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test series
Mahendra Singh Dhoni going the Kapil way?
Kapil Dev Nikhanj. Mahendra Singh Dhoni.
Two charismatic skippers with winning ways.
The former led Team India to an epochal triumph in the 1983 World Cup, a victory which led to a radical power shift within the ICC. The Reliance World Cup followed in 1987. The circle was complete. The colonised were now king-makers.
Mahendra Singh Dhoni was fortunate to be selected skipper for the inaugural 2007 T20 World Cup. He thrust a young, inexperienced team to the pinnacle in a format ignored by the bigger guns—Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Anil Kumble and Saurav Ganguly.
Saurav Ganguly: What he said, really meant and definitely did not
What he said:
“Make the most when you get it, once it goes, you won’t get it back, even how much you want it."
Saurav Ganguly has no sympathy for the moaners and groaners in the Indian squad. He feels that the India cap is hard-earned and is not to be worn lightly.
"I’m too fed up hearing this "time to recover" [excuse] – don’t play for India then, you know this is what it is, you have to come back and play a Test series.” said the former captain.
What he really meant:
“Aches and pains come and go. The India cap comes along—rarely.”
What he definitely didn’t:
“The guys in this Indian side can approach me for tips on how to play short-pitched stuff.”
Shane Warne: What he said, really meant and definitely did not
What he said:
“It will be a shoot-out between both bowling attacks."
Shane Warne believes that the better bowling side will take the honours in the India versus England Test series, beginning on the 21st of July, 2011.
What he really meant:
“The faster and the more furious, the better.”
What he definitely didn’t:
“It’s the Wild West all over again. Hey, wait a second, was cricket played out there—then?”India cricket: Closing out games, a matter of intent, not skill
If you don’t play to win, can you triumph?
The Indian team, in the 3rd Test, accepted a tame draw instead of grasping a victory within reach.
Much has been said and written about the Indian batting line-up’s unwillingness to take up the challenge of scoring 180 runs in 47 overs.
Not much has been made of the Indian bowling’s lack of incisiveness and penetration when they should have gone for the kill. The last five West Indian wickets added 121 runs between them.
The Indian and international press have unflinchingly condemned the No.1 team’s tactics.
Stuart Law: What he said, really meant and definitely did not
What he said:
“It was another great innings today. He’s a pain in the backside, to be honest.”
Sri Lankan coach, Stuart Law, minces no words in his assessment of Ian Bell’s contribution to his side’s travails in the Test series against England.
What he really meant:
“Bell has been the backbone of this English side—to our detriment.”
What he definitely didn’t:
“I’ve ordered extra padding in our players’ trouser seats. And loads of Zandu balm.”
India versus South Africa: Series ends tied one all
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I must admit that I am relieved that the twin Test series in South Africa and Australia have ended. The cricket has been exhilarating, the battle has seesawed between the sides and there has been no respite from the all-encompassing media hype.
I hope to catch a break from all forms of cricket until the World Cup. I have seriously overdosed.
India finish tied 1-1 on the Last Frontier in the Rainbow Nation. This will be a result they will cherish , but they will also regret that they could not make it a more memorable tour.
Poms dispatch the Ashes post-haste to England: Aussies go down 1-3
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It has been an exhilarating month-and-a-half for cricket aficionados. The two Test series in the antipodes, Australia and South Africa, witnessed enchanting, entertaining cricket from four sides.
The Ashes, whose history goes back over a hundred years, and the Sumo tie between the Goliaths of modern day cricket, India and South Africa, were a treat for the eyes. The Ashes more so for the excellent Hot Spot camera views. No complaints about umpiring decisions there.
India Versus South Africa: Thoughts before the first ball is bowled
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If this is the Final Frontier for India, is the run-up to the series the Final Countdown?
If Tendulkar scores his 50th ton in the first Test, will he be a centurion or a half-centurion at the Centurion?
The Australian Press Go Gaga over their team’s performance: Just kidding!
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The Ashes evoke reactions like no other Test series in the cricketing world.
Some excerpts of the media reactions to the first Test between England and Australia at the Gabba. A stream of classy vituperations:
McCullum keeps India at bay with classy double: Second Test drawn
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The second Test match at Hyderabad ended as a damp squib as well.
There were many who considered the tourists easy meat coming into the Test series. The New Zealand batsmen obviously had other thoughts.
Except for the first innings here when they collapsed after a healthy start, they have made the Indian bowlers labour hard for their wickets. They have not let the home side buy their wickets cheap.
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Make Time For Sports. 