Cricket Tournaments

After a drubbing at the Adelaide Oval, the action moved to the WACA, Perth with the Australians staring at a series defeat. A loss to England would mean that Australia would slip to the 6th position on the ICC rankings, their lowest since the system came into reckoning and more importantly Ricky Ponting’s 3rd loss as Australian Captain, the most in the history of the urn.

The stakes were high, the Australian fans just hoped their home team could draw the series, winning being far from their thoughts. After an innings defeat, the Australians had to bounce back and well to create any sort of impact. A lot of chaos was seen around the Australian side, changes, uncapped spinner into the ranks, a sight all to common but usually in the English dressing room. However, times have changed. The once laudable bench strength is hard to see across the country.
Nevertheless, the changes were rung in, Johnson, Hilfenhaus and uncapped spinner in Michael beer were called up. Bollinger, North and Doherty were given the axe after some toothless performances in the 2nd test.
Australia decided to go in with the 4 fast bowlers with Steven Smith at number 6 filling in for North and as the spinner’s role.
All the talks about the old WACA wicket eventually came true. The pitch on the day before the test looked very similar to that of the square. It was green, outfield like. Perhaps, that is the reason why the Australians decided to keep young Michael Beer out of the fray. Although the pitch would favour the tall English seamers, a green wicket was also Australia’s best chance of leveling the series and so it was!
Having won the toss, Andrew Strauss took the decision of bowling in the hope of getting a few early wickets on a lively pitch.

The two forceful changes for both sides were Philip Hughes coming in for the injured Simon Katich and Chris Tremlett coming in for Stuart Broad who was ruled out of the series with an abdominal strain. Both series debutants were in the thick of things right from the word go as Hughes was the first to go bowled of tremlett in an attempt to flick across the line. Australian skipper Ponting looked pretty good in his brief stay of 12 before he pushed at one outside the off stump of Anderson with Collingwood collecting a beauty at 2nd slip. Michael Clarke was next to go caught Prior and the Australians once again found themselves reeling at 28-3. Just when one thought it could not get worse for Australia, it did, watson was caught in front of the wicket of Finn. Hussey and Steven Smith strung something together as they tottered to lunch with 4 back in the hut and not much on the board.
The English struck back immediately after lunch and all of a sudden it was back to Hussey and Haddin to do the job and so they did. The duo continued their good form and put together a 68 run partnership. Haddin’s coming of age and Hussey’s resurgence to form has come at the right time for Australia. However, they could not pull off a gabba once again and hussey was dismissed by Swann of Prior.
Mitchell Johnson who made a return to the national team after being dropped at the Adelaide Oval walked in with the crowd backing him. Johnson really needed to make some runs to get his confidence going. Fortunately for Australia, he did. Haddin and Johnson went into one day mode and flayed away all around the wickets. They put on 52 runs before Haddin went for one shot too many and perished to a brilliant catch of Swann. Mitchell Johnson continued to swing and got some quick runs with the tail before Steven Finn did for him. The last wicket pair added an invaluable 35 runs in quick time taking the total to 268. Once again it was Hussey and Haddin who resurrected the innings. Johnson played his part too with a fluent 62. Australia may feel they are unable to get the 20 wickets to win a test match, well, th fact of the matter is their top order needs to score too for them to win a test.
The English bowlers were comprehensive once again with all four of them chipping in with the wickets. Anderson was the pick of the bowlers, Tremlett was pretty impressive too in his come back test.
A lot going right for the English.
The batsmen needed to survive a tricky hour or so before the end of day one and so they did; ending up on 29 for no loss.

Australia came to the ground next day knowing that, it was the biggest moment of the Ashes. If Australia had to claw a comeback into the series, that was the day, that was the time. But nothing seem to have changed as Australia failed to grab on to another chance. Strauss edged one of harris and the ball flew between keeper and first slip, none of them even moving a tad. Australia thought to themselves, they had let it go.
England cruised along to 78 for no loss before Ponting handed the ball to Mitchell Johnson. The left armer continued his good form at the WACA as he, in retrospect, bowled one of the most inspiring spell of the 2010 Ashes. Johnson got his in swing (to the right hander) going which made him the bowler that he is known to be.
The left armer bounced back in style as he got rid of the in form Alastair Cook with one that just left the south paw and was sniffled by Michael Hussey who took a brilliant low catch at gully. Australia were on the board.

Jonathan Trott was next to go as he was trapped right in front in an attempt to work one across the line. Mitch got the shape back into the right hander and sent Australia’s two biggest worries back to the pavillion without much damage (in comparison to the first two tests of the series). Flamboyant Kevin Pietersen walked in with a hundred behind him and confidence pumping. Johnson got it spot on immediately and the English had a mini collapse, Johnson was really living up to his WACA reputation and soon the wickets kept falling as the Australians started dominating proceedings. Strauss was given no second chance after the morning blip and was collected neatly by Haddin of Harris. Paul Collingwood was the next of Johnson’s 6 victims and was again done in by the late movement at high speed. The Australians were back at their best and ruling the roost with the English reeling at 98 for 5. Bell, Prior and Swann put together a bit of a resistance before the Australian bowlers did for them. Siddle started his barrage of bouncers to Prior who had the ball go of his arm onto the stumps. Siddle did not hold anything back and gave Prior a mouth full which lead to the English wicket keeper asking his counterpart to meet him outside the ground. The incident was played down as a string of events followed soon after as the Poms were bundled out for a poultry 187. Johnson ended up with 6 for 38 with Ryan Harris being the other major contributor with 3 wickets. The Australians had got their tail up with a very valuable lead of 81.
The Australians came into bat and were in trouble immediately as Hughes was set up by Steven Finn and fell to a catch at third slip, gleefully accepted by Collingwood. Ricky Ponting’s dreadful Ashes campaign seemed to continue as the Australian captain gloved one down the leg side of Steven Finn. Michael Clarke looked in a bit of a hurry in his brief stay at the wicket before Chris Tremlett accounted for him. All of a sudden, the Australians were 3 down with not much on the board and the English could sniff a chance but once again to their undoing was their series nemesis, Mr. Cricket, Michael Hussey.
Watson and Hussey flayed away all around the wicket as the duo joined forces together in a 113 run stand for the 4th wicket. This partnership took the match away from the English and the Australians were once again back in the driver’s seat. Shane Watson look flawless in his innings and one thought he was en route to his 3rd test match hundred but that was not to be as the blonde bombshell from Queensland had departed once again after making a 50. Watson is probably the worst as far as conversion rate is concerned or is soon getting there. Tremlett got one to jag back in to trap Watto in front of the 3 pegs. Watson in despair decided to refer it but the decision would stay and he had to go after a well made 95. Hussey stayed on and along with Ashes debutant, Steven Smith put together a quick few runs before he did a Ponting and was caught down the leg side. Unlike the Australian first innings, the lower order did not have much to say this time around the last 5 failed to reach double figures. The Aussies had bit of a mini collapse but that would not hurt them as Michael Hussey had done the damage with another brilliant hundred.

The Australians finally folded for 309 with a lead of 81 runs, basically implying that England needed 391 to win on a track which still had some pace and bounce in it. Chris Tremlett was the pick of England’s bowlers. He ended up with impressive figures in his comeback trail of 5 for 87. It was up to the English batsman now to pull off something extraordinary and seal the deal as far as the series is concerned. It was not impossible with 2 days to go but was going to be an uphill task with a fiery Australian attack and some aid with the conditions being in their favour.

The Poms had 11 sessions to make their runs and sometimes that could work against you as batsman tend to go into their shell instead of playing their natural game and that is what seemed to happen with England. The Aussies hit the ground running and drew first blood almost immediately with Ryan Harris getting on to straighten, cook missed and was trapped plum in front of the wicket. From then on in the English wickets fell like nine pins. There was no substantial partnership and the Australian bowlers rattled the English. This time round it was Johnson who played second fiddle and Ryan Harris assumed the strike bowler’s role. He snuck out 6 of the 10 wickets to fall and dominated proceedings to come. The English ended their day with the score board reading 78 for 5. The last ball of the day summed up the entire test match as Collingwood fished at one outside the off stump of Harris and was caught at slip by Steven Smith.

Australia made quick work of the English next morning, wrapping up the lower middle order under 50 runs. Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson lead the Australians off the field and rightly so. It was Mitchell Johnson who bagged the man of the match award. He bowled one of the best spells bowled in Ashes history on the 2nd afternoon more so after a horrid time of it and being dropped for the first time in his career. Johnson also chipped in with the bat at the tail end of the first innings with a useful 60 odd, which helped the Australians reach a respectable albeit modest total of 268. In retrospect, the Australians still found themselves reeling when the English had reached 78 for no loss. It was Mitch Johnson who was the perpetuator and he changed the course of the match.
In the skippers words, his spell was the defining moment of the Ashes and could change things to come in the next two tests. However, one must not forget that Australia still have things to worry about. Harris and Johnson are not going to get another Perth like wicket and the freemantle breeze would be missing too. The dry, slow surface at the MCG would aid Graeme Swann’s off spin. Australia may not be able to go in with the same attack with Smith playing as the spinner. But again one would not one to change a winning combination. Australia’s batting with the exception of Watson, Hussey and Haddin has left a lot to be desired. The rest must find their feet soon enough as it would be highly unlikely that a single man would drive the series in Australia’s favour.

Having said this, the momentum is with the Australians and the English have worries of their own, they find themselves carrying Paul Collingwood.

What one can be sure of is, the standard of cricket will just rise and as a neutral this sure is what Test cricket is loved for.

Shane Watson

The three-day practice game for Australia against the Board President’s XI, ahead of the first Test at Mohali, was a mixed bag for the visitors. Shane Watson emerged as a visible hero, with attacking tons in both the innings. There were other positives as well. Watson’s opening partner Simon Katich as well as Marcus North also registering hundreds in the first innings. However, the prime concern for them will remain the performance of their spinners as they head into the major battle.

Nathan Hauritz picked up a solitary wicket going for close to hundred runs – both innings combined. Even more worrying was the fact that Piyush Chawla, who can bat a bit but is a bowler by profession, took him to the cleaners with ease. He charged down the pitch and dealt with the tweaker with minimum ill-ease. Then, when BP XI batted for a second time, Ajinkya Rahane was all at ease against him as he raced to a quickfire century.

The only consolation for Hauritz can be the fact that Jason Krejza was treated with similar disrespect two years back in the practice game, but got his act right when it mattered, claiming eight wickets on Test debut. Meanwhile, it was a similar story for Hauritz’s leg-spinning partner Steven Smith, who was treated with even more utter disdain. Chawla was especially severe on him and the leggie ended up conceded nearly six runs per over. Also, when BP XI batted a second time round, the Aussie bowlers were far from effective. Both Rahane and opening partner Cheteshwar Pujara, who is part of the Test squad, helped themselves to some substantial batting practice as they ended the game on a unexpected high, after being pulverized on day one.

The picture wasn’t completely gloomy for Australia though. Before Chawla’s heroics, their bowling was top class. Ben Hilfenhaus, in particular, was exceptionally good while Mitchell Johnson impressed as well. The Aussies would also have been heartened to see Peter George bowl well and claim a couple of scalps. That said, they would have been delighted had they put a better performance with both the ball and the willow in their second essay.

Apart from practice, the match also gave both sides injury scares. Gautam Gambhir took a blow on his right hand from Bill Hilfenhaus while batting and rightly preferred to stay away from the field of play on the final day. India will desperately need his services alongside Virender Sehwag for the Tests and one-dayers. For Australia, Katich, who hurt his thumb, did not bat in his team’s second innings while North, who had a back problem also did the same. Both teams would hope that there is nothing serious, and that they can resume their duties starting October 1.

While on the Test series, India would go in with a slight advantage considering the wealth in their batting strength. However, even a weakened Australian side cannot be underestimated. Expect them to make up for their lack of firepower with that much added determination. One only hopes the series can live up to the billing, unlike the damp squib of 2008.

In the times of the modern era, in the advent of T20 scores of players come and go. These days national caps are distributed to easily thus lowering the sense of pride that one is supposed to wear it with. It might be easy to burst on to the scene on the international arena but hard indeed to stay there. Several players after struggle or talent have eventually come of age. Some of them are:

Australia:

Shane Watson:

Shane Watson

After making his debut in the Australian summer of March way back in 2002, Shane watson’s career is one to have changed dramatically. From starting off as a fast bowler with more than lively pace who could hold the bat at number 7 his roles in the current Australian team are completely different.

Watto Watson is one of those players who is always seemed to be plagued with injuries. After several rehabilitations and becoming the perfect replacement for a certain Ian Harvey the Australian selectors finally lost hope with this talented blonde bombshell from Queensland. Shane was struggling to make his career.

Strangely, the problem with Watson was not about talent or performance it was his fitness that was an issue that deprived him of so many international years of his playing career. Watson was nowhere near being considered for a return to the Australian side. After being picked in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, Watson single handedly with both bat and ball carried the Rajasthan Royals towards the championship gold.

He ended up becoming man of the tournament with over 450 runs and a handful of wickets. The Australian selectors took note of this and immediately drafted him to the Australian side to tour the Windies. Ever since then there has been no looking back for Shane as he has made his mark in the international arena and is a feared competitor by all other nations.

Watson played the 2009 ashes and scored half centuries in what seemed like every innings. He has become fitter and has understood his role in the Australian team well. He now opens for Australia and generally bowls in the mid 130’s. A very handy cricketer as long as he stays fit. After 8 long years, Shane Watson finally seems to have come of age.

Cameron White:

Cameron White

Whitey or bear as he is known by his team mates has recently become an integral part of the Australian limited Overs squad. Cameron white has always been a major performer for his state side, Victoria. He is currently the vice captain of the Australian T20 side and should be the skipper in reckoning if Michael Clarke is done away with.

For a man who was not even a part of the original Australian T20 World cup squad in 2009, white has come a long way and has established himself as the Australian number 5. White was called in after Andrew Symonds was sent back home due to off field issues. White is soon filling the huge void left by Andrew Symonds. He is a brilliant fielder and is soon becoming one of the feared hitter on the international scene.

Whitey was given a long run after Australia’s ashes defeat to England in 2009. He stepped in for ponting at number 3 and played exceptional cricket which included one fifty and a century in 3 matches. From then on in there was no looking back as he helped Australia retain the champions trophy (2009) in South Africa and played some crucial knocks on difficult conditions in India. White had a brilliant 20-20 world cup this year and ensured Australia reached the finals for the first time in this tournament.

Cameron white’s reputation is rapidly building on the world stage and the owners of the IPL franchisees are now aware of the talent that the man possesses. With the fresh IPL auction that is to take place this July, one can be certain that white could be in for some big bucks and even captaincy considering he’s captained Victoria to several big bash victories down under. White is still a young man and would be ambitious to return to the test arena once again.

Nathan Hauritz:

Nathan Hauritz

Hauritz very similar to Watson made his debut for Australia way back in 2002. He was young (20) and wasn’t too successful at the international arena. He played his first test in 2004 and didn’t do too well then either. The Australian selectors weren’t too worried and dint have to look too far considering SK Warne was still in the ranks. However, the rise of Hauritz began after Warne, McGill and Hogg stepped down from international test cricket.

This left Australia with no other option but Nathan Hauritz. Hauritz wasn’t seen as a wicket taking bowler, he was more a container and this proved to be fatal for the Aussies. It was at this time only (late 2008- early 2009) that Australia began to hit rock bottom where they lost a test match series in India and went on to lose on their home turf against the mighty Proteas after 16 long years.

The lack of a quality spinner was becoming a major problem and several concerns were being raised about who would play come the ashes. The Australian selection committee decided to go with Nathan Hauritz and stuck with him throughout the South African tour in both Test and one day internationals. Hauritz proved his worth and was handy. However, his success was hugely regarded to

Mitchell Johnson:

Mitchell Johnson

Johnson was enjoying a purple patch back then and he often broke the back bone of the South African team before Hauritz came into bowl. Nevertheless, it was the best that Australia had and they decided to go ahead with Nathan for the ashes. As soon as the news was out that Nathan would be the spinner that the Australians would be carrying with themselves to defend the ashes, comments came rushing in.

Most notable amongst these was that of former England batsman Geoffrey Boycott made a scandalized remark after Hauritz got pietersen out to an infamous sweep in the first test at Cardiff. He said “It wasn’t an off-spinner. Hauritz doesn’t look like he could bowl my mum out, then he gets the best batsman out.”

Hauritz proved all his critics wrong and slowly developed into a very fine bowler for Australia. Eventually, he proved to be the difference (Not picked on a turning track at the oval) between Australia having the ashes and not. Hauritz’s growth as a spinner continues as he remains a steady part of the Australian line up. Hauritz will have to be on his toes as the Australian selectors seemed to have taken a liking towards upcoming leggie Steve Smith.

India:

Suresh Raina:

Suresh Raina

Suresh Raina is the star out of India’s huge pool of rising talents comprising the likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Robin Uthappa and so on. On his debut way back in 2005 raina only managed a duck; he was trapped LBW by a Muttiah Muralidaran doosra of his first ball. Ever since then Raina has changed his game immensely. All the hard yards, extra hours of practice against spin and pace is now seen where he seems to be shining on the international stage.

This turn of events was noticed in the first edition of the Indian premier league where raina was one of the top scorers in the competition and enabled the Chennai Super Kings make the final of the tournament. He has been the most consistent performer in the IPL and is the highest scorer across all three years of the tournament with 1311 runs. Suresh raina has matured a great deal by playing under the likes of greats like Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid.

He was recently included in the test squad against South Africa. Raina is now able to handle responsibilities of carrying the team forward at a tender age of 23. Raina has also been chosen as captain in the on-going series in Zimbabwe as original skipper Mahendra singh Dhoni has been given a rest. Clearly raina is seen highly by the BCCI and they would want to ensure that the young man doesn’t fall ahead of himself and continues to perform the way he has been performing in the last couple of years.

England:

Graeme Swann:

Graeme Swann

The biggest revelation in the cricketing fraternity over the last year, Graeme Swann has been labeled by fellow spin legend Shane Warne as the most improved player in recent cricket. Swann is one of the few Englishmen (literally) who has been successful over the last year considering most others have been imports from either South Africa or Ireland.

He made his debut way back in 2000 but wasn’t a regular part of the side as England’s first choice spinner at that point in time still remained Ashley Giles. Swann never really knew what his role was, whether he was a batsman who could bowl or the other way around. He found himself wanting on the international stage and soon realized it was the latter that would take him to the top rung. He worked on his game tremendously and the change was to be seen.

He had a brilliant series against the West Indies leading up to the ashes and since then there has been no looking back for the man from Northampton. Swann, often the most notorious in the team and tends to calm down the dressing room atmosphere with his pranks. The ashes that went by in 2009, was where Swann was noticed by the international audience.

From then on in he helped England reach the semi finals of the champions trophy in 2009 and eventually help the Englishmen win their first ever ICC trophy, the Twenty 20 world cup in the Caribbean a fortnight ago. Swann is soon becoming an integral part of this England line up and a major part of whether England are able to retain the ashes later this year would be subject to the way he performs.

Stuart Broad:

Stuart Broad

Son of former English batsman and current commentator, Junior broad is one of the fastest improving cricketer’s going around. Stuart made his debut in 2006 and saw the up hills and down hills of international cricket. He was hit for a record six sixes in an over by Yuvraj Singh during the inaugural twenty 20 world cup in South Africa. However, since then a lot seems to have changed for this lanky pacer.

He seems to have become physically fitter, has worked on his batting and more importantly he is no more the bowler who would just run in. There is a plan, a methodology on how to go about things that is seen. He is seen as a replacement to Freddie Flintoff who retired a year or so ago. A lot is expected from Stuart and he is still just 23 years of age and has a good number of tests and one day internationals behind him and seems to understand the game better with every passing day.

He still tends to concede a bit too much when it comes to runs per over but he is a wicket taker and that’s what it comes down to in the end. A very handy cricketer and one to certainly watch out for in the future, as he seems to be improving very quickly.

Pakistan:

Saeed Ajmal:

Saeed Ajmal

Saeed Ajmal, the Pakistani off spinner has captivated international cricket ever since he burst onto the international arena. More than coming of age Saeed has been one of those late bloomers in international cricket where in which the team regrets the fact that they couldn’t go on a bit longer. Ajmal is very similar to Michael Hussey in this regard.

(Talking about Hussey the duo have a bit of a history after this year’s world T20 in the Windies). Ajmal albeit at the age of 30 made his debut and turned out to be a replica of spin legend and the ‘doosra’ inventor Saqlain Mushtaq. Ajmal is able to disguise and bowl the doosra with similar effect and has always managed to keep the wood on the batsman.

Ever since Akmal joined the Pakistani team they have made it to two semi finals and one championship victory in the three ICC events to have taken place. In spite of all the unpredictability that Pakistan have to offer, Ajmal seems to have brought a bit of sense in the spin bowling department and he along with fellow spinner Shahid Afridi now form a formidable pair and curtail the batsman from scoring freely in the middle Overs of a limited over international.

Ajmal was turning out to be the star for Pakistan in the recent twenty 20 world cup that was held in the West Indies. However, Australia’s Michael Hussey had different ideas. He went on to slaughter Saeed Ajmal in the semi final which enabled the Aussies get to the final for the first time. The match which was being labeled as the best Twenty 20 match had already seen loads of thrills and spills before Ajmal came on to bowl.

Ajmal had brilliant figures up to his 3 over mark and was turning out to be the difference between the two sides but the last over where in which Michael hussey hammered three sixes changed the course of the match. Nevertheless, Ajmal remains a key armoury that Pakistan possess and how he develops in the next six months could be critical for Pakistan’s chances in the world cup which is to be played in the Indian subcontinent (barring Pakistan) where in which the pitches are low and slow.

Shahid Afridi:

Shahid Afridi

Shahid Afridi has been around since an age now and he’s still just over 30 years of age with a trunk load of experience behind him. Shahid Afridi made his debut way back in 1996 and its amazing in spite of being a member of the team for such a long time he comes under this category.

For a long period of time Shahid Afridi did not really know where his forte lied, in other words he never really knew his role in the team; whether it was to go and bludgeon the bowlers and chip in with a couple of tidy Overs or be a mainstream spinner thus providing perfect foil to the fast bowling greats of yesteryears.

However, only recently has Shahid Afridi grown, he has become one of the most difficult bowlers to get away in the middle Overs in limited Overs cricket. He seems to have cemented his place as a bowling all rounder. Ever since becoming vice captain and now captain in all forms of cricket Afridi has taken the extra mantle of responsibility on himself and this seems to be helping not just him but Pakistan cricket as well. Afridi recently came out of his retirement from test cricket and was made captain.

It will be interesting to see how he goes in the longer form of the game as his quick balls at 120 kmphs will not be as big an issue as it is in other forms of cricket. Shahid Afridi finally seems to have found his game and if he works on his batting, he could become one of the best spin bowling all rounder to have played the game (only in the shorter formats).

South Africa:

AB De Villiers:

AB De Villiers

Most AB fans wouldn’t agree me placing Abraham in this list and might find it a little harsh. But it’d be better to agree to disagree. This 26 year old South African made his debut in the 2004/2005 season and only recently that is ever since 2008/09 has he become one of South Africa’s mainstays in the middle over. He is a very talented cricketer and on his day could tear apart any attack put in front of him.

De Villiers, a very under estimated cricketer on the international stage is set to take over the gloves once Mark Boucher decides to call it quits. However, de Villiers seems quite reluctant to take up the job as he not only enjoys his fielding but is also worried that it would affect his batting adversely. De Villiers is proving to be a wonderful find for the proteas and is becoming ever so reliable with consistent performances in the last year or two.

He is ready to carry the mantle forward and could become South Africa’s Jacques Kallis once the latter decides to put up his feet. All this could be very soon as Kallis and boucher both are very likely to step down from limited Overs cricket after the 2011 world cup which is to be played in the Indian subcontinent.

Like all other players mentioned above AB de Villiers too holds the key to South Africa’s chances in the upcoming 50 over world cup. He seems to be the man for the occasion as he’s had a lot of experience here and has tasted success on very similar wickets.

Sri Lanka:

Angelo Mathews:

Angelo Mathews

Young Sri Lankan all rounder has cemented his place in the team’s One day international and test teams ever since he made his debuts in the formats. He has never had to face the axe, which is very rare for a young cricketer especially in the early goings in his career.

The young 23 Year old all rounder has replaced Chaminda Vaas to very good effect. The only difference between the two being that Mathews is more of a batsman than a bowler which was not the case with Vaas. When I mean come of age it doesn’t necessarily mean people who have spend a lot of time in cricket and have eventually found their spot.

It basically refers to those cricketers who have/are now matured enough to carry the mantle forward. In his short career Mathews has already established himself on the world stage. This could be seen when he was picked up by Kolkata Knight riders (one of the IPL franchisees) to participate in the league. The only worry remains his bowling, more so in test cricket as it doesn’t seem to have that nip or extra bit of pace that could either facilitate him to get the ball go past the bat or trouble them with speed.

His variations help him get through the limited Overs format quite adequately. His batting and fielding are of top notch and is a very good sign for things to come in all three forms of the game. Mathews could also be the captain in standing once current skipper Kumar Sangakkara retires.

The only other real prospect seems Dilshan, but his temper and his age (wrong side of 30) lowers his prospects of becoming skipper. As a result of this Mathews could be well groomed under experienced players like Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. This lad has sure already made a name for himself in international cricket. One bloke to certainly look out for in the future!

Bangladesh:

Shakib Al Hasan:

Shakib Al Hasan

Current Bangladeshi skipper, Shakib Al Hasan made his debut against Zimbabwe at the Harare sports club. His debut itself marked the sign of things to come in his career. He impressed one and all with his performance as he made an impressive 30 not out and bowled his quota of 10 Overs under four an over with a wicket against his name. However, he seemed to have fizzed out a bit only to have redeemed himself in recent months.

He has come back strongly and for a long time now has been right on top of the all rounder charts in one day cricket. He was soon appointed captain and he seems to be taking Bangladeshi cricket to newer heights unseen before. The man is just 23 and has a lot to promise. The Bangladeshi cricket board need to nurture their talent and ensure that their players don’t fizz out and become an Ashraful.

Certain teams namely West Indies and New Zealand don’t have players featuring on this left. With west indies their trunk load of players just aren’t able to convert it big to the international level thus underlining their poor performance in world cricket in recent years. As far as the Kiwis are concerned they don’t seem to have enough of resources.

Hence, their players don’t seem to feature even in the list of players who have promised but not delivered. Getting players to grow and mature at the world stage is highly dependent on how the national board of the respecting country helps nurture and groom young players so as to convert them to international starts. This is very similar to the business concept of converting Problem child who have the talent and potential to Stars and eventually cash cows.
Indeed, the responsibility does lie with the boards…

West Indies’ impressive performance against India would have given their fans hope to seeing their team in the final four. Alas, it turned out to be a mirage as the home team were back to their incongruous ways against the mighty Australians.

Not only did they succumb to a heavy six-wicket defeat, but also crushed their chances of make it to the semi-finals after Lanka beat India by five-wickets. West Indies’ hero in the last game, skipper Chris Gayle, could not get it right against their old rivals and his failure led to West Indies’ magnanimous collapse.

They crumbed to 105 all out, a target which was effortlessly achieved by the Aussies inside 17 overs.

The win means they go into the semi-finals against Pakistan on Friday with a clean slate, and their chances of capturing the elusive T20 crown look rather bright from hereon.

Australia did not have to do much to qualify for the semis. Even a narrow defeat would have not hindered their progress. But, as is the Aussie culture, they were keen to finish the Super Eights on a high.

Thus, David Warner blasted 25 in 12 balls with the assistance of four boundaries and a huge six over to get the Aussies off to an incredible start even while chasing a miniscule total.

Warner’s dismissal was soon followed by Shane Watson’s, who dragged one from Sulieman Benn onto his stumps. But, there wasn’t much joy for West Indies thereafter.

Brad Haddin crafted a mature 46-ball 42 to grind out the Windies. Haddin departed just prior to the target being achieved, the match eventually ended in an inauspicious manner with skipper Gayle bowling five wides.

Haddin apart, Australia captain Michael Clarke chipped in with 16 from 24 balls before being disappointingly run-out. But, David Hussey registered a calm 10 not out to see the Aussies past the finishing line.

For West Indies, it was the story of one man’s failure resulting in the collapse of the whole team. And that one man was Gayle himself, who dragged a lethal Dirk Nannes delivery onto his stumps.

The rest followed suit as if they were just there to fill in the places. Praise though needs to be reserved for Australia’s potent bowling attack too who never allowed the Windies batsmen to settle.

The home team faltered to 60 for 5 at the halfway stage of their innings and needed something special from Kieron Pollard to post a decent target. That wasn’t to be though.

After Mitchell Johnson did the early damage, removing Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 24, leg spinner Steven Smith took over and crushed West Indies’ chances even further.

He sent back Pollard and Darren Sammy off successive deliveries. And, though he failed to get the hat-trick, his three-wicket effort was enough put Australia on the victory path. For the batting side only Ramnaresh Sarwan put up a fight, collecting 26 from 32 balls.

Unfortunately, there was no support at all from the other end. A 20-run stand between Nikita Miller and Benn enabled West Indies to cross 100. But, by then, irreparable damage had already been done and Australia merely finished off the formalities with the bat.

On a slow, low pitch at the Sawai Mansingh stadium at Jaipur, Rajasthan’s batsmen had a torrid time, which resulted in them being trumped by the Royal Challengers Bangalore by a comfortable margin of five wickets. What began well for Shane Warne when he won the toss and elected to bat first, only got worse.

In the most inauspicious of starts, Michael Lumb was run out cheaply and the Bangalore bowlers then combined brilliantly to have Rajasthan on the mat right through. It was only a stubborn partnership towards the end between Abhishek Raut and Adam Voges that enabled Rajasthan to touch 130. But, with Kevin Pietersen in the most murderous of moods, the match was a no-contest, despite the loss of a few cheap wickets late in the game.

Returning to Rajasthan’s insipid batting effort, in the season of run-outs, Lumb (9) added one more to his kitty. Not for the first time in the series, there was a total lack of co-ordination between him and Naman Ojha. As a result, Lumb was stranded more than halfway down the pitch and had only one way to go from thereon, back to the dugout.

The only consolation for him could have been that Pietersen’s run-out later in the day was uglier. But, this wasn’t a battle to score brownie points. Following Lumb’s dismissal, Amit Paunikar (0) was smartly trapped by R Vinay Kumar off a short ball in the same over. Ojha too couldn’t make amends for the run-out of Lumb as he chipped one up in the air off Pankaj Singh’s bowling for 7.

At 3 for 21, Bangalore were well on top, but they knew they had thrown it away from a similar position in the previous game. There were no mistakes this time, however. Shane Watson (22), who cracked a couple of boundaries and was looking ominous, was brilliantly caught by Pietersen, diving in front of him off Kallis’ bowling. And, if Royals were hoping for some Yusuf Pathan magic, it wasn’t coming.

Anil Kumble’s decision to bring back Dale Steyn worked immediately as the speedster knocked out the big-hitter with a short of the length delivery, which beat his tentative defence and crashed into the stumps. If Rajasthan managed to reach a decent score after being 72 for 6, it was thanks to some dedicated batting from Raut and Voges. Neither could go for the big strokes but ensured that they at least rotated the strike, before finally delivery a couple of lusty hits at the very end.

The target was too miniscule for Bangalore though, despite the early loss of Kallis, who was castled by Kamran Khan by one that kept really low. What followed was the Pietersen show, an exhibition of ruthless batting, which reiterated why Vijay Mallya was so bent on having him in his franchise. Khan was given a lesson in how not to ball at the start of an innings.

The usually economical Siddharth Trivedi as well as Watson were also taken to task. And, when Shane Warne came on, Pietersen made his intentions clear immediately charging down the pitch, making the legend look hapless.

Pietersen raced to 62 from 28 balls. He was out the only way he could have got out. Adamant on getting the strike, he overpowered a refusal from Virat Kohli for a sharp single, but only had to return to the dugout, fuming. A couple more wickets fell instantly. However, Rajasthan were left to rue not having enough runs on the board.

The Chappel-Hadlee series between the Trans-Tasman rivals has invariably produced thrilling cricket. And if the opening ODI at Napier was anything to go by, there is another humdinger of a series in store. The game on Wednesday went down to the wire, with a gritty lower-order effort by all-rounder Scott Styris making a difference in a rather tense atmosphere. The fact that the usually reticent Mitchell Johnson got into mortal kombat mode to take on Styris is ample evidence of what this series means to the Australians. But, they will need to do better than that to square the series at Eden Park, Auckland.

Although the visitors ended up on the losing side in the opener, there really wasn’t too much to choose between the two teams. And hence, all they must look to do is put up an improved batting as well as bowling performance, with the latter being more important. Luckily, they do not have any injury worries at the present moment.

Openers Shane Watson and Brad Haddin are in supreme form while the skipper himself can be expected to perform to keep his side in the hunt in this prestigious rivalry. The Aussie middle-order is as strong as any in the world today, with the classy Michael Clarke and suave Michael Hussey ably backed by the big hitting of Cameron White and James Hopes. What’s more, all of them have been among the runs lately, scoring heavily at that.

The Australian bowling suffered at the hands of Ross Taylor and co in Napier, but expect them to fight back strongly at Auckland. Mitchell Johnson won’t get a warm reception at the venue following his run-in with Styris. However, he shouldn’t mind it if crucial wickets come his way. Ryan Harris will find it difficult to repeat his heroics against Pakistan, but even if he is half as effective, the Aussies will be benefited amply. Doug Bollinger and Clint McKay have impressed more often than not whenever given the responsibility and whoever plays at Auckland will be expected to do the same. Ditto with Nathan Hauritz, who is slowly settling into his job as the side’s frontline spinner.

Unlike the Aussies, the Kiwis have a few injury worries, which will give them headaches despite the 1-0 lead, none more troublesome than the painful neck of their effervescent skipper Daniel Vettori. If the left-arm spinner doesn’t play, it would mean than Taylor will have to continue leading the team. And although, he did an admirable job in the opening encounter, the home side would want Vettori to be back as soon as possible, considering he has an impressive record against the number one ODI side in the world.

All-rounder Jacob Oram is another one on the hurt list. A tear of the patella tendon has ruled him out for one month which means additional responsibility on the seniors like Brendon McCullum and Taylor. Among the bowlers, spearhead Shane Bond will have to stand up and be counted once again.
The small ground means another high-scoring game is on the cards, but it should be a tight contest nonetheless.

They started off on Boxing day: 26th December. The season with Pakistan is nearing its end. Here’s a look at the results throughout the series:
Test Matches:
1st Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Melbourne (26th Dec-30th Dec, 2009)
Result: Australia won by 170 runs.

2nd Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Sydney (3rd Jan-6th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 36 runs.

3rd Test: Australia VS Pakistan at Hobart (14th Jan- 18th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 231 runs.

ODI Series:

1st ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Brisbane (22nd Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 5 wickets.

2nd ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Sydney (24th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 140 runs.

3rd ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Adelaide (26th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 40 runs.

4th ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Perth (29th Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 135 runs.

5th ODI: Australia VS Pakistan at Perth (31st Jan, 2010)
Result: Australia won by 2 wickets.

One easy observation off all this is — taking nothing away from the Aussies but Pakistan dug the pit themselves. Yes, they were outplayed but this all began after the Sydney fiasco. After Australia showed their fighting spirit in the Sydney test and won from the mandibles of defeat –Pakistan seemed to have given up. As far as Australia were concerned there was no looking back in their case. They wanted to improve on their performance and Damn well they did. The Aussies not just improved but dominated Pakistan throughout the test as well as the ODI series. The Aussies were relentless with their pace attack and bombed the Pakistani’s with 150+kmph bowling at the WACA. Some of the best performances that raised an eyebrow or two in the Test and ODI series are:

Pakistan

Umar Akmal- Umar Akmal performed pretty decently throughout the tour. He got constant starts in both the Test and ODI format. However, he wasn’t able to convert that into a big one. Perhaps, that was his only short-coming. Otherwise the young 19 year old has performed very well on just his second tour outside the sub-continent and his first against one of the top ranked teams. Umar Akmal is one to watch out for and it is vital that the Pakistani board do take good care of him and nurture the young man’s talent. One wasted opportunity that went begging was Akmal at 3. The management and the skipper Yousuf should have promoted the younger Akmal to 3 considering Younis khan’s poor run with the bat. Nevertheless, Akmal did the best possible,
He could do. Unfortunately, it was not enough for his team.

Mohd Asif- Asif broke into the spotlight with a wonderful display of bowling in the first innings of the Sydney test match with a 6- for. The lanky pace man with his wing and seamed got the Aussie batsmen wanting and was instrumental in bundling out the Aussies for a paltry score of 127. Asif however, was plagued with injuries throughout the series and missed out on quite a few matches. However, he did make good use of his opportunities and performed well in both forms of the game.

Mohd Aamer- Mohd Aamer, in spite of playing very few matches. He is Pakistan’s most interesting and exciting prospect in the future. Aamer with his skiddy pace and all this just at the age of 17 troubled Australia’s best batsmen. His swing at pace didn’t allow the batsmen to score freely especially in the death Overs. In an era where bowlers are injured more than wrestlers the Pakistan cricket board must like Umar Akmal nurture Mohd Aamer’s gifted talent so that he remains injury free and is Pakistan’s next left arm sensation.

Australia
Hard to name the whole team but, the whole team must be credited for their performance and for bringing the best out of each other at crucial moments.

Shane Watson- Shane Watson has simply matured beautifully as not just as batsman but an all rounder. His batting skills in both forms of the game have been exemplary and he has chipped in with his bowling at crucial moments across both series providing crucial breakthroughs. Watson had a wonderful test series against the Windies and continued in the same vain as Pakistan arrived. He deserved a much needed break at the latter stages of the ODI series. Watson is finally reaping the awards he put in behind the scenes. Watson must ensure that his body stays injury free and willing and the 27 year old could become one of the best all-rounder’s in the world.

Simon Katich- Katich has continued his good form for about a year now and has been one of Australia’s most un-noticed consistent performer. Katich’s effort must be lauded as he has been party to many Australian wins.

Michael hussey-MR. Cricket. The perfect name for the man. Fortunately, for Australia he has proven his test spot as well and has made it its own before too many questions were raised. He now looks a firm number 4 for the ashes and shall be one of australia’s pilgrim at the top of the order.

Ryan Harris- Played 3 matches picked up 13 wickets including two five fors and bagged the man of the series award. What a revelation! Truly, describes Australian cricket.

Doug Bollinger- Bollinger made his test debut last season against south Africa at home. His performance was ordinary. Take things forward 1 year later. With Mitchell Johnson resting for some part of the season Bollinger is Australia’s strike bowler. And, mind you Bollinger is still only a replacement for lee or bracken. Is that all about to change? Possibly, yes. Bollinger hasn’t put a foot wrong and should keep his spot even if Australia play full strength.

Both teams had weaknesses. Pakistan need to improve on their lackluster fielding and must show more will and determination in improve. Somehow one feels that with Mohd Yousuf as captain that spark seems to be missing. Pakistan need to Improve soon enough so that they can put forward a better display in the sole T20 contest where fielding is of utmost priority and then carry the same against England.

For Australia everything seems perfect at the moment. If they’d want anything, that would be their captain to strike gold again. Ponting after a super series in the Champions trophy as well as a good one in India has looked pretty average and much below his standards. Barring the match at Hobart ponting has had one of his worst home seasons. But, who can ever question Ricky Ponting. Who can ever question a great.

One thing is for sure ponting will definitely fight back and prove his critics wrong. As far as Australia are concerned they must win this one off T20 contest especially with the young blood that they have infused into their squad and better their T20 record. Australia have an ODI series with the West Indies to come followed by a trip to New Zealand for a 2 T20, 5 ODI’S and a 2 test series. They would want to continue their winning run and re assert their power as the number one ranked team in all formats of the game.

Cameron White

Start of season, Australia back in green and gold—more green then gold. 1st ODI of the summer. Pakistan VS Australia at the wooloongabba. Pakistan for a change won the toss and decided to bat. They were off to a rollicking start. Kamran Akmal and Salman Butt got off to an explosive start.

They put on 62 before Akmal was foxed by a Watson slower one. In came Younis Khan; his first international game in about three months and understandably he looked scratchy. Salman Butt took off from where Kamran Akmal left off and was soon the aggressor. He pulled, made room and smashed ‘em over cover all be it with a streak of luck—Butt was taking the attack to the Aussies.

Finally, Ponting brought on Bollinger back who was hustling in. He banged one in and Butt miscued the pull which went straight up in the air to be caught by Haddin. Bollinger accounted for Yousuf as well when he bowled a brilliant short delivery which bounced over chest height from just at good length.

Yousuf defended it; the ball bounced behind him and was bowled. Quite a dismissal! Umar Akmal looked in splendid form before he played a lose shot outside the off-stump and was taken by Haddin. Soon, wickets fell quickly and Pakistan were at 227 for 7 struggling to make it to 250. However, Afridi had other ideas. He smashed the ball to all parts of the ground. His 26 ball 48 consisted of 3 sixes and 5 fours. His cameo enabled Pakistan to reach a sizeable total of 274.

Australia were hit hard early by Mohd Aamer who bowled a brut of a delivery to Shane Watson. Australia were soon reduced to 37 for 2 and then 84 for 3 with no major contributions from the top 3. Pakistan were bossing it. Cameron white, the blonde bombshell from Victoria came in and along with Michael Clarke put on a 102 run stand bringing Australia right back into the contest.

Clarke eventually fell for 58 run out by Rana Naved. But, there was no stopping white as he continued on his merry ways. At the 40th over mark Australia still needed 75 of 60. Pakistan could still make a match of it. The next over by Afridi changed the course of the match. The over went 1, 6, 6, 6, 1, 1.

Ferocious hitting by White! Absolutely Brilliant! His first six was a waft over mid wicket. His second was another swing towards cow-corner (a very flat one). The third, best of the lot—took it from length and hammered it over the straight long on boundary. It was the flattest of the flattest—not more than 10 feet above the ground. The equation was simple then 54 of 54. Australia cruised home with Cameron White (105) getting to his second ODI century (1st at home). Michael Hussey yet another not out to him and more importantly yet another victory for Australia.