoted to bat in the fourth tie against Pakistan and then he being dropped after making a 91.
It is the case of one being undermined (Kaif), and one being over weighed (Yuvraj); neither is helping the Indian cause.

Tail hai na…

Yes, the Indian lower order batting seems to be doing well this season. I think after fielding, this is seems to be a major plus of our team. The young bowlers are not mere pushover and today contributed to more than 60% of the runs the team made. Gautam Gambhir often tends to get wild with his stroke play. Sehwag looks as timid as a cat on a rainy day. He needs to score runs. The handling of Yuvraj and Kaif needs to relook. Dravid making runs is surety in cricket these days. Fielding was breath taking.

Pathan strikes the edge.

If Dravid making runs is surety then Pathan taking a wicket early in his spell has become a norm this season. He dismissed Strauss for nothing and the script for England was to be followed. He then dismissed Owais Shah who comes prefers talking rather than make his bat do the talking. I hope he realises soon that he is being paid for scoring runs. He has an amusing way of batting home. He hit a glorious drive to the boundary and the bowling might have looked like a walk in park for him. He would not have enjoyed the walk in the park after being dismissed by Pathan with a trademark leg before.

They, Flintoff and Pietersen.

Flintoff and Pietersen have such huge persona. Pietersen is the blue-eyed boy of English cricket who hogged deserving limelight in the past year. Flintoff ride has not been the same. The previous year has been good for him as well. The have a liking for hitting big sixes. They both are vulnerable against spin. They will have an innings in this series, which will make you realize that One-Day is such as batsman game. They both looked in hurry and in control until they got out. They both go out to Singhs. They both displayed what not to do against the spinners.They got out when the score was 117. They both are responsible for this defeat.

Great English collapse.

The English batting collapse is the most common phenomenon in cricket these days. They have a tendency to collapse be it at home or away against fast or spin. I had wanted to seem them collapsing in Test. They did it just once when 5 wickets went down for 17 runs. They did it again today. They lost last seven wickets for 47 runs. A very forgettable display of batting.

Twister Harbhajan.

A twister tends to spin around itself. This twister is a bit different. He comes capped with a proud turban. He loves the English batting, he back himself to bowl them out anywhere. He rocked and the English batting was shell shocked as he took 5 English wickets. The fact that he batted brilliantly to score 37 runs helped him bowling well.He is one more case of being written off.

Alls well that ends well.

I know the series has just started. It was a good win because the bowlers did the bulk of the job. They managed to get scores with bat and then bought English to knees. I consider this match as a good beginning as our batsmen tend to get all the limelight no matter how well the bowlers bowl. If the bowlers defend a small target then the effort has to be applauded.

Markers for Indian victory.

There are two markers for Indian victory in a match. They are fielding, I mean ground fielding and control over extras wides and no balls if these two look impressive then India invariably wins the match. This was the case today. They say the catching was amazing and they just spare 3 runs in extras.

About: What the hack?

Second Edition:
I felt a bit sheepish after reading this post thoroughly this morning so I thought why not completely edit this post;some finishing touches have resulted into this refined edit post. I would be happy to see as many people incorporate some changes on to their blogs. I have been thinking over a little time that why shouldn't I share some of the secrets that I have used in changing my blog to what it is at present from the way it looked before going through a series of "Previews and Republishes". The only thing about the secrets is the hacks for blogs are easily available and very easy to incorporate.

What is a hack?
In the CSS on the default Blogger templates there is a freedom to add, edit or modify codes using a combination of Javascripts, HTML, and C++. A blogger hack is nothing but couple of lines of codes that are simple to add and customizes your blog page. These codes are available in abundance on the InterNet.I have thought of sharing it with the Bloggers who wish to modify their pages as well.

Skill Sets.
There is not much of skills required except cut, copy and paste. The instructions on the following hacks are very easy to understand and undertake. The best part is you can always revert back to the original just in case you find the hack lousy.

Do’s
Always ensure that there is a back up of the current CSS.The method for storing an the current CSS is as follows.
Login to Blogger.
On “Dashboard” click “Change Settings”
Then go to “Template”, where click on “Edit Current”
Then select, copy, paste the it on the “NotePad” on your desktop.
If you have time and you are patient enough you may have the page modified in a way that you like.

If the codes which are provided between these hacks are between then make sure you modify it.

Try these Hacks.

Peek at comments:
This hack can be used to enable reader to take a peek at the comments. This uses a Javascript and modifys your comments.

Archives:
This hack is used to change order of Archives.In the default blogger template, the month in which you posted first remains on top. After using this, the month in which you last posted will be first followed by the Archived months.This happens to be my “favourite” hack.

Commentor’s Name.
This Hack can be used to display the names of those people which have commented on your post. The best example happens to be on Puneet’s blog page.The names of all those who have commented on your blog appears after the blog's footer.


Personalize comments:
Are you often agonize by seeing “0 comments” this hack will help you change that.

I want to see more hacks.
There are many other hacks that you can incorporate.These are the twp links which I would recommend. These sites will provide you with blog sites which also provide hacks.
Blog Fresh.
This Blog site is exclusively for Blooger Hacks.

Blogger Hack @ Blogger Help. There are some hacks provided by blogger itself. All the above mentioned links have their roots on this page.
Blogger-Hacks.

Templates.
Are you tired of the same old template and wish there were more templates on offer.
Try google search for Blogger templates.
If u are wiching for some modified templates check out Thur’s Templates.

Blogger-Templates.This site is also directory to many other sites providing Blogger templates.

Get Psyco:
It uses a free source code programme and can be used to get a customed template. It is time consuming though. So if you wish to get Psycho, I suggest you try it.

Add Ons for your sidebar.
I personally don’t like people adding “Google Search” on to their side bar, because on the navigation bar there is a utility to search the blog. As it is people don’t jump on to the Archives if the blogger has been blogging for more than an year.

Calendar.There is no Calendar in Blogger templates.Hust in case you wish to add one then click the link

Tag Clouds.
I am still figuring out what the use.It shows the maximm used words on the blog page.

Clocks.You can add the HTML codes to your side bar which will show the clock u have chosen.

Counter:
No registration. Just selct the counter followed by cut copy paste.

Also try the following sites to find something to your liking
GeoVisitors
NeoWorx

Finally.....
I hope people send me the link if you find anything u many find which is "interesting".

Cricket: Guess what?

England win by 221 runs

First Innings: England: 400 All Out Strauss: 128 | Santh: 4 for 70 Indian: 279 All Out Dhoni: 64 | Anderson: 4 for 40	Second Innings: England: 191 All Out Flintoff: 53 | Kumble: 4 for 39 India: 100 All Out Tendulkar: 34 | Udal: 4 for 14

The English have won the final test and levelled the series. This is one more example of not writing off anyone in a cricketing contest. They were written off before the Ashes and they did really well to beat the Aussies in a very exciting series. They were once again written off before the series was underway. They again raised themselves to square the series against an Indian team that is very strong on paper. The only problem is cricket is not about laurels it is about performances.
The “Cricket” inclusive titles will take a hiatus and give way to “About” and “Blog” categories, which have been under wraps for some time now.

Day Five, Wankhede
The pace attack dislodged an uncertain Jaffer and night watchman Kumble. It was fine till lunch with Tendulkar playing shots with some positive intent. The case of this match ending in a draw or an Indian victory had soon vanished. There had to be somebody who could hold fort, scored some runs and draw this match. I am still searching for someone who could have hold is fort. The name of the players who could do so was in wrap of recent (missing) performances and (lagging) fitness.
The first session saw just two wickets to fall and Tendulkar may have won over a few more supporters who believe he can make a comeback at any stage of his poor form. Indians came back to lunch at 75 for 4 with a distinct possibility of a meek draw. The Indians returned after lunch and Dravid saw Flintoff standing on top of his bowling mark. He bowled a couple to Dravid and on the third Flintoff bowled, a ball, which Dravid thought might come in. He managed to edge it to the eager keeper’s hand. Flintoff had dismissed the possibility of Indians drawing this test match.

Tendulkar.
I have mixed emotions; that is why I could not add many words after “Tendulkar”. He has got out four times in this series. Three times, he has got out to “second” string bowlers (Panesar, Anderson, Udal.). The second string bowlers means the bowlers who are first change bowlers much like the middle order batsman. These bowlers are meant to keep things tight and if wickets come their way then brilliant.
But whatever I saw of Tendulkar, I liked it. He was not only looking to stick around but he was looking to score runs. This sign was good. He is now out of first three One Days. I think this injury would not have come at a better time. He and Sehwag have been under intense media scrutiny and pressure. He will be out of action and may can unwind with cricket and catch up with “normal” life. This will help him organize his routine back again. He will also empty his minds recycle bin, which might have corrupted his thinking process. The same case is with Sehwag.
I just wonder whether the injury caused the poor performances of these two batsmen or it was the poor performances, which caused the injury.
Tendulkar’s return will be interesting to note. He might be struggling in test matches but his return to One Days is very good. He put on a good show on Pakistan as well.

Indians cooked for meal after lunch.
The first over saw the chances of Indians drawing this match gone for toss after Dravid’s loss. The next over was the classical dismissal of a right-hander batsman (Tendulkar) to an off-spinner (Udal). He came to party in a big way and cleaned up Dhoni, Patel, and Harbhajan along the way. There was little that the lower order batsmen could do after the top order had just contributed with single digit scores. They are paid for bowling side out rather than search for impossible draw. The last six Indian wickets fell for 24 runs.

The seeds of defeat sown yesterday.
The whole Indian approach was negative. They were trying to sneak into a party, which was open to all. Kumble bowling around the wicket is a negative tactic. He and Harbhajan were given extended spells and the pace men seem to have been forgotten in the backdrop. There was no use of Sehwag, Yuvraj and Tendulkar as bowlers. These three have bowled a match-winning spell at some point in their careers in One Days or tests. The experiment with them could be carried out. It might just have paid off. This is just an after thought. I always think that Tendulkar should be given the ball if it takes more time for our bowlers to strike a wicket.
One should not expect a quality side drawing or losing the test match after taking over a hundred runs lead. The meek Indian response, which followed only, helped the English further in their endeavour.

Flintoff deserves the praise.
Flintoff a man who can hit the bat at speed in excess of 90 miles and he can hit the ball with his bat a long way (wait for One Days). I think the determination shows on his face. He led a depleted team to a miraculous series draw. He deservingly won the man of the match as well as Man of the series. He led the English team with bat as well as ball. He looked threatening with both and managed to blossom in adverse conditions.

Applause for the English.
The famed Indian batting was flamed by a very hot English attack. This fast paced attack is very well balance. One sees everything that one wishes to see. There is pace from Flintoff, bounce of Harmisson, swing of Hoggard and Jones. It is a complete attack. The additional advantage is it has pace. They seem to hit the deck and do things, which often surprise batsmen wanting. The English pace attack saw them through with Flintoff leading the front.

A few lessons that are to be learnt.
The paces must learn to use the conditions to their advantage. They have to show more of discipline and a less of flamboyance. We have to stick with people who bowl fast. Yuvraj is a very good One-Day player. He should not seek the ghost of test performances chase his One-Day career. Kaif or Laxman will give us better stability in test there is no doubt in this fact. The English’s seam attack’s discipline and performance should be aimed to be emulated often.

A few search results.
There were a few finds on both the camps.
Ian Bell: He cannot play spinners. He can trigger an English collapse.
Alistair Cook: He has limited strokes and unlimited patience’s stick with him.
Madhusuden Singh Panesar (Monty): A fine prospect.
Sree Santh: He bowled well and with some consistency in pace. He should gear up well.
Munaf Patel: He rocked the scene, after selectors did not select him for first test.
Anil Kumble: An unacknowledged match winner.

Cricket: A day of negative cricket.

First Innings: England: 400 All Out. Strauss: 128 | Santh: 4 for 70 India: 279 All Out Dhoni: 64 | Anderson: 4 for 40

Second Innings: England: 191 All Out. Flintoff: 52 | Kumble: 4 for 39 India: 18 for 1

Fouth Day, Third Test Wankhede
The last update I was guessing that both teams will make something happen and things will roll on. This did not happen. The English were a bit too defensive and went in negative frame of mind. They were just pushing and prodding all the time and seemed like wanted it safe. The Indians maintained a discipline and helped by the English scepticism bowled the whole day to see the English bat at little over two runs an over. They should have been looking to attack the Indian bowling and look to get a few runs and take control of this match.
There was no possibility of a draw yesterday but one feels that there can also be a draw in this match. The required run rate at three runs an over. It is quite an interesting match with both teams have a look in this match. The run rate wont matter much especially after the final O.D.I. Australia vs. South Africa. This is beauty of the test matches, even after four days the winner is still undecided. This takes me back to the Ashe when Kevin Pietersen played a brilliant knock of 158 to steer England to the Ashes Series victory.

Morning Session: Couple of wickets, cricket gets into a “bore” mode.
This Tuesday morning was all about mundane session of cricket. The English were content to conserve wickets and did not worry much about scoring runs. Te Indians on the other hand kept the scoring rate in control and did not worry enough to get wickets. The night watchman did well to stick around for some time but then Irfan Pathan got some swing going and Jaffer took a low catch to dismiss Shaun Udal. The next batsman coming in Kevin Pietersen is a good stroke player but under the circumstances, he foregoes his stroke play for time. The scoring rate never ever took off with Kumble bowling a very tight line outside leg-stump. The English never seemed perturbed and managed to keep Kumble on the bay.

Indian’s negative tactics.
In the last tour Nasser Hussain the then English Captain used the leg stump line by bowling Giles over the wicket. The ploy worked as Tendulkar was stumped first time in his career. The Indians took the leaf out of his book. No, they actually borrowed the whole book and Kumble bowled round the wicket on the pads. The runs were curtailed but so were his wicket taking capabilities. Pietersen tried to flick the ball to leg-side. The ball turned a bit took the leading edge and Kumble caught off a brilliant return catch. The English were four down at this stage.

Tendulkar runs out.
It was an awesome piece of fielding and might help Tendulkar feel good in some ways. He contributed to the fall of a wicket. I thought he could have bowled a spell just to see what happens. Collingwood played down a Kumble delivery behind stumps, Shah called for a run. Tendulkar came running in and threw the ball Dhoni. We all know how good Tendulkar is as a fielder. He has safe hands and a very good arm. Dhoni did the rest and Shah went running towards the pavilion.

Harbhajan, the Flying Sikh?
There were reports flying off in all direction about lack of form of Harbhajan. He was struggling a great deal with his bowling and did not look penetrative enough. He bowled well today. The English did not seemingly want to attack him and dent his confidence further. Bhajji bowled, bowled, and then got this rhythm going. He was making the ball do all sorts of things and asked batsmen interesting questions. The batsmen were dumb-founded on most of the occasions.
He was gearing up well and all his variety as a bowler was on display. He bowled one to Collingwood who wanted o hit it through on side. Harbhajan foxed him with the flight and all Collingwood could manage was a firm push. Harbhajan’ eyes light up when he saw a chance of wicket coming his way. He dived left and caught Collingwood. His dive would have made the best fielders proud. He ran off all around the ground after claiming the wicket. It was an absolute gem.
England 157 for 6.

Flintoff on a charmed life.
Flintoff came in Shah’s wicket and seemed intent on defence. He was certainly living a charmed life. Yuvraj Singh dropped a regulation catch Flintoff offered off Kumble when he was still to open his account. Then Dhoni missed a stumping of Harbhajan. Dhoni also put a difficult chance off Kumble. Flintoff was finding was to get out but Indians did not help him much there. He batted and batted and batted. It would have been his slowest fifty till date. He was finally stumped off Kumble after making a very docile 52, Dhoni making up for the lost chances.

Finishing Touches.
The wicket of Geraint Jones is vital too because like all keepers he too has the capabilities with bat. It was not too much as he pulled a Harbhajan doosra as far as mid-wicket, where Irfan accepted the catch. This was followed by the Flintoff dismissal. The last wicket did not last long as Anderson gave slip-catching practice to Dravid.

First blood to the English.
Sehwag having a back problem meant Pathan would have to open. Pathan could only deflect a full toss to his stumps, India 6 for one. Kumble walked in and held the fort till the close of play. India 18 for 1. They are chasing a score of 321.

The onus of the match is on Tendulkar.
Will he? Or Won’t he? This will be the doubt in the minds of all the cricket pundits. The match squarely rest on broad and now out of form Tendulkar. His dismissal is the key. Can he pull this one off for India? If he does so all what is written about this form will land up deservedly in the waste paper bin. If he doesn’t he should resty himself out of the On-Day series rest for a while and go back to drawing board.
Are the gods listening to the prayers of one billion cricket fans and one Sachin Tendulkar? Will the prayers of his fans bring them some joy? The answer is behind the curtains of time. He is one man who can surely win this match for India. It is time to show the “experts” who is the boss. He can redeem his failures through he second innings.
* Latest news indicate that he will be out of action from the first 3 One Days due to a shoulder injury.

Cricket: The keys with the English

First Innings: England: 400 all out Strauss: 128 | Santh:4 for 70 India:279 all out Dhoni: 64 | Anderson:4 for 40

Second Innings: England: 31 for 2 Santh: 1 for 10

The English may not be in the driving seat but they still seem to have the key to winning the match and have the series drawn. It is easier said then done. The English need to prove their tag of being the favourites to win this match. The possibility of not having the result is nil. The English need to play some positive game to see what the end of the tunnel is.

Just a quick re-take of this Sunday.
Try reading through these lines. The big boys of their sports have taken a bit of beating.
Chelsea loose to Fulham. (1-Nil final score)
Schumacher no way near the podium. (No Ferrari on the podium)
Tendulkar scores unity and India in disarray.

Day Three, Wankhede.
The Indians started with the worst possible start. Yuvraj Singh got out without adding much to his overnight score. Laxman would have done better then him. Kaif well, he is a perfect fit for this theme of cricket. Kaif has better control over his urge to play some big cover drive and cuts. Whatever Yuvraj did last night was wilted away very soon in the morning. I agree to the fact that pressure on him would have been immense. The bowling was to his liking. He struggles against the spinners. He will do so for most of the time. He struck some boundaries and reduced the pressure on his captain. I wonder what kind of game he will have if he comes when the first wicket falls say after sixty or seventy runs. The new ball would have been blunted and then he may settle in and play a few more strokes. At most times, he is on the crease so early that there is hardly anytime. He was patient as always and made a sedated but classic half century. When you see Dravid, one feels that he should rotate the strike more. I wonder why he does not do so and is often stuck at one end of the pitch. Yuvraj dismissal saw M.S.D. onto the crease. He was his usual self; hitting deliveries to all parts. Dravid was dismissed for 52.
M.S.D. took on Flintoff head on. He hit Flintoff and sometimes Flintoff hit him. He was hit with the terrible bouncer on the back of the head just behind the ear. He was up and smiling. He then took on and compiled a very crucial 64. Pathan came in and showed some patience to curtail his flare. He was out to a good orthodox spin bowling. M.S.D. looked cool and hit Flintoff for three successive boundaries and then tried taking a risky single, which proved to be suicidal. He was declared run-out in doubtful circumstances.

India’s tail wags.
Whatever runs Kumble and Sree Santh made were very crucial. If the had not done so England would be sitting pretty with a lead of over 150. It was not to be. A crucial ninth wicket partnership has saved India from many blushes. Sree Santh played straight and managed to pick up boundaries. Flintoff tested him with a bouncer and he was struck straight on the helmet. They managed some invaluable runs and picked up some crucial momentum. The Indian innings soon came to the end after Kumble was leg before to Monty and Patel bowled of a classic yorker by Anderson.

Close Shaves.
The English had to see of the last session off with more than an hour remaining. The Indians managed to chip out two English wickets. They could have couple more. Then the story would be very interesting. I watched Sunil Gavaskar on Sports Centre and he was convinced that India can surely come back to win this test. Shaun Udal was lucky to be still there. India has a big day tomorrow. The one thing they have to do is to hold on to any opportunity that comes there way. Kumble holds all the trump card. If we manage couple of wickets tomorrow then this Test match will be a nail biter. India has to restrict the English below 150 to be safe and secure a firm grip on this match.

Cricket: A ray of hope for the English.

I want to reiterate my point. India is no graveyard for fast bowlers. The indifferent bounce works very much to the disadvantage of Indian batsmen who tend to drive away from the body on deliveries, which are not exactly volleys or fend off some short pitchers. Then there is odd bounce from out of now here. Hoggard know from personal experiences what an old ball could do.

The day that went yesterday; the sporting Sundays.
The sporting Sunday churns up great opportunity to relax and unwind, sit easy and have a breather. One may have hot pakodas or Samosas with a few chillers and enjoy the show. The last Sunday was not for the champions of there sport. Schumacher did not win a pole position. Chelsea were struggling against a do you unknown Fulham (?). Lara made just a single run in each innings against New Zealand. Tendulkar also had similar fortunes.

Tendulkar come out of shadows.
He was booed after being dismissed for one in Wankhede. Tendulkar again dismissed by second-string bowler James Anderson. It was a nothing shot really. I would have not minded if he was out on a drive but he was out on a “nothing” shot. The daggers are out for him. Could anyone imagine Tendulkar ever struggling for runs? Look at this way, Tendulkar never ever suffered an extended rough patch, when even getting to 20 seems to be a match winning innings. He does so towards the end of the career. This creates an obvious perception that he is all over. The proof that he is not over is the fact that he scored runs in O.D.I. series against Pakistan. Hence, the argument that he cannot make runs goes out of the window. Is he 100% fit? I think he should not play in the upcoming ODI series against England. He should unwind; let the weary mind have a few peaceful nights of sleep without a worry of having nets tomorrow. There is an upcoming series against West Indies. It will be a stern test for him to get India an away series victory.
Rahul Dravid making consistency his mantra keeps on scoring runs aplomb a Tendulkar’s recent bad patch is often compared with the consistency of Dravid in past few years.

“Courage is not about going on when you have strength; courage is going on when you don’t have strength.”

English did well.
It was sad to see that to see Owais Shah miss a century. He has a different technique of playing. I think he could be out before but no matter what it is important to score runs no matter what. The English again squandered their chance of getting a bigger score. The first winning score could have been bigger by few more runs. Munaf Patel turned it on when he claimed a couple of wickets off yorkers. It was sheer delight. Owais Shah tried to avoid the obvious before getting out to a very good catch. If ever you want to gauge how India played take a note of extras and the chances converted. If things provide a pretty, picture then India romp home winners.

Dravid called the correct shots.
Indian batsmen were struggling against the English bowlers in conditions that were ideal for batting, afternoon sun, firm pitch. I mean just imagine Indian batsmen on a green Wankhede wicket on the first morning. I think he did well to win the toss and electing to bat.

Yuraj start singing.
This is My Point of View. I do not prefer seeing Yuvraj play in tests. He will struggle in test no matter how well he is playing in One-Days. I draw an analogy that Yuvraj is like an item number in a Hindi movie. The items numbers are necessary to have but do not always serve any purpose. It looks good until it lasts. The whole point is it does not last too long. He is a different player. He actually plays medium pace well. But his footwork is not the greatest and so he struggles against spinners at most times.

Reality TV or Virtual Reality?
I think the whole concept sucks. I never have the hang of it. The whole “ronna dhonna” is so weird. The recent Indian Idol opened the reality of reality TV. The programme is recoded couple of days before and then people are asked to send SMS and select a winner amongst the contestants for an event which has already happened. I think it stinks and I have never ever seen a reality TV shows because they stink and suck at the same time. I think NEWS channels are the best reality TV. I mean people come on news shows the NEWS anchor tries to put the scripted words in the mouth of the speaker. The NEWS shown on TV sometimes makes me think am I living in a failed state? We are a thriving economy for God Sake the only country that may balance the Chinese boom.
If there is now NEWS in the day the NEWS readers seems to have drooping shoulders. The whole exercise seems to be one for sadist. I prefer CNBC though. They do not provide expert opinions on most things and just describe whatever important happened.

Day three at lunch.
Dhoni played couple some power stamped shots after being hit on the head by a Freddie delivery. The amount of pace he generated is amazing. He is the quickest bowler on display. Yuvraj Singh came in last evening. He struck a few boundaries. Rahul Dravid for sometime struggled to rotate the strike. Yuvraj did not add much to his overnight score. Dravid got out after making a very stubborn 52. I think India should actually in a bit of danger. I do not think Flintoff will not enforce the follow on if the situations arrive. India has to avoid the follow on which they will according to the latest score. The Indian batting’s dearth of runs is such a big let down and does not provide much impetus to me as a spectator when upcoming tours are in West Indies and return series in England.

Cricket: A tale of two tours.

Mumbai Test, Day One.
England: 242 for 3
Strauss: 128
Rahul Dravid won the toss. He decided to bowl on what might be a typical Wankhede pitch. The ball tends to have a very good bounce. It was once the best wicket to play cricket. There is a little surprise that many great Indian cricketers have been successful in playing for the country. There was time in India’s cricket history when the Mumbai’s Ranji trophy team and India’s national side were almost same. Those days are now a part of history. There was a dismay among people, that why didn’t we bat? I mean the advantage of winning the toss can be lost to some good performances and vice versa. The English had a solid start, putting on a 50 for the first wicket. The Ian Bell got out for score in thirties. He will be thankful that for once he did not get out to spinners.
Then there was extended partnership that sent India hunting for wickets. They tried desperately and did not get success for three hours. The English batsmen in form of Owais Shah and Andrew Strauss have an unbroken partnership. Owais Shah retired hurt after making a rigid half-century.
Andrew Strauss is a very good batsman. He is scratchy against spinners. It was his day today. He did what most batsmen do against spinners. He waited for loose balls. He did not do anything out of the ordinary. He belted whatever short was offered to him. He compiled the first century on this tour and made a meat 128. The Indian bowlers looked in control and the scoring rate was kept below three for most of the day.
The English did not loose a single wicket in the second session. The pressure was mounting on India. The decision to take the field was looking stupid by the minute. Then tea came to Indians rescue. If anyone watches cricket keenly would have noticed that many times there is a fall of wicket around the tea break. Owais Shah retired hurt, bought Pietersen out to the crease. The things were getting bizarre by the minute and for once Harbhajan invited Strauss to drive. Strauss obliged Harbhajan by edging his delivery, which bounced a little. Dhoni obliged Strauss by holding onto the catch. Indians rejoiced a wicket at last. The English were two down for a score in the region of 230.
Then Pietersen walked into the ground. He is a very threatening batsman as he is very good stroke player. The only problem is he plays most things on front foot and tends to top edge often. He edged Sree Santh twice. I think he is a very unlucky bowler. He tends to get the edge but the fielding is sometimes not up to the mark. He got Pietersen to play three false strokes and got him caught Dhoni on the fourth time he managed to edge Sree Santh. The English were 240 for 3 approaching 250. There were no more wickets, which fell today. The English seem to be in control. The Indian bowlers did not take many wickets but for runs. The English will be looking for some big score and try to put Indian under some pressure. The Indian would want to restrict England to below 350.
The crowd at Wankhede was amazing. It was as vociferous as any you would have hoped. There was a positive move in going with three seamers. There a few things which could have tried. There are three men Tendulkar, Sehwag and Yuvraj who can bowl but did not seem to get into David’s imagination. They tend to get you a wicket. I think they must be used often. The match is marginally with the English but a flurry of wickets may give India a driver’s seat.

From the bizarre to the ridicule.
It was just a week back when the cricket world enjoyed the greatest game. The weak performance of the same team made a week look like a fortnight. This game is such a leveller. The only thing great in this match for Graeme Smith was winning the toss. Imran Khan says it correct when he say the top batsmen should be on the forefront. The top order lacks flexibility that is required to wane Aussies down. Jacques Rudolph should be coming one down. Kallis has to stick around rather than forcing the issue. Gibbs has been such a good opener. I think Graeme Smith himself needs to make some runs in this form of the game.
South Africa batted on a green top and managed a score of 205 before the first day ended.  The Aussie stuck in with 308. Thereby taking a massive hundred runs lead. The South African reply was again a meek one. The Aussies were set a score of 95 to chase with over seven sessions remaining. The Aussie romped in with 7 wickets. It was downhill from then. The things would have been different if the could have done some repair work. It was not to be first Lee then Clark kept on taking wickets. Warne can turn hi spinners anywhere. South Africa should shuffle their batting order a little. I think we should back Nel to peg away Aussie wicket.
It was a sorry state of affairs for South Africa. The Aussie can make a comeback from any stage of a match. This is the reason they are the champs. I hope the next test will last for a five days.

Cricket: The Aussies consolidate.

Australia’s first innings: 308 all out
Matthew Hayden: 94
Andre Nel: 22.2-6-45-3 (Overs, Maiden, Runs, Wickets)

Australia consolidates their grip on this test match by taking a good lead in the first innings. They were bowl out for 308 and took a good lead of 105 runs. This means that in two days of cricket we have had two complete innings. The seamers have contributed 20 wickets out of all the 23 wickets that have fell until time. The result is now just the matter of time.
Nicky Boje managed a couple of them. Andre Nel bowled with some exception. He may not be the fastest but his ability to get bounce makes the tall fast bowler to stand out in the crowd.  Ambrose the lanky West Indian bowler could bowl on the same spot and get disconcerting amount of bounce. He troubled many a good batsman during his times. Matthew Hayden showed some class and to register 94 runs. It was sad that he was so close to a century but could not get there. Ponting I think was missing his bat. He was edging the balls with some consistency and looked bemused each time he edged the deliveries. He some how managed to reach 74 and then played an uppish drive to Andrew Hall. There was a middle order collapsing highlighting the importance of an Adam Gilchrist. His dismissal cost Aussies at least 70 runs if not more.
Nicky Boje managed to get a few wickets. I say whatever wickets he takes is a bonus and he looks far from threatening. The Aussies should kick themselves if they were to get out to Nicky Boje. Pollock was missed, that the least that can be said. Kallis getting in with the ball was good to see. May be he could take the confidence of good bowling into his batting and make some runs. The fact that the Aussies managed a hundred and lead covers up the fact they should have got more. The door is still not shut on South Africa. A couple of seasons ago I might have seen the same Aussie team take a lead of over 250.

South Africa’s second innings.
Second Innings: 70 for 3
Lee: 6-1-22-2 (Overs, Maiden, Runs, Wickets)

The South Africans are in distraught. Bret Lee punched life out of S.A. top order. The Protease was reduced to 20 for 2. Why is DeVillers opening the batting is still confusing. Jacques Rudolph down the order is shear waste. He will be better off being a 12 man. Warne will be actually looking forward to bowling to Ashwell Prince. I back Warne to get his wicket anywhere. Graeme Smith is now Warne’s bunny after Cullinan. Graeme Smith learning algorithm has a built in function to make mistake or else he won’t learn. Gibbs has opened in past and the best batsmen should be in the forefront if the matches have to be won. The Aussies will look to wrap up this tomorrow itself and they might win this on the fourth day itself.
This match was a poor follow up to the game at Wanderer’s, Johannesburg. I see Warne weaving his magic tomorrow. I hope South African bowlers can do a face saving exercise for them. I think winning a test a big ask from South Africans. The Proteas have to look to play the second new ball or else their will be a review of first test on this post as early as tomorrow night (I.S.T. +05:30 GMT).

The Wall has now faced a hundred tests.
I am very happy for Rahul Dravid. He has missed making a test century on nine occasions. Dravid cannot miss this one century. It has been a journey, which had many ups and downs. It is a metaphor of facing troughs of failures and peaks of success in search of perfection. The perfection is not a destination for Rahul Dravid it is a journey. There were many batsmen before him and their will be man more who will come after him but there will be none like him. In the great pantheon of batsmen, he has made his own space with determination only.
There is a great meritocracy in his game. He is a true figure, which represents the conquest to learn and imply. The hallmark of his batting has been consistency and elegance. His strokes are sheer visual delight. The balance while playing the cover drive, the punch in the pulls and the poise of the trademark on drive stamp class. His contemporary and Australian counterpart also has had a similar career in many ways. However, Rahul Dravid has a better-shot selection and balance. The level of patience in Dravid is paramount. Ponting is more of attacking batsmen. The both started their careers by scoring nineties on their debut. Ponting can only imagine a century in India. He has an awful record here. Dravid on the other hand has left a mark behind where ever he has played. He has stood for what he thinks is correct and prospered in adverse conditions. His records are enviable and will be marvelled for times to come. The time will come then the wall will be a wall but a celebrated monument.

Cricket: The tables turn on day one.

The best thing about cricket is everyday is a new day. Everyone has to start the proceedings all over again. Australia just did that. South Africa were high afer winning the greatest O.D.I. ever and were caught on the wrong foot. The top order struggled putting bat to ball. The pitch, the cloudy skies and a pitch green in colour, a cut out condition for any meduim pacer.
The South African top order slumped to nothing and at one stage looked down the barallel with the score 117 -6. The Aussie stuck to the basic mode of strict length and mean line. The batman edged (Greame Smith, Boucher) bowled (Gibbs) and couple of them forcing off the backfoot (Kallis and Prince) directed the ball into bucket hands of Matthew Hayden.Stuart Clarke bowled well in the circumstances to get a 5 wicket hall on debut. He was backed up by Lee who bowled well to get 3 wickets. Micheal Kasprowicz chipped in with a couple of wickets.
At times even Symonds posed couple of threatening deliveries. Nicky Boje justified his selection by top scoring (31). He as bowler will be least bothered to the Aussies. Their left hand batsmen are good enough to care of whatever Nicky Boje has to offer as a left arm orthdox bowler.There was a brilliant recovery though. The term "brilliant" is used in the context of the match only. The Proteas did well to cross the 200 run mark. It will help South Africa a bit.
The condition of the pitch cannot be gauged without completion of an inning from both the sides. The weather forecast is for cloudy skies. The South Africans would be thinking of rains for at least two days. The Aussies have this match accoding to their script. They have dissmissed the opposition for 205. They would be looking forward to a big lead. The conditions won't be as good as they were in the Wanderer's. But never the less the Aussies would be looking forward to a lead in excess of 200 runs or more.
The responsibility is on South African bowlers to restrict Aussies to as less a lead as possible.The first day of this test belonged soully to the Aussies. If weather permits looks like a good test to be followed.

Cricket: The battle lines are redrawn.

The South African won the greatest One Day played till date. What does the test series has in store for us, cricket buff remains to be seen? There was a marked period after last World Cup, during with the South African cricket seemed to be sloping downward. They did not seem to be the number two team, the status that they had earned since their re-admission into cricket in 1991-92 seasons. The period 2003-2004 was awful. The Aussie last time went on to beat them 6 matches home and away included. I remember Adam Gilchrist hitting run a ball double century in a series held in Australia. The Aussies won that 3-Nil beating South Africa in South Africa.
This time it is it different. The Aussie does not have the services of a Glen McGrath. He was not there for two matches in the Ashes and they were forced to give up the Ashes for first time in two decades. The Aussies rely on McGrath and Warne too much and the second string bowling is not that penetrative on long-term basis. The Indian showed that during their last tour down under. There was no McGrath and no Warne and the Aussie attack looked ordinary at best.
The batting arena is also a bit shaky with Matthew Hayden on a bit of plateau. There is a certain Justin Langer who turn around things was soon. It will be interesting to see what Ponting does with his bat. He had a graphite-lined bat. Don’t ask what this is about. However, he was using a bat, which was conflicting with the rules of the game. In the last two seasons he had score nearly 3700 runs with that. The Aussies have an Adam Gilchrist in their ranks. The records show that Aussies have never lost a match in which Gilchrist has score a century. I will be looking forward to watch Gilchrist. The Aussie middle order will rally around Damien Martyn, who is a very touch player.
The Aussie bowling line up never looked potent enough with out McGrath. I am hopeful that Graeme Smith scores well. It is very important for South African point that he scores. Jacques Kallis is looking a bit ordinary and need to make some runs. Their middle order looks a little concerned of spin bowling. Shane Warne bowled great spells in a series against West Indies. He had a very good last year. I am not sure if Pollock looks hundred percent fit. He is a very good opening bowler and just might be the difference between the two teams.
The weather often plays a big part in the series in South Africa. It often provides the back door escape route to home team. The pitches are very lively and the first session is very important to the team batting first.
The battle lines have been redrawn and the first Day of the test series may decide which way the series is head.  

About: Happy Holi

Wishing everyone a delightful, colurful and Happy Holi.

Cricket: Review Second Test, Mohali.

The today’s match was not as exciting as the Australia vs South Africa one last night. It was one hell of a match. There were n number of records that were broken. We will realize the importance of this match once the feeling dies down. India today got 1-Nil up in a three match series with one more test match to go. The next is match in Mumbai.
A formula victory for Indians.
The script is as follows. It has two patterns depending upon who is batting first. There are in all four innings. In this series, we have seen only the first pattern until now. I hope second pattern comes into play in Mumbai where India bats first.
First Pattern: The Opposition bats first
First Innings: The Indian spinners curtail the batting as much as possible. There is little assistance though. The fast bowlers come in handy if they get a toe into the door. The opposition makes a decent score.
Second Innings: The Indian batsmen then get into the act. They plunder runs of tired seamers and not so good spin attack.
Third Innings: The opposition is glaring at a huge score the Indian batsmen have piled on. The fast bowlers are pressed into operation. If there is some luck, the bowler gets a few wickets. Then the spinner who is already dreaming to bowl on a dusty pitch is called upon to search for wickets. Then the “procession” starts. The batsmen come and go in quick succession.
Fourth Innings: The bowlers have made sure the target is not too big. The cake is already ready for celebrations. The batsmen go there. There are a couple of hiccups and there are a few sparkling strokes which results into an Indian victory.

This match saw everything going to their script for the Indians. It was a formula victory for Indians. The writers of this script happen to be couple of batsmen and a spinner. This time it was skipper Rahul Dravid and Anil Kumble. There have been a few changes in the script. The fast bowlers bowl does tend to get in among wickets. This time it was Munaf Patel. It was amazing to see that he has the confidence and ability to bowl those toe crunching Yorkers. It was good to see that ball just zoomed into toes and wickets.
The Indian tailing wagged yesterday. This shifted momentum towards Indians. A substantial first innings lead was very vital. It meant the Indians would be chasing a lesser score on the basis on first innings lead. The Indian bowler first made handy contribution Pathan with a fifty, Harbhajan a thirty, and Kumble a thirty. Harbhajan’s innings helped him carrying the momentum into his bowling. He kept one end tight while Kumble made the English batting look quiet ordinary. Ian Bell is still clueless. The ball, which dismissed Collingwood, was an amazing piece of bowling. He never looked like he could play Kumble; he had presented the opportunity to get out thrice before. Flintoff to my surprise looks very cool. Pietersen was unlucky to get out. This morning Dravid did the right thing by calling upon Patel. He took some quick wickets making sure the last innings chase is not above 150.
The Indians have an unassailable lead and they will hopefully notch up the series in Mumbai. The players from Mumbai will be certainly looking to do well in Mumbai. I hope to see Kaif in and Yuvraj out.

Cricket: The greatest One-Day cricket match.

It will be perhaps the best match anyone might see in ages to come. The list of superlatives that I can use will be short to describe it. It shall be talked about for ages to come and I have the pleasure of having it watched LIVE. It was 2-2 and the match was to be held at the bullring, Wanderer’s Johannesburg. The Australian captain Ricky Ponting has a certain liking for this ground. He had once lead a carnage, which saw him scoring a mammoth century and Australia piling up 368.
It was the same ground. I managed to land up on a sports channel showing the drama "Live". I saw Gilchrist after sometime hitting 50 in no time. I thought Aussies will score 350. Then after some length of time, I saw Ricky Ponting was playing at 88 of 53 balls.He ended the misery for South African by hitting 164 of 105 balls. I promised myself there would be a couple of records that will be shattered today. I thought 400 run mark will be breached. It was shattered as I saw the dreadful over number 47 in much Roger Telemachus balled 4 consecutive no balls and Andrew Symonds clearing boundaries with some ease in that over. My mind went back through the time almost three years back to the same ground the occasion being the World Cup. It was the first dreadful over from Zaheer Khan that sealed the fate of the match. Ponting made complete mockery of Indian bowling.
It was a different day today. Ponting is a “Big match, Big innings” player. He has put to sword many bowling attacks from all over the world. He did it again today. He just piled on the agony. I think his catch was a very good one perhaps the best one ever wishes to see. The agony meanwhile continued. Andrew Symonds continued the onslaught. I saw the score at 434 for 4. I knew who was going to win. I told my Dad it is over. My father is a big cricket buff as well. He said it is never over until it is actually over. The game of cricket is a funny game. It is the game of glorious uncertainties. Dad said a simple line “South Africa might just win, who knows?”
I don’t know what was going through Graeme Smith’s mind when he came out to bat and saw 435 to win at a run rate touching 9 runs an over. I was very sceptic and wrote off South Africa to winning this match.
It was 7:27 P.M. in my watch and a dear friend called said, “whatever you are doing, you better switch over to the match”. I was like “What’s the deal man?” he told, “South Africa are 181 for 1 in 20 overs”. I said “what?” I checked on; to see it was 182-1 in 20 overs. I thought this match is on. Then I saw Graeme Smith holding out on the boundary. I thought bye-bye cricket match. Then when had posted "Cricket: Run Carnivale" my father came running asked me to watch this over. Gibbs had plundered Symonds for three “four’s” and a “Six”.This over costed Australians 18 runs. It was topsy-turvy after Gibbs got out. There were wicket at regular interval with batsmen under a lot of pressure. I wished he stayed in to score a double century. The balance of the game shifted every over after that. The run rate climbed to 8 an over then pulled back to 7. I vividly remember the equation “South Africa requires 77 of 42 balls.” I was a bit apprehensive. Then Wan Der Vath fell like a wrath on the Australians. He scored 35 over 18 balls and pulled it back for South Africans.
He was dismissed and then Roger Telemachus came in and managed couple of boundaries only to hold out in the deep on the off side. The equation was 18 of 12 balls. It was meanwhile anybody’s game at that time with 18 runs to get and 2 wickets remaining. The pulse were racing and a part of me was “Relax, cool it”. Mark Boucher had to settle a few scores. He laid to rest all past nightmares to rest this time. He is a very good finisher as well. He was ice cool. There were wickets falling all around him. But he lifted the weight on his shoulders and kept pegging away. He never looked out of sorts.
When it was eight wickets down; Andrew Hall came in. He can do everything on the cricket field (bat, ball and keep wickets). He also has the slowest test century so he can bat. He took a couple of singles and then hit a boundary of the second ball of over. I said game set and match South Africa. I realized the next ball he was caught. Makhaya Ntini, who was on receiving end in Australia walked in. He did what not many could have done in the situation; he took a single and the game was tied. I knew Australia was not winning this. I was savouring the moment. My prayers came true when Boucher hit the winnings runs with a four over the top. South Africa had set a new One-Day record for most runs in a One-Day innings. There is a lot, more which will be said and written. I hope I will own a CD of this match I would love it.
I can’t say anything more. There will be things which may happen in the game of cricket. I today believe is saw history being made today. This match proved right whatever is said about the game of cricket. This is the greatest game of cricket ever, till date.

Cricket: Run Carnivale

This is an absolute belter of a game.This is the one you would wish for in your dreams.It is an abolute carnage of bowlers and people are being smashed all over the garden.
The Aussie have set Proteas a record breaking chase of 434 in a one day match.Ponting with a dynamite 164 in 105 balls. Gibbs so far is 132 of 94 balls. It doesn't get any better then this with peole just hell bent on plundering runs.
I though i should hold my post on the days play of England vs India. Th match to watch for the evening is Australia vs South Africa. Just check out the numbers on this page.

Cricket: Mohali, Second Test, Third Day.

Is there a chance of a result? Yes. I think there is a chance, provided weather allows the match to go on. There is still time in a test match that can be used to cook up the recipe for a great victory in this test match. The English team with them have bought the English weather to India. It is not just Mohali; it has been raining all over the place and there is all of sudden some very pleasant weather to freak out. The match is there for the taking for the team, which will play some hard ball. If we manage, a lead of 70 runs tables will be turn on the English team. It is here Dravid who is always ready to grind in will have to display courage as a batsman first then follow it by some smart captaincy. It is a lip licking exciting test match which is about to unfold. There was some initiative provided by Kumble.

The toast of the day, Kumble.
He took five wickets again. He is a great phenomenon. His wickets tally also indicates that. He can run through any line up of batsmen in wearing Indian conditions. He has been an author to many winning scripts of Indian cricket. He has bowled some memorable spells and got India right back from seemingly nowhere. He has been like a background on the stage, always there but never noticed. He has major role in making the Indian team formidable team at home. His form with the ball has often decided the way the series will be head. There is an example to cite here, every one who reads this post will remember the last tour to Australia. He took 24 wickets in three tests. He has done it many a times in India. He also has ten out of ten in Ferozshah Kotla, Delhi against rivals Pakistan. There is something unique about this record. It can only be equalled but cannot better. Kumble is to Indian bowling what Tendulkar is for Indian batting. It will be interesting to see how many Tendulkar centuries have coincided with Kumble taking five wickets in the same innings.
I reckon number 5 is lucky for Kumble. He has many times taken five or more wickets in an innigs. There is something unique about Kumble. It is the ability to get bounce out of the pitch with some surprise. He also tends to hurry the batsmen when they look settled. He has come of age. There is a lot more vairety on display after his dhoulder injury some seasons ago. There was a time when he uses to hurry the bowl to the keeper and one could hear Nayan Mongia screeching “Bowling Jaambo”.He exactly knew what would Kumble bowl and the only one place the ball landed after taking off like a jumbo jet was into Mongia’s gloves. It was the most awesome site to see.
There is something, on which not too many commentators throw light. It is the wicket keeper and spinner partnership. The great spinner is always complemented by a brilliant stumper. He has been often urging the bowler to do better. There are many example like that of Warne-Healy followed by Warne-Gilchrist (try saying “bowling Shane” in an Aussie nasal accent), Moin-Saqlain (Sabaash Sucky). If one digs into domestic history there are various examples of this fact. The likes of Chandu Borde in the late fifty and early sixty, Farookh Engineer for the quadrate then followed by Syed Kirmani in the seventies and eighties then now naughty More for the spinners of Eighties. One profound partnership was Kumble and Mongia.

The review of English first innings.
The English innings helped by some poor catching seemed to be rolling before Munaf Patel caught Flintoff off his own bowling. Flintoff looked threatening. Their innings looked a bit cautious after his dismissal .Then the English batting hit a roadblock, named Anil Kumble. He cleaned up the tail in matter of four balls and it was curtains at 300.

The review of Indian first innings.
There were couple of cover drives by Sultan of Multan. Then got a short pitch ball coming into his body and managed it glove it to the keeper. Jaffer bored himself and was lucky that Monty ended his misery at score of 31. The Tendulkar came, saw and went back. It was a very good delivery and tested any other batsman currently playing. It is either lack of form or luck. I hope his home ground brings him a little fortune he seeks. Then it was turn of Yuvraj Singh.

Yuvraj expectedly disappoints.
Yuvraj is devastating in both forms of the game; in the One Days, he often devastates the opposition while in a test he is likely to devastate his own camp with some dreadful strokes. This section will be hard doing digest for some. The point is the people have seen Yuvraj Singh flourish in the slog overs of a One Day. He does this brilliantly without doubt. He is perhaps the best finishers of One-Day games today. He is so good that if he finishes a One Day inning with fifty India is likely to win the match. However, for Yuvraj, five One Days do not make a five-day test match. It is often laborious and rewarding to only those who are willing to stick to a single plan. Patience.
Kaif is different to Yuvraj. He is better suited to test match. He is better discipline and choosy for his strokes. This example is pretty parallel to that if Dravid and Ganguly. We all know what type of records these players hold in their zone of specialization. Yuvraj’s selection was negative, a backward move. Kaif would have definitely delivered. The reason being he often sees himself in this position of delivering goods without too many resources. The last test he played is just another example.

My Point of View on tomorrow's game.
The Indian team is one, which can make a one side match exciting. I don’t know which way the game is headed but I am sure looking forward to next couple of days. The Indians did well to bowl England at a score of 300. I think Indians are in a bit of a hole and will do well to take a first innings lead. If they script a big lead then the writing will be on the wall. They have to bat the whole day tomorrow. Pathan and Dhoni should be backed to make decent scores at a fair rate. Dravid should hold one end up. They have to bat the whole day tomorrow and then ask the English to bat in fading lights. They should back themselves to take wickets on the final day with Kumble in form. India has to ensure that this be the only time they bat in this test match.
If England manages to bat tomorrow, before tea then the game is headed for a certain draw.

About: The Man and Delhi Metro

I happen to read an interview on Rediff of E Sreedharan who happens to Managing Director of Delhi Metro. This interview is all about getting things done.It is about aiming high and reaching some wehere higher. It is about a man, his dream and success.The old values on integerity and honesty still lives.

Cricket: Mohali, Second Test, Day One

England: 164-4
Pathan: 54-2

When things happen unexpectedly they often, give no joy. The rains spoil sport in Mohali. I am surprised to see rains in beginning of the torrid Indian summer. The rain delayed the test by over an hour. The start was interesting in many ways.
I would have like to see Kaif retained. He has a better technique for tests then Yuvraj. Yuvraj seems to have few problems with short pitch delivery. Kaif will hopefully get chances in the test arena. Laxman's dropping out was a bit of surprise. Harbhajan has to justify his selection to two batsmen who left out. Piyush Chawla got a look in. He just bowled a single spell of five overs. The first ten over were good then Pathan hammered two blows to take out Strauss and Cook. Strauss chased a really wide delivery and getting out after having a start. Cook was claimed leg before wicket by Pathan by a ball, which seemed to e coming in late.
Then there a partnership, which did a bit of, repaired some of the dents. Kumble cleaned up Ian Bell who looks very ill equipped to handle spin. Ian Bell needs to tighten up and try to hold onto the fort. He was airy-fairy and some how managed to get a decent start. I fear that at some point in this series, Ian Bell's dismissal may trigger the famous English batting collapse. I am actually looking forward to it. Pietersen is such an exciting batsman to watch. His flamboyance is often the key to his dismissal. He drove Munaf Patel on the up and offered Munaf Patel his first Test wicket. The bowlers looked in control on day one. Munaf Patel’s control is an awesome to watch. I hope he has a good test. Pathan looked in control.The second day will hopefully provide much more action

Cricket: Second Test Preview.

Never take victories into head and never take defeats to heart. I wish something were also said about drawn Test matches. It was that type of drawn test, in which both teams would love to take something out of the last game into this test match. Indians played to the gallery and had cats among pigeons. I think Indians would have never ever made it. It was too much of an ask and Flintoff could not comprehend the situation. There was unnecessary panic.
As from experiences, one should never ever write off Tendulkar. He might turn up on the pitch any day and haemorrhage runs. He has the most numbers of international runs. One thing we can write about Tendulkar, he may get out to a second string bowler. Monty Panesar would not have in his wildest dream ever thought of claiming Tendulkar’s wicket in his Test debut. Panesar bowled well in the conditions. Indians were also guilty of lack of imagination in bowling and batting. The fielding in second innings was a perfect example of how not to field in a test match.
The Second Test gets underway at P.C.A. Mohali, Chandigarh. It is perhaps the most scenic of all Indian grounds. When the last time these two teams met here, Harbhajan dented life out of England with five wickets in a green top. This time round it will be interesting to see if Harbhajan plays at all. Sree Santh is confirmed not to play. There is toss between Laxman and Kaif. I am not sure if I want to be in Dravid’s shoes.
It will be said to both players. The Indians will do good to win the toss and play first and hopefully make a good first innings score.
The English will do well to chuck out Ian Bell and get another batsman. Pietersen and Collingwood should look to come up with Jones and Flintoff covering up. Their bowlers might get a good purchase. Alistair Cook should be smart enough to play the way he knows best. Pietersen and Collingwood should be hell bent on staying in the middle for a very long time.
The final eleven will be interesting to see. This is a very crucial innings in context of the series.

About: The tranquil at the sunset.

There is some reason yet unknown, which draw me towards a sunset. There is something very alluring about the sunset. It makes me think over things, which I never think at any other time of the day. It makes me hope, pray and smile at things, which I have ever done. I also tend to take a fresh stand and review things, which I ever did. It also made me believe that the darkest hour of the day is one before the sunrise.
The dusk also marks a period of transition. No matter how tired I am I always find time around sunsets very soothing and pacifying. I have just seen a full rainbow once but I always amazed at the sight of sunset from my window. I remember a time in the college when at times I would get onto my terrace hostel just to see the sunset. I at times rue that I did not had a camera at times to freeze that frame of time. I believe I have seen some very beautiful sunsets during my college days. The winter sunset use to be quick and before you know darkness and a chill would take over. The summer and the autumn sunset I feel are elongated as if drawing attention.
I also sometime wonder if I could sketch or paint better. I have a predilection for photography and the colours, hue and shades at sunsets are amazing. The bright reds, mellow orange, golden yellows and different hues mix up and slowly dissolve into the dark blue, black colour of evening as you peer into space at a distance of the far and beyond. The lengths of shadows seem to stretch into far beyond the times, yet to come. The stars in the evening come out of for a long vigil of the night. They add to the sparkle of the evening.
I think of it as the greatest time to meet people and share a few thoughts and things that went by during the day. The evening cup of coffee tastes amazing; so does a cold drink that I often had in years that have gone by. The music also seems very soothing if there is a track in which Manna De’ hums “Zindagi kaisi hai paheli hai”. I see of it as a promise that it fulfils with a bright morning and taking charge of a new day. It inspires me to forget whatever good or bad happened the last day and to start again fresh again. It is about getting up again and giving the best of you in the direst of circumstances that one may ever face.
It sometime makes me take a path on a lonely path away from the world, which brings me, closer to myself. A long path that clear all the darkness of lack of thoughts when last ray of sun shine in my eyes as if bringing to light some thoughts, wishes, hopes and dreams which are yet to be realized.
I look ahead for the next day as I post this at midnight wishing and praying for everyone dear, near and far wishing him or her health and peace. I hope they also realize a few dreams and goals the next day when they see a setting sun.
There are some dreams still to be fulfilled and some amazing sunsets yet to be seen.

Cricket: Over the weekend.

There were two very interesting games of cricket, which were played over this weekend. One of the results stumped the Indian media other wrapped the knuckles on hooligan and racist spectators.
Australia’s tour to South Africa.
It is an irony of cricket. No team sport realise so heavily on individual as does cricket. Ponting and Symonds unavailable for selection due to injuries, Australia is playing some worst than ordinary (not extra-ordinary cricket), for once West Indies vs. New Zealand made a better viewing. The first time I saw the score it was South Africa who were batting with last dozen over remaining and the score was nearing 190. I though the might be able to touch 270. They set a chase of 290 runs for the Kangaroos.
They Proteas (South Africans) received quiet a mouthful while batting as well as while fielding. The captain Graeme Smith also did not have the greatest tour with his scratchy form. It was time to pay the Aussies back. Ntini had to face a racial slur in Australia and as fate would have it Ntini rocked the Aussie batting line up claiming the best bowling figures of 6 for 22 by a South African against the Aussies. The Aussies were defeated by 196 runs.
The English Tour: A tour of missing the bus on the field.
The NEWS channels and their exclusive cricket experts once again humbled by this game of cricket. England batted and then really bowled well to claim a lead of 70 runs. I thought the English score would not have touched 400 had Piyush Chawla played. Then Kaif vindicated my thoughts by scoring a proud and a solid 91. He got able support from Kumble who made 58. I thought the lead could have been very big then they would be lots to think about. The newfound vigour of fielding lacked in the English second inning and helped Pietersen score a very good 87 and Cook who deservedly hit a century on Test debut. Not an easy task to do. However, if one is helped by fielder and bowlers not wanting to hold the catches offered then why shouldn’t help yourself with a century. Flintoff mindset was exposed in their second innings. He also missed in the bus in the sense he could have seized the initiative. He didn’t, this may cost him the series.
He could have up the tempo of run scoring. He should have declared the innings and asked Indians to bat at least half an hour. He screwed up the whole of last session with bizarre fields and ordinary field placements. Wassim Jaffer on a comeback made a century. A tough ask especially in the last innings of a test. However, their were not many much on nervous nineties as there was no close in fielders. The Indian preserved their wickets well up to the pint where Rahul Dravid played a rash shot. There wasn’t as much excitement as the commentators thought. There were some breezy strokes that were played but it wasn’t going to go the distance. It is tough to win a test match with an asking rate of 8 an over no matter who was at the crease. Flintoff could not hold the nerve in the end and Srinath put on a very good perspective by saying the Indian team covered lot of missing ground. The excitement now shifts to Mohali, Chandigrah.
I hope Kaif is not dropped. Yuvraj can wait at least for now. Harbhajan can look forward to do couple of Ads and Bhangra videos he is not looking penetrative at all. No the English front Ian Bell looks like the weakest link. He can be replaced.
This is good start to a series after many commentators had buried England. I hope we are in for treat of some old fashioned Test Cricket. Indian needs to pull up their socks. The English need to repeat their performances and make sure that their bass are covered.

Cricket: Indians feeling the heat.

England: 393 all out Collingwood: 134* Sree Santh: 4-95
India: 190-6 (lunch) Jaffer: 81 Hoggard: 4-29
If there is an agonizing day then it has to be today. The first session was important for both the teams. This morning belonged to England. They captured five Indian wickets. The quality Indian batting line has a sorry scorecard.
I think the connotation that Indian pitches are a fast bowler’s graveyard has to be buried forever. I think seamers and fast bowlers don’t find the idle conditions on Indian test pitches. Then it is a test of skill of fast bowlers. The fast bowlers won’t get very impressive figures. The adaptability is the underlying issues. This demands few additional skills such as perseverance, control, change of length, change of pace (slower deliveries and cutters), reverse swing and some other similar skills. The approach of a fast bowler has to be unconventional so that he achieves success here. This is what Hoggard did he earned wickets using slower delivery, reverse swing.
I don’t think the English bowlers will be sulking that much. I think they will be relishing the challenge. The conditions are nowhere ideal but they are not playing on a dead pan there is something to work with.
These are the dismissals. Dravid wrap on the pads, the ball seemed to miss leg stump out L.B.W. Hoggard. Jaffer tried to drive a wide Hoggard delivery far away from the ball, sitter of catch to Flintoff at second slip. Laxman the next victim wrapped on the pads, unplayable stuff a dream delivery to any right-hander out for a first ball duck. Tendulkar again out to a second string bowler L.B.W. Panesar. Dhoni whiffed at a Flintoff delivery to get an edge caught by Jones. The two batsmen on crease Kaif and Pathan whole of India would be praying for them to get to at least 300. The English captain would be thinking of bowling them below 250. If they do it and play for say four sessions then Indian will have to play out of their skins to salvage some pride in order to save the Test match. There is an adverse situation. The Indian bowlers must have a say and try to get the English batsmen to a minimal score if the English manage a lead in excess of a hundred runs.
The English would be looking to keep Indians on the mat. They would dearly want a win in this match. Cricket is a funny game 36 hours earlier, they were written off and now they might have a step in the door. They might just win this Test. What will happen next will definitely worth a watch? This is a classic Test Series.

Cricket: English Recover.

England: 360-9 (Lunch, Day Two).

Collingwood: 109.*

England covered lots of ground, which they had lost yesterday. They batted brilliantly courtesy Paul Collingwood who was not looking the most comfortable. He was beaten on many a times. But he chose to stay a made himself a good century under pressure. I hope he comes on top of the batting order. This will not only help the English who especially struggle against spin. It will give something for the Indian bowlers to thing about.I see England getting close to 400. I hope Indian bowlers having something to talk about Collingwood, who is a good player because he tends to look in control.

Sree Santh took Hoggard as the first wicket to fall. The Indian nemesis of not being able to polish of the tail came back to haunt them again as over hundred runs have been scored only two wickets are taken. The focus will shift on English bowling in due course of time. After scoring some runs in style, Harmisson will be fired up and his ability to get bounce will cause Sehwag some trouble.The scenario, which unfolds, will be interesting to see. How many will the English score? Will the Indian top order collapse? Tendulkar is slated to plunder some big runs. The role of English bowlers is the key. As far as this session in concerned, England looked in command and Indians let things past by out of their hand.This match hopefully might turn into a very interesting match provided English bat as long as possible. Then the English follow up their act with good fast bowling. Both the things remain to be seen.

Indians have a big day tommorow.

Many players have toured India after having not so good starts to their career. However, before their toured was finished their careers sky rocketed e.g. Matthew Hayden. The latest addition to this list is Paul Collingwood. He batted brilliantly to score a 134* very important in the context of English innings. He looked composed and did not make batting look complicated. He stepped down to spinners. What does that means? It means he is more liable to find the vacant spaces in the field. The spinner’s length is disturbed. He waited, waited, and was rewarded. He made his first century and looks like a vital link to this English test side.

The use of his feet was his striking feature of his innings. He along with Pietersen, Jones and Flintoff has to do well all this series if they wish to salvage some pride. The score they reached is very competitive if the English live up to their reputations as a team with good seam attack.I fear there are lots of “ifs” and “buts” involved and picture for Indian is not as rosy as it seems. Imagine a scenario that two quick wicket fell for not too many runs in first half an hour of play. This will be a big hole and the batsmen have to do a major repair work. The three batsmen waiting in the wings are Tendulkar, Laxman and Kaif. It is an odd situation, in which these batsmen find themselves. Tendulkar did not have a greatest test series in terms of scoring runs. Kaif has saved more runs while fielding then he has done with the bat in last month or so. Laxman again is looking to cement his place again. These batsmen need to score runs so that they are not labelled failures. Our N.E.W.S. channels have ensure they either one performs or sit out. Yuvraj in great nick so these batsmen will have to bat well even if he comes to crease in a blindfold.

Dravid learnt a few tricks today. The tail again wagging and last three wickets gave England over 150 runs. I hope he come well prepared when a similar situation arises next time. Sree Santh is carrying on from where he left off. He is a bit unlucky though, good fielders are dropping his catches. The spinners just took three wickets between them. Virender Sehwag will score and score big so if he occasionally misses out it doesn’t scare many. Dravid is a brilliant Test batsman for past four years now. He is nothing short of superlative. He has scored runs against every team, against every attack home and away.

If I were to write a coaching manual for batting, I would illustrate that with Rahul Dravid’s pictures. He plays every shot in the book to perfection. He has to play a big role to ensure India have the upper hand. He would not like to miss as his wife hails from Nagpur, so there is definitely some connection. His century will help India clear the deficit. Tendulkar hopefully will play some more than a cameo innings.The first session as always, hold the key and may decide as to which way the test might head. Jaffer and Dravid are looking good. But tomorrow is a new day and they should look to make some impression. The whole Indian batting line up is under some sort of pressure to perform. A solid start will pave the way to a big innings score. If England are to make some big dents and at the end of the day have a lead of around 70 to 80 runs then it will be a tough call to make. India has to make sure they don’t repeat there performance from the last test they played. The seized all advantage and then gave it to Pakistan in a gift-wrap. There is a big test of the formidable Indian batting tomorrow.

Cricket: England looses the initiative.

England: 244-7
Collingwood: 60* Pathan: 57-3
Cook: 60

Rahul Dravid will believe it was a lucky toss to lose in the end. England started well with a solid opening partnership. Alistair Cook looks good. Harbhajan managed to check him from time to time, with the opener struggling to pick the spinners variations. He played a classic openers innings. The first to go was Strauss, it was a nothing shot off Santh an invitation to trouble. Laxman meanwhile held onto a sharp chance giving Sree Santh his first test wicket. Then Bell came in hit a couple of boundaries and was foxed by Harbhajan's off spinner, which went straight. Dravid held on the edge. He is top class when it comes to first slip catches. This one was no different. Pietersen also seemed to be motoring along before a rash shot caused to play Santh on to the stumps. Then there was a partnership. Collingwood defended, Flintoff attacked. It looks like Flintoff doesn’t actually looks forward to play spin. He was unlucky to be given out to Kumble for score of 43.
Collingwood meanwhile spent lots of time on the crease. I hope he kicks on tomorrow to make an impressive score. At the end of the day, Irfan Pathan proved that, he is also very useful with the old ball and notched up a couple of wickets. Collingwood should play at number three because Ian Bell doesn’t fit in there, as his footwork against spinners is often wanting. The opener really played well. He was bowled by a Pathan in swinger a touch of Wasim could be felt if you look at that dismissal.
Indian seems to be in driver’s position. However, the problem is polishing off the tail, which is often the case of India’s undoing. The seamers shared five wickets between them while the spin twins shared a wicket apiece. I think pace should be used to clean up the tail. India will truly be in control if they are to take a lead in this test series. However, as both teams are yet to complete an innings one must not presume much. I think England played a decent inning by keeping not letting spinners take too many wickets. I hope the case is not so in the second innings. I think the English batsmen have to spend more time on the pitch. They should try to aim to play test cricket in an old fashioned when then only can they make a match out of it.

About: An Open Letter

Namaskar, Respected Mr Man Mohan Singh and Mr Chidambaram.
If someone has been a real revolutionary after India’s independence, the name of Mr. Man Mohan Singh will be right on the top. India’s present status as a vibrant economy has much to do with insights of this man. I hope he gets a Bharat Ratna some day. One cannot imagine a scenario where the country has just enough money to pay for fifteen days of oil bills just over one and half decade ago.
Mr Chidambaram is lawyer by Profession. He occupies the hot seat as India’s Finance Minister. He has a very good reputation. He has a decent fan following in India Inc. He specializes in company affairs and tax laws.
If they ever land up here then I am seeking answers to the following :-

Why don’t people pay taxes?
What is the cost of collecting taxes?
Why don’t you introduce stringent laws for collecting taxes?
How do Indians invest more into developing India?
Is F.D.I. an over hyped acronym?
Is F.D.I. so vital?
Don’t we have money of our own?
What happens to the Forex reserves?
When do we become fully convertible?
What do I do if I want to invest in my own country’s infrastructure?
What amount of money is kept for modernizing Government offices?
Which are the sectors which often out of government radar?
What amount of money is allotted to research?
Will a city like Mumbai ever see pothole free roads?
Shouldn’t Mumbai be given a special economic status?
Shouldn’t we develop more business centres?
Why don’t we upgrade our education?
Why are basic facilities lagging in many professional colleges?
Is the time right to improve the courses in professional colleges?
What emphasis is given to harnessing renewable sources if energy?
Should there be a check on mega corporations so that countries interests are not violated?
How many medals are we expected to win in next Olympics?
Will we ever host an Olympics?
Why not make it simpler and easier for people to pay taxes?
Shouldn’t everyone’s income tax be deducted at the source itself?
What is done to improve skill of labourers?
Why aren’t farmers taxed?
Why 40% of all the food grains we produce do rots before reaching the market?
Why India till is dated not completely Broad Gauged?
Why not encourage people to spend more?
What is done to arrest pandemics like T.B. Cancer, A.I.D.S.?
Why is rural health still an enigma?
How much to we spend on primary education?

I will be adding to this list. The others too are invited to answer these sets of question and add their own.