If there is one team in World Cricket that has its own distinctive style of play, it has to be Sri Lanka. It was Arjuna Ranatunga’s team that revolutionized one-day cricket during the 1996 world cup. The idea of exploiting the fielding restrictions was Ranatunga’s who gave his openers Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana the freedom to express themselves. That team took the World by storm and surprised everybody by lifting the World title. That win changed Lankan cricket forever.
Fifteen years on, the Sri Lankan team is one of the strongest contenders for the title. They have a very balanced side with a good number of batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders. They are led very well by Kumar Sangakkara and his deputy Mahela Jayawerdene, and have the experience of Dilshan, Fernando, Murlitharan and Samaraweera to support them. They have been very difficult to beat under their home conditions. With the exception of India, no other team has managed to record a series win in Lanka in the last three years.
Sri Lanka was the first test playing nation to declare their squad for the World Cup. Similar to India, anybody could predict fourteen spots in the team. The last spot was always going to be a surprise and like their neighbours they opted for the extra spinner. The Sri Lankan squad for the World Cup is:
1. Kumar Sangakkara (captain and wicket-keeper)
2. Mahela Jayawerdene (vice-captain)
3. Thilan Samaraweera
4. Tillakaratne Dilshan
5. Upul Tharanga
6. Angelo Mathews
7. Thisara Perera
8. Chamara Kapugedera
9. Chamara Silva
10. Muttiah Murlitharan
11. Ajantha Mendis
12. Dilhara Fernando
13. Nuwan Kulasekara
14. Lasith Malinga
15. Rangana Herath
Rangana Herath was the only surprise inclusion in this line-up. Many people were surprised by the exclusion of Suraj Randiv, the off-spinner. I think, the Sri Lankan selectors have taken a very good call by including Herath in place of Randiv. Herath will provide variety to their spinning options. They already have two off spinners in their squad, and the inclusion of a left arm orthodox spinner will give them more options if they are to play two spinners.
Jayasuriya and Vaas were excluded from the final fifteen and one would think that it was the right call. The final fifteen has a good balance of youth and experience and I would say that all of them have performed when given an opportunity. Jayasuriya was excluded after a poor run of form and it was the right time to move on for Sri Lankan Cricket. Vaas may have had a very good IPL but to be fair he can’t make it in the current line-up of fast bowlers that Sri Lanka possess.
What amazes me the most about Sri Lanka is their balance. Dilshan will open with either Tharanga or Jayawerdene and Sangakkara will walk in at number three. That makes a very formidable top four with Samaraweera to come in at number five to provide stability. They also possess good all-rounders in the form of Perera and Mathews who can do the job with both bat and ball. Sangakkara also has to option to play either Silva or Kapugedera depending on the inclusion of the extra spinner. Murlitharan will most certainly lead the spin attack in his swansong. Malinga and Kulasekera will complete the line-up. Sangakkara is a very lucky captain as he has a lot of options to choose from. It is very difficult to pick the best eleven from the fifteen and I think they will take that call only after assessing the conditions. Dlishan, Tharanga, Jayawerdene, Mathews, Perera, Murlitharan, Malinga, Kulasekara and the captain are certainly in the playing. For the tenth spot there will be competition between Samaraweera, Silva and Kapugedera and for the bowlers spot it would depend on whether they want to play the extra spinner or the fast bowler. With Perera doing well with both bat and ball, it is most likely at a spinner would get a game, so it boils down to Herath or Mendis. If I were Sangakkara I would go with Herath whose left arm spin would complement Murali very well.
It has to be noted that although Sri Lanka are very strong at home, they are new to the two new grounds that will make their debut this World Cup. They have three games at Premadasa and one at Wankhede in Mumbai, but two of their games are at the new grounds at Pallekelle and Hambantota. These venues are untested as the Sri Lanka-West Indies ODI series was washed out last month. Luckily for them, these two games are against Zimbabwe and Canada.
STRENGTHS:
1. Great balance in their line-up: According to me Sri Lanka are the most balanced side in the tournament as I have already mentioned they have enough batsmen, bowlers and all-rounders.
2. Strong top four: Sangakkara, Jayawerdene, Dilshan and Tharanga form a very formidable top order. It is very difficult to get past them under sub-continental conditions.
3. Strong bowling attack: Malinga and Kulasekara upfront with Perera and Murli to follow makes a very strong bowling attack.
WEAKNESSES:
1. Can Collapse at times: It has been seen that Sri Lanka can lose wickets in a heap. Most of the times it is when they are chasing and that has been their undoing. As an opposition captain I would win the toss and bat first to make them chase a total.
WARM UP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Netherlands Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. On February 12 at 09:30 AM Sri Lankan Time (same as IST).
2. Versus West Indies at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. On February 16 at 09:30 AM Sri Lankan Time.
GROUP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Canada at Mahindra Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium, Sooriyawewa, Hanbantota. On February 20 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
2. Versus Pakistan at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. On February 26 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
3. Versus Kenya at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. On March 1 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
4. Versus Australia at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. On March 5 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
5. Versus Zimbabwe at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. On March 10 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
6. Versus New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. On March 18 at 02:30 PM IST.
RECORD IN PREVIOUS WORLD CUPS:
1975: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1979: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1983: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1987: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1992: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1996: Champions. Beat Australia in the finals.
1999: Eliminated in the first round.
2003: Semi Finalists. Lost to Australia in the semi-finals.
2007: Runners-up. Lost to Australia in the finals.
MOST RUNS: Sanath Jayasuriya. 1165 runs in 38 matches at an average of 34.26
MOST WICKETS: Muttiah Murlitharan. 53 wickets in 31 matches at an average of 19.69.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Sunday, January 30, 2011
INDIAN DREAMS
It is a nice laidback Sunday and I was told by my father that one of the leading newspapers in India is carrying a feature on the World Cup. The main focus of that feature was India and Sachin Tendulkar. That is when I realized that with 20 days to go, the talk and excitement among the Indian fans and the media is going to increase exponentially.
No other cricket team carries the expectations of a billion people. What makes it even more special is that the World Cup is going to be held in this cricket crazy nation. Indian players feel the support of a billion people even when they play World Cups away from home. I can only imagine what it must be at home.
Every Indian fan remembers the disappointment of the last World Cup. To be honest, the Indian team wasn’t there physically or mentally. The squad wasn’t the fittest and all the chopping and changing in the two years coming into the tournament had taken its toll on the players. This time however, Indian fans do not have to worry about this. The core of the team has remained the same since Gary Kirsten has taken over the reins as coach and he has managed to get the players to improve their fitness and fielding. In hindsight I would say, the nadir of the 2007 World Cup has helped Indian cricket to keep pace with the other teams in world cricket.
The squad that Krishnamachari Shrikant and his team of selectors have picked was anybody’s guess. There were no major surprised and that just goes to show the team built by MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten. The team for the World Cup is:
1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper)
2. Virender Sehwag
3. Gautam Gambhir
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Virat Kohli
7. Suresh Raina
8. Yusuf Pathan
9. Praveen Kumar
10. Harbhajan Singh
11. Ravichandran Ashwin
12. Zaheer Khan
13. Ashish Nehra
14. Munaf Patel
15. Piyush Chawla
The only surprise for me in this squad was the inclusion of Piyush Chawla. To be honest, India is not going to play more than one spinner as the part timers will be used as the fifth bowling option. Yuvraj and Pathan will have to bowl in the middle overs to support Harbhajan Singh. Instead of Piyush Chawla, India should have taken Parthiv Patel as he would provide an able back up wicket keeping option and has looked very good with the bat off late.
Out of the fifteen, twelve select themselves in the team. There was competiton between Sreesanth and Munaf but the latter won the race due to his match winning spell at Johannesburg. Ashwin’s performance against New Zealand helped him pip Ojha for the second spinner’s spot. For the fifteenth spot there was competition between a spinner and a batsman but the selectors opted for the extra spinner.
Six of these players were a part of the World Cup final of 2003 and they definitely know a thing or two about making it to all important clash. Even today Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Zaheer and Nehra form the core of the team and know their roles well going into the tournament. These six will be joined by Dhoni, Gambhir and Kohli in the playing eleven. Mahendra Singh Dhoni then has to make a choice between Raina and Pathan for the seventh batsman. I would go with Pathan as he is a better bowler and was really sensational with the bat off late. Dhoni also has to choose between Munaf and Praveen. Praveen has been very good over the last two years but Munaf has been good in South Africa. If the team management looks to play both of them, then I think Ashish Nehra may have to sit out. For a change, it is good to see that India do not have many problems selecting the eleven.
STRENGTHS:
1. The Strong Batting Line-up: The batting looks really good with Sachin, Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Kohli. Raina or Pathan will play as the seventh batsman. Although, Yuvraj and Dhoni haven’t been in the best of form, at home they can really turn it on.
2. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh: Zaheer Khan has been India’s best bowler for a long time now. He bowls very well at the start and at the end when the batsmen are looking to go after the bowling. Harbhajan Singh has been in good form in South Africa. He has picked up wickets in the middle overs and has also checked the scoring rate. If India are to do well in the tournament, these two have to continue their good work from the Rainbow nation.
3. Home advantage: The fact that the Tournament is at home, the India team will feel that it is their best chance as they know the conditions well and are a formidable unit on their own turf.
WEAKNESSES:
1. The Bowling can be inconsistent at times. On their day, the Indian attack can really take it to the opposition but at times they get tapped. The other bowlers have to provide able support to Zaheer and Harbhajan to get wickets and check the scoring rate.
2. Slow starters at the World Cup: History tells us that India aren’t the best when it comes to starting the World Cup. In 1999, they lost their first two games against South Africa and Zimbabwe from a position they could have won. In 2003 they got past the Netherlands unconvincingly and were hammered buy Australia in the second game and nobody will forget the last World Cup. Indian fans will hope that their team breaks this trend and starts the Cup confidently.
WARM UP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Australia at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. On February 13 at 02:30 PM IST.
2. Versus New Zealand at M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. On February 16 at 02:30 PM IST.
GROUP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh. On February 19 at 02:30 PM Bangladesh time (02:00 PM IST).
2. Versus England, venue to be announced as it was to be held at Eden Gardens. On February 27 at 02:30 PM IST.
3. Versus Ireland at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. On March 6 at 02:30 PM IST.
4. Versus Netherlands at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. On March 9 at 02:30 PM IST.
5. Versus South Africa at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Jamtha, Nagpur. On March 12 at 02:30 PM IST.
6. Versus West Indies at M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. On March 20 at 02:30 PM IST.
RECORD IN PREVIOUS WORLD CUPS:
1975: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1979: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1983: Champions. Beat West Indies in the final.
1987: Semi Finalists. Lost to England in the semi finals.
1992: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1996: Semi Finalists. Lost to Sri Lanka in the semi finals.
1999: Eliminated in the Super sixes.
2003: Runners-up. Lost to Australia in the final.
2007: Eliminated in the first round
MOST RUNS: Sachin Tendulkar. 1796 runs in 36 matches at an average of 57.93.
MOST WICKETS: Javagal Srinath. 44 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 27.81
No other cricket team carries the expectations of a billion people. What makes it even more special is that the World Cup is going to be held in this cricket crazy nation. Indian players feel the support of a billion people even when they play World Cups away from home. I can only imagine what it must be at home.
Every Indian fan remembers the disappointment of the last World Cup. To be honest, the Indian team wasn’t there physically or mentally. The squad wasn’t the fittest and all the chopping and changing in the two years coming into the tournament had taken its toll on the players. This time however, Indian fans do not have to worry about this. The core of the team has remained the same since Gary Kirsten has taken over the reins as coach and he has managed to get the players to improve their fitness and fielding. In hindsight I would say, the nadir of the 2007 World Cup has helped Indian cricket to keep pace with the other teams in world cricket.
The squad that Krishnamachari Shrikant and his team of selectors have picked was anybody’s guess. There were no major surprised and that just goes to show the team built by MS Dhoni and Gary Kirsten. The team for the World Cup is:
1. Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain and wicket-keeper)
2. Virender Sehwag
3. Gautam Gambhir
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Virat Kohli
7. Suresh Raina
8. Yusuf Pathan
9. Praveen Kumar
10. Harbhajan Singh
11. Ravichandran Ashwin
12. Zaheer Khan
13. Ashish Nehra
14. Munaf Patel
15. Piyush Chawla
The only surprise for me in this squad was the inclusion of Piyush Chawla. To be honest, India is not going to play more than one spinner as the part timers will be used as the fifth bowling option. Yuvraj and Pathan will have to bowl in the middle overs to support Harbhajan Singh. Instead of Piyush Chawla, India should have taken Parthiv Patel as he would provide an able back up wicket keeping option and has looked very good with the bat off late.
Out of the fifteen, twelve select themselves in the team. There was competiton between Sreesanth and Munaf but the latter won the race due to his match winning spell at Johannesburg. Ashwin’s performance against New Zealand helped him pip Ojha for the second spinner’s spot. For the fifteenth spot there was competition between a spinner and a batsman but the selectors opted for the extra spinner.
Six of these players were a part of the World Cup final of 2003 and they definitely know a thing or two about making it to all important clash. Even today Sachin, Sehwag, Yuvraj, Harbhajan, Zaheer and Nehra form the core of the team and know their roles well going into the tournament. These six will be joined by Dhoni, Gambhir and Kohli in the playing eleven. Mahendra Singh Dhoni then has to make a choice between Raina and Pathan for the seventh batsman. I would go with Pathan as he is a better bowler and was really sensational with the bat off late. Dhoni also has to choose between Munaf and Praveen. Praveen has been very good over the last two years but Munaf has been good in South Africa. If the team management looks to play both of them, then I think Ashish Nehra may have to sit out. For a change, it is good to see that India do not have many problems selecting the eleven.
STRENGTHS:
1. The Strong Batting Line-up: The batting looks really good with Sachin, Sehwag, Gambhir, Yuvraj, Dhoni and Kohli. Raina or Pathan will play as the seventh batsman. Although, Yuvraj and Dhoni haven’t been in the best of form, at home they can really turn it on.
2. Zaheer Khan and Harbhajan Singh: Zaheer Khan has been India’s best bowler for a long time now. He bowls very well at the start and at the end when the batsmen are looking to go after the bowling. Harbhajan Singh has been in good form in South Africa. He has picked up wickets in the middle overs and has also checked the scoring rate. If India are to do well in the tournament, these two have to continue their good work from the Rainbow nation.
3. Home advantage: The fact that the Tournament is at home, the India team will feel that it is their best chance as they know the conditions well and are a formidable unit on their own turf.
WEAKNESSES:
1. The Bowling can be inconsistent at times. On their day, the Indian attack can really take it to the opposition but at times they get tapped. The other bowlers have to provide able support to Zaheer and Harbhajan to get wickets and check the scoring rate.
2. Slow starters at the World Cup: History tells us that India aren’t the best when it comes to starting the World Cup. In 1999, they lost their first two games against South Africa and Zimbabwe from a position they could have won. In 2003 they got past the Netherlands unconvincingly and were hammered buy Australia in the second game and nobody will forget the last World Cup. Indian fans will hope that their team breaks this trend and starts the Cup confidently.
WARM UP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Australia at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. On February 13 at 02:30 PM IST.
2. Versus New Zealand at M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. On February 16 at 02:30 PM IST.
GROUP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Bangladesh at Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Bangladesh. On February 19 at 02:30 PM Bangladesh time (02:00 PM IST).
2. Versus England, venue to be announced as it was to be held at Eden Gardens. On February 27 at 02:30 PM IST.
3. Versus Ireland at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. On March 6 at 02:30 PM IST.
4. Versus Netherlands at Feroz Shah Kotla, Delhi. On March 9 at 02:30 PM IST.
5. Versus South Africa at Vidarbha Cricket Association Ground, Jamtha, Nagpur. On March 12 at 02:30 PM IST.
6. Versus West Indies at M.A.Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. On March 20 at 02:30 PM IST.
RECORD IN PREVIOUS WORLD CUPS:
1975: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1979: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1983: Champions. Beat West Indies in the final.
1987: Semi Finalists. Lost to England in the semi finals.
1992: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1996: Semi Finalists. Lost to Sri Lanka in the semi finals.
1999: Eliminated in the Super sixes.
2003: Runners-up. Lost to Australia in the final.
2007: Eliminated in the first round
MOST RUNS: Sachin Tendulkar. 1796 runs in 36 matches at an average of 57.93.
MOST WICKETS: Javagal Srinath. 44 wickets in 34 matches at an average of 27.81
Saturday, January 29, 2011
AUSSIE JUGGERNAUT!!!
Twenty one days!! That is all that separates us and the ICC Cricket World Cup 2011. The countdown has for the showcase event which is going to be hosted by the cricket crazy Indian Subcontinent. As a preview to the World Cup, I will preview each team, their squad and their chances at the mega event. I will go in order of the rankings, so to start we have Australia…
AUSSIE FORCE
Australia return to the World Cup at the centre where their World Domination began. It was Allan Border’s side in 1987 that set the tone for the next generation to dominate world cricket for over two decades.
Off late, Australia’s hold over World Cricket Domination has loosened. To be really fair, it is because most of their stalwarts retired at the same time. The Haydens, Gilchrists, McGraths, Warnes etc hanged their boots one after the other. Player who were their replacements in on-off games found themselves in the thick of things. In ODI cricket, they still continue to dominate and have hardly lost a series since the last world cup. The squad that they have picked is almost the same as the one that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009 and the ODI series in India the same year. The squad:
1. Ricky Ponting (captain)
2. Michael Clarke (vice-captain)
3. Michael Hussey
4. David Hussey
5. Brad Haddin
6. Shane Watson
7. Tim Paine
8. Steven Smith
9. John Hastings
10. Brett Lee
11. Nathan Hauritz
12. Shaun Tait
13. Doug Bollinger
14. Cameron White
15. Mitchell Johnson
Australia is currently playing the ODI series versus England and have done very well to 3-1 going into the 5th game at Brisbane. I say Australia have done well because they are without Ponting and Michael Hussey, Hauritz, and Tait have injured themselves in course of the ongoing series. Apart from Ponting, the other injured men are doubtful for the World Cup. Michael Hussey is an important figure for Australia and is one man who has been consistent during the Ashes down under. If he isn’t able to recover in time then Shaun Marsh will find himself in the squad. Marsh replaced Hussey in the second ODI at Hobart and made an amazing hundred. If I was a selector I would pick Marsh ahead of David Hussey. Although Hussey provides variety with his off breaks to go with his batting, Shaun Marsh provides reliability at the top of the order. More importantly, Marsh has been very successful in India. He did very well in the ODI series in 2009 getting that hundred at Hyderabad and who will forget IPL 2008 where he scored over 600 runs in 11 games.
Coming into the subcontinent, it is very important to have spinners in your team. Australia have picked Steven Smith and Nathan Hauritz. Steven Smith is more of a batting all rounder and off late they haven’t looked at him as a bowling option but have relied on the services of Hauritz or Xavier Doherty. Hauritz has dislocated his shoulder and is doubtful for the World Cup. Doherty will walk in if Hauritz doesn’t make it. I think he too should have been in the squad in the first place. Australia are carrying a fast bowler too many. For subcontinental conditions you need to have a good stock of spinners in your side. Xavier Doherty should have been picked in place of John Hastings. Shaun Tait is another injury worry. With his pace he can be menacing on any surface and Australia will pray that he be fit in time for the tournament.
STRENGHTS:
1. Despite their failure in tests the bowlers that Australia have in their roster are very good for the ODI game. Ryan Harris and Clint McKay would have been good options but are out for a long time due to injuries. Doug Bollinger, Brett Lee, Johnson and Tait(if fit) form a very dangerous attack. Bowlers like Siddle and Hilfenhaus are waiting in the wings.
2. The form of Shane Watson is one major plus point for the Australians. He has provided them with fantastic starts as an opener and is very useful option with the ball. In India it is important to get runs on the board, and Watson will be the key to that for the Aussies.
3. Fielding. Australia is still a fantastic fielding side and they save over 30 excess runs each game and it is generally the difference between the two sides.
WEAKNESSES:
1. Just one I would say: Lack of Spinning Options. With Hauritz doubtful and Smith preferred more for his batting, Australia do not have many spinning options. David Hussey may have to bowl to provide some crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
WARM UP FIXTURES:
1. Versus India at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. February 13 at 02:30 PM IST.
2. Versus Australia at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. February 15 at 02:30 PM IST.
GROUP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Zimbabwe at Sardar Patel Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad. February 21 at 02:30 PM IST
2. Versus New Zealand at Vidharba Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur. February 25 at 09:30 AM IST
3. Versus Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. March 5 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time (same as IST)
4. Versus Kenya at M.Chinnaswamy Staium, Bengaluru. March 13 at 02:30 PM IST.
5. Versus Canada at M.Chinnaswamy Staium, Bengaluru. March 16 at 02:30 PM IST.
6. Versus Pakistan at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. March 19 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
RECORD IN PREVIOUS TOURNAMENTS:
1975: Lost in the final to West Indies.
1979: Did not qualify for semi finals.
1983: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1987: Champions. Beat England in the finals.
1992: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1996: Lost in the finals to Sri Lanka.
1999: Champions. Beat Pakistan in the finals
2003: Champions. Beat India in the finals.
2007: Champions. Beat Sri Lanka in the finals.
MOST RUNS: Ricky Ponting. 1537 runs at an average of 48.03 in 39 matches
MOST WICKETS: Glenn McGrath. 71 wickets at an average of 18.19 in 39 matches
AUSSIE FORCE
Australia return to the World Cup at the centre where their World Domination began. It was Allan Border’s side in 1987 that set the tone for the next generation to dominate world cricket for over two decades.
Off late, Australia’s hold over World Cricket Domination has loosened. To be really fair, it is because most of their stalwarts retired at the same time. The Haydens, Gilchrists, McGraths, Warnes etc hanged their boots one after the other. Player who were their replacements in on-off games found themselves in the thick of things. In ODI cricket, they still continue to dominate and have hardly lost a series since the last world cup. The squad that they have picked is almost the same as the one that won the ICC Champions Trophy in 2009 and the ODI series in India the same year. The squad:
1. Ricky Ponting (captain)
2. Michael Clarke (vice-captain)
3. Michael Hussey
4. David Hussey
5. Brad Haddin
6. Shane Watson
7. Tim Paine
8. Steven Smith
9. John Hastings
10. Brett Lee
11. Nathan Hauritz
12. Shaun Tait
13. Doug Bollinger
14. Cameron White
15. Mitchell Johnson
Australia is currently playing the ODI series versus England and have done very well to 3-1 going into the 5th game at Brisbane. I say Australia have done well because they are without Ponting and Michael Hussey, Hauritz, and Tait have injured themselves in course of the ongoing series. Apart from Ponting, the other injured men are doubtful for the World Cup. Michael Hussey is an important figure for Australia and is one man who has been consistent during the Ashes down under. If he isn’t able to recover in time then Shaun Marsh will find himself in the squad. Marsh replaced Hussey in the second ODI at Hobart and made an amazing hundred. If I was a selector I would pick Marsh ahead of David Hussey. Although Hussey provides variety with his off breaks to go with his batting, Shaun Marsh provides reliability at the top of the order. More importantly, Marsh has been very successful in India. He did very well in the ODI series in 2009 getting that hundred at Hyderabad and who will forget IPL 2008 where he scored over 600 runs in 11 games.
Coming into the subcontinent, it is very important to have spinners in your team. Australia have picked Steven Smith and Nathan Hauritz. Steven Smith is more of a batting all rounder and off late they haven’t looked at him as a bowling option but have relied on the services of Hauritz or Xavier Doherty. Hauritz has dislocated his shoulder and is doubtful for the World Cup. Doherty will walk in if Hauritz doesn’t make it. I think he too should have been in the squad in the first place. Australia are carrying a fast bowler too many. For subcontinental conditions you need to have a good stock of spinners in your side. Xavier Doherty should have been picked in place of John Hastings. Shaun Tait is another injury worry. With his pace he can be menacing on any surface and Australia will pray that he be fit in time for the tournament.
STRENGHTS:
1. Despite their failure in tests the bowlers that Australia have in their roster are very good for the ODI game. Ryan Harris and Clint McKay would have been good options but are out for a long time due to injuries. Doug Bollinger, Brett Lee, Johnson and Tait(if fit) form a very dangerous attack. Bowlers like Siddle and Hilfenhaus are waiting in the wings.
2. The form of Shane Watson is one major plus point for the Australians. He has provided them with fantastic starts as an opener and is very useful option with the ball. In India it is important to get runs on the board, and Watson will be the key to that for the Aussies.
3. Fielding. Australia is still a fantastic fielding side and they save over 30 excess runs each game and it is generally the difference between the two sides.
WEAKNESSES:
1. Just one I would say: Lack of Spinning Options. With Hauritz doubtful and Smith preferred more for his batting, Australia do not have many spinning options. David Hussey may have to bowl to provide some crucial breakthroughs in the middle overs.
WARM UP FIXTURES:
1. Versus India at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. February 13 at 02:30 PM IST.
2. Versus Australia at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. February 15 at 02:30 PM IST.
GROUP FIXTURES:
1. Versus Zimbabwe at Sardar Patel Motera Stadium, Ahmedabad. February 21 at 02:30 PM IST
2. Versus New Zealand at Vidharba Cricket Association Ground, Nagpur. February 25 at 09:30 AM IST
3. Versus Sri Lanka at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. March 5 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time (same as IST)
4. Versus Kenya at M.Chinnaswamy Staium, Bengaluru. March 13 at 02:30 PM IST.
5. Versus Canada at M.Chinnaswamy Staium, Bengaluru. March 16 at 02:30 PM IST.
6. Versus Pakistan at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo. March 19 at 02:30 PM Sri Lankan Time.
RECORD IN PREVIOUS TOURNAMENTS:
1975: Lost in the final to West Indies.
1979: Did not qualify for semi finals.
1983: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1987: Champions. Beat England in the finals.
1992: Did not qualify for the semi finals.
1996: Lost in the finals to Sri Lanka.
1999: Champions. Beat Pakistan in the finals
2003: Champions. Beat India in the finals.
2007: Champions. Beat Sri Lanka in the finals.
MOST RUNS: Ricky Ponting. 1537 runs at an average of 48.03 in 39 matches
MOST WICKETS: Glenn McGrath. 71 wickets at an average of 18.19 in 39 matches
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Slip Between the Cup and the Lips
How many times does momentum shift in a game of cricket? How many times do we see series defining moments in a span of a few over? This is exactly what has been happening in each ODI between India and South Africa after the Durban encounter. In each game we have seen moments that have tilted the balance in favour of one team or the other.
This series has shown us that there is not much to choose between the two teams. South Africa won the first encounter of both the Test and ODI series and India came back stronger in the matches to follow. The most crucial moments in the series have been the Batting Power Plays. In the Johannesburg ODI, both teams lost momentum in the batting powerplays. India lost four wickets and South Africa misread the situation when they opted for it. Smith opted for the powerplay when they were cruising and needed just over two runs an over and from then on it just went downhill. The commentators on air said that they were surprised with Smith’s decision as in the powerplays singles aren’t in abundance but the batsmen have to take the initiative and clear the infield. This was the moment when India regained the advantage. In Cape Town, the debutant Francois Du Plessis and JP Duminy did well to resurrect the innings and take it to 200 for 4. Once again they lost a heap of wickets in the powerplay and ended up with only 221. With early wickets SA looked favorites but the over that Botha got a pasting from Pathan was when the shift in momentum took place. In the last game the Duminy-Botha partenship set the game for SA. The partnership was crucial as SA had pressed the panic button and sanity had to be restored. After this partnership India never really looked in the game.
As we see the series has been all about momentum shifts. In every game there has been one partnership or a bowling spell that has titled the advantage in favour of one team. With the series going down to the last game, it will be interesting to see which team can seize the initiative and grab a match altering opportunity. The worry in both camps would be the wickets falling in a heap. With the exception of Kohli, none of the Indian batsmen were able to build an innings. Meanwhile, South Africa will be wary of their running between the wickets. There were needless run outs in the previous game and it could have cost them the game had Botha and Duminy not strung together a partnership. The bowling has been good from both teams. The spinners and the pacers have stepped up whenever required. It will be interesting to see whether any of the teams are ready to take a gamble with their spinning option going into the last game, whether SA will bring in Imran Tahir and India will bring in Ashwin. In all probability they will go in with the same line ups.
A major concern for India would be the form of their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Apart from his fighting 90 odd in the Centurion test, he hasn’t really been among the runs. Having been a finisher in the batting line-up it is really crucial that he regains his form prior to the world cup. Yuvraj Singh has got starts but hasn’t converted them. We shouldn’t worry about his form as he has looked in touch but just needs to carry on. Going into the last game, I am very interested to see Zaheer taking on Smith. This battle has its history and it may be the last time we may be seeing it on South African soil.
It is very difficult to pick a winner for the last game. As I said earlier, it all depends on the team seizing the crucial moment. A great decider awaits us, weather permitting. Fingers crossed!!!!
This series has shown us that there is not much to choose between the two teams. South Africa won the first encounter of both the Test and ODI series and India came back stronger in the matches to follow. The most crucial moments in the series have been the Batting Power Plays. In the Johannesburg ODI, both teams lost momentum in the batting powerplays. India lost four wickets and South Africa misread the situation when they opted for it. Smith opted for the powerplay when they were cruising and needed just over two runs an over and from then on it just went downhill. The commentators on air said that they were surprised with Smith’s decision as in the powerplays singles aren’t in abundance but the batsmen have to take the initiative and clear the infield. This was the moment when India regained the advantage. In Cape Town, the debutant Francois Du Plessis and JP Duminy did well to resurrect the innings and take it to 200 for 4. Once again they lost a heap of wickets in the powerplay and ended up with only 221. With early wickets SA looked favorites but the over that Botha got a pasting from Pathan was when the shift in momentum took place. In the last game the Duminy-Botha partenship set the game for SA. The partnership was crucial as SA had pressed the panic button and sanity had to be restored. After this partnership India never really looked in the game.
As we see the series has been all about momentum shifts. In every game there has been one partnership or a bowling spell that has titled the advantage in favour of one team. With the series going down to the last game, it will be interesting to see which team can seize the initiative and grab a match altering opportunity. The worry in both camps would be the wickets falling in a heap. With the exception of Kohli, none of the Indian batsmen were able to build an innings. Meanwhile, South Africa will be wary of their running between the wickets. There were needless run outs in the previous game and it could have cost them the game had Botha and Duminy not strung together a partnership. The bowling has been good from both teams. The spinners and the pacers have stepped up whenever required. It will be interesting to see whether any of the teams are ready to take a gamble with their spinning option going into the last game, whether SA will bring in Imran Tahir and India will bring in Ashwin. In all probability they will go in with the same line ups.
A major concern for India would be the form of their captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Apart from his fighting 90 odd in the Centurion test, he hasn’t really been among the runs. Having been a finisher in the batting line-up it is really crucial that he regains his form prior to the world cup. Yuvraj Singh has got starts but hasn’t converted them. We shouldn’t worry about his form as he has looked in touch but just needs to carry on. Going into the last game, I am very interested to see Zaheer taking on Smith. This battle has its history and it may be the last time we may be seeing it on South African soil.
It is very difficult to pick a winner for the last game. As I said earlier, it all depends on the team seizing the crucial moment. A great decider awaits us, weather permitting. Fingers crossed!!!!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Teacher Kingsmead
If there is one thing that amazes me about Kingsmead, it is the way the conditions change once the floodlights come one. We witnessed South Africa drubbing India by 135 runs after they batted first and put on 289. Coming from the highs of the test series and the solitary T20, the Indian team were found wanting in tough conditions. History teaches us that chasing in Durban isn’t the easiest thing. Indian fans will be familiar with a few matches that India have won batting first at this ground like the 2003 game against England where Nehra got a 6 for, and the 3 crucial games of the 2007 ICC World T20 against England, South Africa and Australia. The outfield for yesterday’s game was really slow due to the overnight rain and it didn’t help the batting side at all.
Leaving all this aside, I believe India could have batted a lot better. Rohit Sharma and Dhoni were unlucky to get out the way they did, but the others could have really taken the initiative. I think India missed the trick somewhere when they included Murali Vijay as a cover when Sehwag was injured. He was given quite a few opportunities prior to this game and didn’t convert the good starts he got into big ones. In the three games against New Zealand he got to the 30’s and then got out. The selectors should have opted for someone like Parthiv Patel, who I think kept cleanly in the home series against New Zealand and also got two good fifties. Had he been selected, there would have been a back-up wicketkeeper in the squad. The selectors are looking to settle the squad of 15 for the World Cup and for that they should have kept in mind a reserve wicketkeeper.
I am of the opinion that India can change their batting order a little for the next game at the Wanderers. Murali Vijay should make way for Yusuf Pathan and maybe a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli be made to open the batting with Sachin Tendulkar. What is missing is the start that Sehwag provides. It is very difficult to fill in the shoes of Sehwag but someone has to support Tendulkar who is mainly going to play the anchor. Yesterday, he got out playing the risky shot, and it was all due to the pressure created due to the dismissal of Vijay very early. If Dhoni want to take a chance, then he can even send Pathan to open the batting. He took that chance in the T20 final, didn’t he!!!! Why not try it again? It may or may not work, but someone has to provide a quick knock at one end so that Tendulkar can hold the innings together like he usually does. If the other opener is able to that then India can see themselves putting up a very good total as Sachin also goes along at a very good strike rate.
The next game is at Johannesburg, where the conditions are very different from that of Durban. We move up the Highveld, which is at an altitude. Thus the air will be thinner and the movement under lights will be much lesser. Meanwhile, Dhoni and the rest of the Indian think tank have to work out a solution to the problems they faced in Durban. It will be really nice to see India pulling this one off and leveling the series.
Leaving all this aside, I believe India could have batted a lot better. Rohit Sharma and Dhoni were unlucky to get out the way they did, but the others could have really taken the initiative. I think India missed the trick somewhere when they included Murali Vijay as a cover when Sehwag was injured. He was given quite a few opportunities prior to this game and didn’t convert the good starts he got into big ones. In the three games against New Zealand he got to the 30’s and then got out. The selectors should have opted for someone like Parthiv Patel, who I think kept cleanly in the home series against New Zealand and also got two good fifties. Had he been selected, there would have been a back-up wicketkeeper in the squad. The selectors are looking to settle the squad of 15 for the World Cup and for that they should have kept in mind a reserve wicketkeeper.
I am of the opinion that India can change their batting order a little for the next game at the Wanderers. Murali Vijay should make way for Yusuf Pathan and maybe a Rohit Sharma or a Virat Kohli be made to open the batting with Sachin Tendulkar. What is missing is the start that Sehwag provides. It is very difficult to fill in the shoes of Sehwag but someone has to support Tendulkar who is mainly going to play the anchor. Yesterday, he got out playing the risky shot, and it was all due to the pressure created due to the dismissal of Vijay very early. If Dhoni want to take a chance, then he can even send Pathan to open the batting. He took that chance in the T20 final, didn’t he!!!! Why not try it again? It may or may not work, but someone has to provide a quick knock at one end so that Tendulkar can hold the innings together like he usually does. If the other opener is able to that then India can see themselves putting up a very good total as Sachin also goes along at a very good strike rate.
The next game is at Johannesburg, where the conditions are very different from that of Durban. We move up the Highveld, which is at an altitude. Thus the air will be thinner and the movement under lights will be much lesser. Meanwhile, Dhoni and the rest of the Indian think tank have to work out a solution to the problems they faced in Durban. It will be really nice to see India pulling this one off and leveling the series.
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