2008 IPL
Winning Captain Shane Warne
MOM final Yusuf Pathan
Man of Series Shane Watson
2009 IPL
Winning Captain Gilly
MOM final Anil Kumble
Man of series Gilly
2010 IPL
Winning Captain Dhoni
MOM final Suresh Raina
Man of series Sachin Tendulkar
2011 IPL
Winning Captain Dhoni
MOM final Hussey
Man of series Chris Gayle
2012 IPL
Winning Captain GG
MOM final Bisla
Man of series Sunil Narine
2013 IPL
Winning Captain Rohit Sharma
MOM final Pollard
Man of series Shane Watson
2014 IPL
Winning Captain GG
MOM final M Pandey
Man of series Glen Maxwell
2009 CL
MOM final Brett Lee
Man of series Brett Lee
2010 CL
Man of series R Ashwin
Winning Captain MS Dhoni
2011 CL
Man of series Malinga
MOM final H Singh
Winning Capain H Singh
2012 CL
Winning Captain Brad Haddin
MOM final Michael Lumb
Man of series Mitchell Starc
2013 CL
Winning Captain Rohit Sharma
MOM final H Singh
Man of series Dwayne Smith
Friday, 27 June 2014
Wednesday, 25 June 2014
Monday, 23 June 2014
23rd June 2013
The only time you would have heard Michael Holding commentate in a 20 over game! This day last year at Edgbaston.
India won the 2013 ICC World Twenty20 (I mean the Champions Trophy with a 20/20 final!)
They won all five matches on their journey to glory against five different opposition. They defeated South Africa at Cardiff, India at the Oval and Pakistan at Edgbaston during the group stages. They then defeated Sri Lanka in the semi final in Wales before going on to hold their nerve to take out the title in the final against England in Birmingham. Prior to the tournament they won both warm up fixtures against Sri Lanka at Edgbaston and bowled out Australia for double digits at Cardiff.
Today, a year on from their championship glory, they are arriving in England for five test matches, five one day internationals and a T20 fixture at Edgbaston to conclude the international summer.
It was fitting that in the week surrounding the 30th anniversary since the historic 1983 World Cup win, that India won another eight team trophy in the same month, same country and similarly like 1983 managed to scrap to defend a low total in the final. In both games it was highly entertaining bowling dominant drama. Like the 1983 World Cup final, an Indian all rounder bagged the man of the match in the final. Ravi Jadeja was a revelation as a canny left arm spinner, athletic fielder and handy lower middle order batsman. The CSK man was the leading wicket taker, although narrowly missed out on the man of the series award behind Dhawan.
India achieved the treble in doing so. Being World champions in three ICC ODI titles simultaneously. The World Cup, U-19 World Cup and they could now boast of a Champions Trophy, too. This was their fifth ICC title since just 2007, adding the 2007 World T20 and 2008 U-19 World Cup triumph under Virat Kohli. They became the first team after Australia to be holding the World Cup and Champions Trophy at the same time. Talking of Australia, India now shared the joint highest tally of Champions Trophy titles with them having won the 2013 edition under the calm leadership of MS Dhoni, who could add the ICC Champions Trophy to his impressive CV of international achievements. India were fast establishing their status as white ball kings. They were closing in on Australia in terms of equaling the record for the most ICC major competition titles to their credit. This was their 8th adding the 1983 World Cup, 2000 U-19 and the 2002 Champions Trophy final in Sri Lanka where the trophy was shared after two days of persistent bad weather. It's highly impressive how they have won so many different high profile global crowns in different conditions for a team who are not known to travel well, particularly outside the subcontinent.
It was heartbreak for England who were unable to break their 38 year ODI drought without a global title to speak of, the only major force remaining to have not won a World Cup or Champions Trophy, despite hosting many and reaching finals. Like 2004, losing a Champions Trophy home final in a game they were controlling. It was exactly the same date when they lost the 1979 World Cup final against Clive Lloyd's West Indies. They bottled it again.
The tournament was significant for India for two main reasons. It followed a controversial IPL. It was India's first visit to England after the 2011 8-0 winless debacle. India needed to do well. 7-0 this time, including the televised warm ups. The men in blue were invincible, they were clinical. The fact that the team only had 3 players in the final XI that featured in the 2011 World Cup final, was a reflection of how far the youth was progressing in the country which owned the biggest franchise money making domestic league in the game.
Like the 2002 Natwest final, India won a decisive game when they were up against it. Self belief was paramount. They beat England in the 1983 World Cup semi final. And they won the 2013 Champions Trophy. Clearly, they had the upper hand over England in important ODI championship fixtures in England and they confirmed that by winning the Champions Trophy final in front of a populated Indian crowd on a damp day in Birmingham.
India would have taken plenty of confidence from their undefeated championship glory going into the 2015 Cricket World Cup and given the conditions they did it in and the young resources at their disposal, perhaps even as far as the 2019 World Cup to be hosted by England. They certainly took plenty of confidence from their Champions Trophy showing for an impressive run in Bangladesh for the 2014 World T20 where they were the dominant side leading up to the final and for all money looked like they were going to complete the treble of the three most popular ICC competitions at the same time, before being beaten in the grand final at Dhaka. They certainly can take hope going into the forthcoming England tour from the way they played here in 2013 to banish those forgettable memories of 2011.
India carried on their upward form following the Champions Trophy in ODIs. They won a tri series in the Caribbean. They beat Zimbabwe 5-0 with a second string side. They won home ODI series against Australia and the West Indies. They had a year to remember and not just in ODIs, rather on the whole, but the Champions Trophy was undoubtedly the highlight with the 4-0 whitewash of Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series at home a close second.
It was a rare overseas success for them in recent times, but one they can be very pleased with nevertheless. The most pleasing aspect was that they did it with the exuberance of youth. Their fielding and running between the wickets in particular surprised many who hadn't been connected with the latest developments of Indian cricket in the UK. Of course, they would have preferred to do it in a full 50 over final, but it was not to be, with the absence of a reserve day.
It was a TEAM performance. Jadeja, Dhawan, B Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Ashwin were the architects of lifting Indian cricket at a time of need with their spirited showings under the backing of Dhoni. The bowling led the way. They restricted West Indies brilliantly at the Oval, they humiliated Pakistan with the ball, they restricted an experienced Sri Lankan batting line up in the semi final for fewer than 200 albeit on a wicket which was offering plenty for the seamers early doors, before successfully defending 130 odd against the hosts in the final on a turning wicket. India's bowling has been severely underrated when it really matters in white ball cricket. Their bowling has been a central reason behind their successes in multinational carnivals and this 7th Champions Trophy best typified that. Indeed, several of their bowlers featured in the official competition XI.
A short concentrated world championship in the country that has the most experience in hosting international cricket competitions and it was MS Dhoni and India who took the honours. The word was that it was going to be the last competition of its kind. But thankfully at the beginning of the year following the ICC proposals with the Big 3 takeover, it's restored and in 2017 it will return instead of the proposed World Test Championship.
It was a better and more comprehensive win than any other ICC Trophy India have won from a cricketing point of view above all else. They were not favourities. They had a young side. They were clinical. There were no associates or minnows along the way. Sometimes in ICC Events the best team doesn't necessarily triumph, but it certainly was far from the case here.
India in England Successes
Won the 1983 World Cup
Won a Test Series in 1986
Won the Natwest final 2002
Won a Test series in 2007
Won a Champions Trophy in 2013
India in England Failures
1999 World Cup
2004 Champions Trophy
2009 World T20
2011 Tour
The tournament was significant for India for two main reasons. It followed a controversial IPL. It was India's first visit to England after the 2011 8-0 winless debacle. India needed to do well. 7-0 this time, including the televised warm ups. The men in blue were invincible, they were clinical. The fact that the team only had 3 players in the final XI that featured in the 2011 World Cup final, was a reflection of how far the youth was progressing in the country which owned the biggest franchise money making domestic league in the game.
Like the 2002 Natwest final, India won a decisive game when they were up against it. Self belief was paramount. They beat England in the 1983 World Cup semi final. And they won the 2013 Champions Trophy. Clearly, they had the upper hand over England in important ODI championship fixtures in England and they confirmed that by winning the Champions Trophy final in front of a populated Indian crowd on a damp day in Birmingham.
India would have taken plenty of confidence from their undefeated championship glory going into the 2015 Cricket World Cup and given the conditions they did it in and the young resources at their disposal, perhaps even as far as the 2019 World Cup to be hosted by England. They certainly took plenty of confidence from their Champions Trophy showing for an impressive run in Bangladesh for the 2014 World T20 where they were the dominant side leading up to the final and for all money looked like they were going to complete the treble of the three most popular ICC competitions at the same time, before being beaten in the grand final at Dhaka. They certainly can take hope going into the forthcoming England tour from the way they played here in 2013 to banish those forgettable memories of 2011.
India carried on their upward form following the Champions Trophy in ODIs. They won a tri series in the Caribbean. They beat Zimbabwe 5-0 with a second string side. They won home ODI series against Australia and the West Indies. They had a year to remember and not just in ODIs, rather on the whole, but the Champions Trophy was undoubtedly the highlight with the 4-0 whitewash of Australia in the Border-Gavaskar series at home a close second.
It was a rare overseas success for them in recent times, but one they can be very pleased with nevertheless. The most pleasing aspect was that they did it with the exuberance of youth. Their fielding and running between the wickets in particular surprised many who hadn't been connected with the latest developments of Indian cricket in the UK. Of course, they would have preferred to do it in a full 50 over final, but it was not to be, with the absence of a reserve day.
It was a TEAM performance. Jadeja, Dhawan, B Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Ashwin were the architects of lifting Indian cricket at a time of need with their spirited showings under the backing of Dhoni. The bowling led the way. They restricted West Indies brilliantly at the Oval, they humiliated Pakistan with the ball, they restricted an experienced Sri Lankan batting line up in the semi final for fewer than 200 albeit on a wicket which was offering plenty for the seamers early doors, before successfully defending 130 odd against the hosts in the final on a turning wicket. India's bowling has been severely underrated when it really matters in white ball cricket. Their bowling has been a central reason behind their successes in multinational carnivals and this 7th Champions Trophy best typified that. Indeed, several of their bowlers featured in the official competition XI.
A short concentrated world championship in the country that has the most experience in hosting international cricket competitions and it was MS Dhoni and India who took the honours. The word was that it was going to be the last competition of its kind. But thankfully at the beginning of the year following the ICC proposals with the Big 3 takeover, it's restored and in 2017 it will return instead of the proposed World Test Championship.
It was a better and more comprehensive win than any other ICC Trophy India have won from a cricketing point of view above all else. They were not favourities. They had a young side. They were clinical. There were no associates or minnows along the way. Sometimes in ICC Events the best team doesn't necessarily triumph, but it certainly was far from the case here.
India in England Successes
Won the 1983 World Cup
Won a Test Series in 1986
Won the Natwest final 2002
Won a Test series in 2007
Won a Champions Trophy in 2013
India in England Failures
1999 World Cup
2004 Champions Trophy
2009 World T20
2011 Tour
Friday, 20 June 2014
Thursday, 19 June 2014
19th June - England ODIs at the Oval
2012 win = http://www.espncricinfo.com/england-v-west-indies-2012/engine/match/534210.html Gayle's international return
2013 win = http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/engine/current/match/566946.html Gary Kirsten's last game in charge
2013 win = http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/engine/current/match/566946.html Gary Kirsten's last game in charge
Wednesday, 18 June 2014
18th June 2012 - Sri Lanka Beat Pakistan 3-1
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/562443.html
Mohammad Sami's last over
Angelo Matthew's match winning knock
Lankans taking the series 3-1
Comeback 50 for Farhat
Mohammad Sami's last over
Angelo Matthew's match winning knock
Lankans taking the series 3-1
Comeback 50 for Farhat
MCC vs ROW Verdict
MCC will beat ROW on the 5th of July during the bicentenary fixture because:
-More varied batting line up
-More threatening pace options
-More varied batting line up
-More threatening pace options
Misbah vs Cook
Last 13 months.
Alastair Cook has 9 50+ scores in his last 40 innings. (1 NOs)
Misbah ul Haq has 23 50+ scores in his last 40 innings. (8 NOs)
Both Captains of Test and ODI teams who don't play T20 internationally.
Both targeted for being conservative in on field tactics.
Misbah is 10 years senior, yet outperforming.
Alastair Cook has 9 50+ scores in his last 40 innings. (1 NOs)
Misbah ul Haq has 23 50+ scores in his last 40 innings. (8 NOs)
Both Captains of Test and ODI teams who don't play T20 internationally.
Both targeted for being conservative in on field tactics.
Misbah is 10 years senior, yet outperforming.
Tuesday, 17 June 2014
21st June
Lord's has hosted two World Finals on this day
1975 = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65049.html
2009 = http://www.espncricinfo.com/wt202009/engine/current/match/356017.html
1975 = http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65049.html
2009 = http://www.espncricinfo.com/wt202009/engine/current/match/356017.html
20th June
Not a good day for Pakistan in important matches in England
35 years - bad decision at the toss - http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65062.html
15 years - most one sided World Cup climax? - http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65234.html
35 years - bad decision at the toss - http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65062.html
15 years - most one sided World Cup climax? - http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65234.html
19th June 1983
On this day Pakistan lost the 1983 World Cup semi final under Imran Khan.
If they won it, it would have been the first and only India-Pakistan World Cup final.
Also, in the 1987 World Cup there was a possibility of a Pakistan-India final with them playing different semi finals. However, both were beaten in their respective semis at home.
If they won it, it would have been the first and only India-Pakistan World Cup final.
Also, in the 1987 World Cup there was a possibility of a Pakistan-India final with them playing different semi finals. However, both were beaten in their respective semis at home.
Test Match Drama Returns, Lankans Hold On
Once more we are reminded why Test cricket is the best form of the game.
It has a unique beauty.
It was the real winner.
It continues to show it's charms.
Five days of hard fought action still could not separate two sides, only ball 1 ball could however.
Gripping drama.
Inevitably England would be blamed for batting too long on a placid surface. They also lacked a front line specialist spinner which partly brought their downfall on the final day with a one dimensional seam dominated bowling attack. Their over-rate was also a cause of concern, but could have been prevented in the first place with the inclusion of a quality front line spinner.
Last day rearguard action from the Sri Lankans led by the veteran Sangakkara, who finally got his name of the honours board in the first innings. I don't think this will be the last time we see him in the whites at the Home of Cricket. Sri Lanka are due to tour in 2016. Sangakkara will retire from ODIs after the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, but has plans of prolonging his Test career by doing so. We could see him in 2016. I think we will.
Last day equation - War of attrition | Blockathon | Act of unflappability.
They had the technical quality, mental application and physical stamina to last a day without being bowled out.
England could not manage the 10 wickets when Sri Lanka had the chance to bore, frustrate and eke their way to safety as risk freely as possible.
They finished with just the 9.
Perhaps dangling the carrot would have been a better strategy as Michael Holding suggested on commentary. Setting an attainable target for the Sri Lankans where they would also be teased into chasing it down. Encouraging them to play their shots, creating wicket taking opportunities, making it easier for the bowlers to get them out, as opposed to pure dead batted denial at around two to the over.
This sets up the Leeds Test nicely for Friday in what is a decisive deciding Test, on what should be a more helpful bowling surface.
Gary Ballance, Joe Root and Liam Plunkett who all had a memorable Test for different reasons will get to play at their local venue in front of the Yorkshire faithful.
Root has a hundred against the Kiwis the last time he played at the venue last May. He will be oozing with confidence after a double century to guide England to a sizeable first innings total, from a position they were in a spot of bother at following the loss of 3 early wickets in the opening session, after Matthews inserted the home side on Thursday morning. Root got his Test summer off to the best possible start after a disappointing winter downunder.
He was back at his fluent best in the middle order, showing his versatility and excellent backfoot play. Certainly he likes batting at headquarters. Back to back 150+ scores here, batting in different positions. England needed to banish the memories during a winter of discontent. And Root led the way for them.
It was the latest Lords Test in several years in terms of the timing of the Test and generally the weather stayed warm by English standards for the duration of the Test with some overcast skies towards the latter stages of the game. Perhaps commencing the English international summer with the limited over leg of the tour is the way to go in the future.
Sam Robson had a disappointing first outing at his home ground, unable to make his mark, dismissed cheaply twice. Mark Butcher, Arjuna Ranatunga and Bob Willis feel he has serious technical deficiencies to overcome in order to survive at Test level.
Sri Lanka's 2014
Drew 1-1 vs Pakistan in Tests
Beat Bangladesh in all 3 formats in Bangladesh
Won the Asia Cup with 5/5 wins
Won the World T20 with 5/6 wins
Won the T20 in England
Won the ODIs 3-2 in England
Drew the Lords Test in England
A maiden Test series win on English shores would just add to a formidably outstanding year this has been for the Sri Lankan national team. They will certainly start favourities in the home series against South Africa, Pakistan across both formats after this tour and the five ODIs against England at the back end of the year. Things are falling into place nicely for a country hoping they go one better third time around at the World Cup after beaten finalists in 2007 and 2011.
Test Cricket is admittedly their weakest format since Murali has moved on and a draw at Lord's is a respectable result for them. It was a moral win from the position they found themselves in. They had to dig deep and get stuck in. And they managed, just about.
It has a unique beauty.
It was the real winner.
It continues to show it's charms.
Five days of hard fought action still could not separate two sides, only ball 1 ball could however.
Gripping drama.
Inevitably England would be blamed for batting too long on a placid surface. They also lacked a front line specialist spinner which partly brought their downfall on the final day with a one dimensional seam dominated bowling attack. Their over-rate was also a cause of concern, but could have been prevented in the first place with the inclusion of a quality front line spinner.
Last day rearguard action from the Sri Lankans led by the veteran Sangakkara, who finally got his name of the honours board in the first innings. I don't think this will be the last time we see him in the whites at the Home of Cricket. Sri Lanka are due to tour in 2016. Sangakkara will retire from ODIs after the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup, but has plans of prolonging his Test career by doing so. We could see him in 2016. I think we will.
Last day equation - War of attrition | Blockathon | Act of unflappability.
They had the technical quality, mental application and physical stamina to last a day without being bowled out.
England could not manage the 10 wickets when Sri Lanka had the chance to bore, frustrate and eke their way to safety as risk freely as possible.
They finished with just the 9.
Perhaps dangling the carrot would have been a better strategy as Michael Holding suggested on commentary. Setting an attainable target for the Sri Lankans where they would also be teased into chasing it down. Encouraging them to play their shots, creating wicket taking opportunities, making it easier for the bowlers to get them out, as opposed to pure dead batted denial at around two to the over.
This sets up the Leeds Test nicely for Friday in what is a decisive deciding Test, on what should be a more helpful bowling surface.
Gary Ballance, Joe Root and Liam Plunkett who all had a memorable Test for different reasons will get to play at their local venue in front of the Yorkshire faithful.
Root has a hundred against the Kiwis the last time he played at the venue last May. He will be oozing with confidence after a double century to guide England to a sizeable first innings total, from a position they were in a spot of bother at following the loss of 3 early wickets in the opening session, after Matthews inserted the home side on Thursday morning. Root got his Test summer off to the best possible start after a disappointing winter downunder.
He was back at his fluent best in the middle order, showing his versatility and excellent backfoot play. Certainly he likes batting at headquarters. Back to back 150+ scores here, batting in different positions. England needed to banish the memories during a winter of discontent. And Root led the way for them.
It was the latest Lords Test in several years in terms of the timing of the Test and generally the weather stayed warm by English standards for the duration of the Test with some overcast skies towards the latter stages of the game. Perhaps commencing the English international summer with the limited over leg of the tour is the way to go in the future.
Sam Robson had a disappointing first outing at his home ground, unable to make his mark, dismissed cheaply twice. Mark Butcher, Arjuna Ranatunga and Bob Willis feel he has serious technical deficiencies to overcome in order to survive at Test level.
Sri Lanka's 2014
Drew 1-1 vs Pakistan in Tests
Beat Bangladesh in all 3 formats in Bangladesh
Won the Asia Cup with 5/5 wins
Won the World T20 with 5/6 wins
Won the T20 in England
Won the ODIs 3-2 in England
Drew the Lords Test in England
A maiden Test series win on English shores would just add to a formidably outstanding year this has been for the Sri Lankan national team. They will certainly start favourities in the home series against South Africa, Pakistan across both formats after this tour and the five ODIs against England at the back end of the year. Things are falling into place nicely for a country hoping they go one better third time around at the World Cup after beaten finalists in 2007 and 2011.
Test Cricket is admittedly their weakest format since Murali has moved on and a draw at Lord's is a respectable result for them. It was a moral win from the position they found themselves in. They had to dig deep and get stuck in. And they managed, just about.
Sunday, 15 June 2014
15th June 2013
India vs Pakistan
ICC Champions Trophy
Damp Squib
India winning by 8 wickets
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B Kumar MOM
One year on:
Hockey World Cup final this day
Fathers day
ICC Champions Trophy
Damp Squib
India winning by 8 wickets
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B Kumar MOM
One year on:
Hockey World Cup final this day
Fathers day
Saturday, 14 June 2014
14th June 2014
On this day last year South Africa and West Indies tied at the ICC Champions Trophy in Cardiff. It was the final pool game for each side. Collin Ingram was adjudged man of the match for his top order contribution in a reduced game. South Africa advanced on NRR in a rain affected classic.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/engine/current/match/578622.html
8 months to go till CWC ......
http://www.espncricinfo.com/icc-champions-trophy-2013/engine/current/match/578622.html
8 months to go till CWC ......
Friday, 13 June 2014
Thursday, 12 June 2014
Alternate Year One Day Competitions
2010
Under 19 World Cup = Australia
Asia Cup = India
World T20 = England
2012
Under 19 World Cup = India
Asia Cup = Pakistan
World T20 = West Indies
2014
Under 19 World Cup = South Africa
Asia Cup = Sri Lanka
World T20 = Sri Lanka
Under 19 World Cup = Australia
Asia Cup = India
World T20 = England
2012
Under 19 World Cup = India
Asia Cup = Pakistan
World T20 = West Indies
2014
Under 19 World Cup = South Africa
Asia Cup = Sri Lanka
World T20 = Sri Lanka
Wednesday, 11 June 2014
Jacques Kallis 2015
Jacques Kallis will be hoping for an Imran Khan moment in 2015 aka 1992.
Playing his fifth World Cup
World class all round performer
The World Cup is downunder
Finally hoping to add it to his medal
Playing his fifth World Cup
World class all round performer
The World Cup is downunder
Finally hoping to add it to his medal
My West Indies, India and South Africa XI for CWC15
West Indies
Chris Gayle
Johnson Charles/Simmons
Marlon Samuels
Darren Bravo
Dwayne Bravo
Pollard
Sammy
Ramdin
Roach
Best
Narine
Holder
Benn
Bishoo
Rampaul
India
Dhawan
Pujara
Kohli
Rohit
Raina
Dhoni
Jadeja
Ashwin
B Kumar
Yadav
Sharma
Sandeep Sharma
Shami
Mishra
Karthik
South Africa
Amla
De Kock
Kallis
AB
Dumminy
Miller
Farhan
Ryan
Steyn
Morkel
Tahir
Morris
Robin P
Philander
Aiden Markram
Chris Gayle
Johnson Charles/Simmons
Marlon Samuels
Darren Bravo
Dwayne Bravo
Pollard
Sammy
Ramdin
Roach
Best
Narine
Holder
Benn
Bishoo
Rampaul
India
Dhawan
Pujara
Kohli
Rohit
Raina
Dhoni
Jadeja
Ashwin
B Kumar
Yadav
Sharma
Sandeep Sharma
Shami
Mishra
Karthik
South Africa
Amla
De Kock
Kallis
AB
Dumminy
Miller
Farhan
Ryan
Steyn
Morkel
Tahir
Morris
Robin P
Philander
Aiden Markram
11th June 2013
On this day last year India defeated West Indies in
the ICC Champions Trophy at the Oval in London. It was a comprehensive victory
for MS Dhoni and company. Jadeja claimed five wickets while Dhawan scored a
successive match winning century. India qualified for the semi-finals with this
thumping win which also meant that Pakistan were eliminated from the eight team
championship with a game to spare and also in doing so becoming the first side
to be knocked out. This was the first India vs West Indies ODI game in England after
nearly 30 years following the 1983 Cricket World Cup final at the home of
cricket, when Kapil Dev and team India caused a shock upset in a low scoring classic
at the last 60 over World Cup encounter, consequently preventing Clive Lloyd’s
team from winning a third consecutive World Cup title in England.
Qadir on TV
Abdul Qadir revolutionised the
art of wrist spin bowling in a fast bowling dominant era. He was a pioneer and
an inspiration for the leading spinners in the world. However, as a TV expert,
analyst and observer of the game, he clearly does not have what it takes. He
makes absurd remarks and is clearly biased.
1) He wants Salman Butt to return and has continuously supported his innocence even after the damning verdict of the ICC, UK Courts and their hugely unsuccessful appeals because he has known him for several years before the spot fixing scandal.
2) He once compared the Akmal brothers to the Waugh brothers.
3) He refuses to criticise Kamran Akmal on TV despite his consistent failings, but targets other players, because of family connections he refuses to target Kamran.
4) He once recently said Abdul Razzaq should be the one day captain.
5) He once recently said Misbah and Ajmal should not play one day cricket.
6) He recently made a comment that it’s sad to see a Zimbabwean coaching Pakistan following the appointment of Grant Flower as the batting coach. Does he forget that world class coaches have come from Zimbabwe in modern times? Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower.
1) He wants Salman Butt to return and has continuously supported his innocence even after the damning verdict of the ICC, UK Courts and their hugely unsuccessful appeals because he has known him for several years before the spot fixing scandal.
2) He once compared the Akmal brothers to the Waugh brothers.
3) He refuses to criticise Kamran Akmal on TV despite his consistent failings, but targets other players, because of family connections he refuses to target Kamran.
4) He once recently said Abdul Razzaq should be the one day captain.
5) He once recently said Misbah and Ajmal should not play one day cricket.
6) He recently made a comment that it’s sad to see a Zimbabwean coaching Pakistan following the appointment of Grant Flower as the batting coach. Does he forget that world class coaches have come from Zimbabwe in modern times? Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower.
Tuesday, 10 June 2014
England Hockey Team have reached the World Cup semis.
Something the cricketers haven't done since 1992.
Like the cricketers, they've never won it.
There have been 12 Hockey World Cups
5 holders
There have been 7 Rugby World Cups
4 holders (all Test Cricket nations)
There have been 19 Football World Cups
8 holders
There have been 10 Cricket World Cups
5 holders
There have been 10 Under 19 World Cups
5 holders
There have been 12 Asia Cups
3 holders
There have been 5 World T20s
5 holders
There have been 7 Champions Trophies
6 holders
There have been 7 IPLs
5 holders
There have been 5 Champions League
4 holders
There have been 10 Women's World Cups
3 holders
There have been 4 Women's World Twenty20
2 holders
There have been 18 Hong Kong Sixes
7 holders
Something the cricketers haven't done since 1992.
Like the cricketers, they've never won it.
There have been 12 Hockey World Cups
5 holders
There have been 7 Rugby World Cups
4 holders (all Test Cricket nations)
There have been 19 Football World Cups
8 holders
There have been 10 Cricket World Cups
5 holders
5 holders
There have been 12 Asia Cups
3 holders
There have been 5 World T20s
5 holders
There have been 7 Champions Trophies
6 holders
There have been 7 IPLs
5 holders
There have been 5 Champions League
4 holders
There have been 10 Women's World Cups
3 holders
There have been 4 Women's World Twenty20
2 holders
There have been 18 Hong Kong Sixes
7 holders
25 Facts - 2014/15 Season
1) 12 years since ODI series win vs Aus. 20 years since Test series win vs Aus.
2) How loose was M technique back then, though most would struggle against McGrath and Warne - youtube 2002 - 50 odd all out both innings - Sharjah
3) Not lost in UAE under Misbah or since making it an adopted home in 5 series, but only test series loss for Pak in UAE vs Aus 2002 (3-0)
4) Given he did not play in England 2010 and Aus in 09/10, YK playing his first Test vs Aus in best part of 10 years
5) 4-4 for Misbah vs number 1 ranked sides. Aus now as number 1.
6) Series against Aus has come 1 year too late. When they are back at their peak.
7) Misbah never played an ODI in Aus. Ajmal never played an ODI in NZ.
8) Misbah has won or drawn in a series against all 7 teams played for tests barring India+Aus. Only India left to come full circle assuming a drawn series here.
9) Misbah has 9 ODI 50s in 15 innings vs West Indies. 96* last time in a world tournament.
10) UAE 2014/15 season. Misbah's played nearly everyone, but first go at Tests vs Aus and first go at ODI vs NZ under him.
11) Last time an Essex man led in Australia for a World Cup was good news for England.
12) Pak will be playing their first Test series vs Aus & NZ in Asia since 2002 given last home series vs Aus was in England and last home series vs NZ in NZ
13) Azhar Ali made his Test debut against Australia.
14) Misbah was MOM in last test vs New Zealand. His first test match and series win as captain against them
15) Pakistan are the Blackcaps bogey team. Only won 7 out of 50 Tests.
16) Danny Morrison will be looking most forward to the New Zealand visit I imagine. Always a regular in the UAE commentary coverage.
17) 7 out of 13 Test Series Misbah has had as captain have just been the two Tests.
18) Pakistan have won their last Test vs Australia at Leeds and subsequently drew the two match series at 1 a piece.
19) Sri Lanka have beaten Pakistan at home in 2009 and 2012 at home in both Tests and ODIs. 2006 - last time won Test and ODI honours there
20) Last time Pak played at Wellington. Misbah the lone hand. Blown away on a green top. http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/473923.html #flattrackbully
21) Last time Pak played at Napier. Misbah showing how to pace a chase and play the finishing role. http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/473926.html
22) 4th March 2015 - Pak vs UAE. 40 year old captain playing 43 year old captain. 43 year old Waqar Younis vs 42 year old Aqib Javed.
23) 1st March - not the best day for Pakistan in World Cups. 2003 vs Ind, Wasim's last game in which he bowled or batted. 2014 U19 final.
24) Pakistan have never lost to Sri Lanka in a World Cup.
25) Pakistan have played Zimbabwe in every World Cup since 1999.
Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Pakistan vs Australia
Pakistan vs New Zealand
World Cup
Friday, 6 June 2014
Gavaskar's Crawl
Gavaskar's crawl at HOC in the inaugural World Cup game. This day 1975. Blocked his way to 36 not out opening up as a protest against one day cricket. Gavaskar thought the score wasn't achievable and therefore used the chance to bat out time and have some extended time in the middle ahead of the following fixtures to be played. Gavaskar's sole aim was to last the course and remain unbeaten, regardless of what his team or the spectators thought of the painstaking grafting effort from the Indian opener.
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65035.html
http://www.espncricinfo.com/ci/engine/current/match/65035.html
7th June 2013
This day last year - Kia Oval - ICC Champions Trophy - Misbah's 96 not out vs West Indies.
Came close to being the greatest innings by a Pakistan player in ODIs ever had the bowlers knocked over the WI lower order to seal victory, in my opinion. It was worth 140 in the game context and wasn't a normal game either. It was a vital world tournament fixture.
15/3, age 39, captaincy debut in ICC tournament, first ODI in England, captaincy debut in England, yet was able to stand up, withstand pressure and weather the storm. Career best in a game where he top scored with over 55% of the team runs. 96 not out in a game where the average for a wicket falling was less than 20.
Anyone can make runs in big scoring games. Only the best can make runs in small scoring ones.
Despite ending up on the losing side, his performance should have merited a man-of-the-match award.
7th June 2012, a year earlier before the magnificence at the Oval; on this day he beat Sri Lanka as captain in a one day international in Sri Lanka.
Mankading
Expect plenty of mankading attempts from club cricketers up and down the country tomorrow.
Natwest T20 Blast: Freddie Available for Lans Selection
Flintoff's return reminds me of SKW coming back to play BBL after 5 years without a game on Aussie soil. More dramatic though.
6th June 2013
On this day last year the ICC Champions Trophy commenced in Cardiff.
India defeated South Africa.
Dhawan announced himself with a match winning century.
India defeated South Africa.
Dhawan announced himself with a match winning century.
Thursday, 5 June 2014
One Dimensional Nonsense
Just heard someone say 'Imagine Misbah criticising players for scoring slowly when he retires'
What utter nonsense, he has every right to if he sees a cautious innings without much context behind it.
Rameez Raja, Sanjay Manjreakar, Aakash Chopra, Nasser Hussain were much more watchful slow players than Misbah, yet are touchy when analysing scoring rates on commentary.
And Misbah is far from a one dimensional batter or one paced plodder like those or others such as Azhar Ali, Alastair Cook, Rahul Dravid, Chanderpaul or Kane Williamson type.
He was reintroduced into the team as a Twenty20 specialist in 2007
He is the type of batsman than can strike 3 sixes in an over when a spinner is on, did it in the 2007 final
Many times he has got 60 from 40 balls not out etc without looking outside his comfort zone
He has been signed up in premier leagues worldwide
Big hitting
Range of shots
Ability to suddenly accelerate by cutting loose, opening up his shoulders
Being proactive in his crease movements
Premeditating
Release shots
All are a big part of his game, always have been.
A confident power hitter who can find the fence at will, inventive improviser, dramatic gear changer and someone who uses the depth in the crease very well to change his striking points. It wouldn't be a bad thing even if he was a pure blocker, many great batters have been blockers. But he is not. Naturally an adventurous assertive batter who has matured and developed his defensive game impressively to become a top class all round test match performer, only to be ridiculed for it. People forget what his natural game is. It should be differentiated from the role he's adopted in the team because of necessity.
Players who can hit often find it difficult to block
Players who can block often find it difficult to hit
Not Misbah
Best of both worlds
Positive in defence, positive in attack
From highlights of Abu Dhabi Test 2012. Misbah clears the ropes vs Monty. Botham says "Not something you associate with him." Pathetic commentary. M always been a clean natural 6 hitter.
Sarfraz Nawaz feels Misbah's presence could have the made the difference at the ICC World Twenty20 in Bangladesh. He is a controlled six hitter, plays spin very well and Sarfraz feels there is room for a "proper" batsman in any form of the game. I think Misbah should be appointed captain for all 3 formats till 2016 World Twenty20 and 2016 England tour.
Wednesday, 4 June 2014
Yousuf The Pundit
Yousuf has no right to talk about how to perform in World Cups and how to bat aggressively. There were his last 4 WC innings:
25 from 42 balls vs India 2003 = Lost match
37 from 72 balls vs West Indies 2007 = Lost match
15 from 31 balls vs Ireland 2007 = Lost match
3 from 10 balls vs Zimbabwe 2007 = Won match
How can he talk about aggressive captaincy? When Australia had a lead of just 80 runs and were 8 wickets down, he had everyone out on the boundary sweeping in the famous Sydney Test defeat.
He's a hypocrite.
Younis Khan's Attitude in ODIs
It’s disappointing to see Younis Khan making comments about his desire to play in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup which is just around the corner having not played an ODI in the last 15 months, especially when you have young talent like Ahmed Shehzad, Fawad Alam and Umar Akmal coming through.
This is Younis Khan’s record in ICC ODI tournaments:
World Cups: Average of 23 from 3 tournaments
Champions Trophy: Average of 15 from 4 tournaments
He has the lowest ODI average by a specialist batsman who has played over 200 ODIs.
He has 3 half centuries in his last 25 ODI innings. All against weak attacks.
He played in 2003 World Cup, didn’t deliver.
He played in 2007 World Cup, didn’t deliver.
He played in 2011 World Cup, didn’t deliver.
How many chances do you give a player?
When do you give up on a player?
How many more times can you say this is his last chance?
He is a severely overrated ODI player.
He is made out as a team man and a man who puts country first, but it doesn’t fit in with the type of comments he is making about his ODI future.
Imran's Promotion Up The Order in 1992
Imran gets a lot of credit for promoting himself up the order in 1992.
However, had Inzamam not played a once in a lifetime type innings in Eden Park during the semi final, the same people would have questioned why he sent himself at 3 when he was badly out of form in the competition?
Imran in the 1992 World Cup Semi: 44 from 93 balls chasing 250+
Inzamam in the 1992 World Cup semi: 60 from 37 balls
Without Inzamam, would it have been the same result? Highly unlikely. In fact, definitely no.
Easier to give credit in hindsight.
Imran set up the innings, but Misbah detractors would never give credit for that unless they are being hypocritical as they'd never say the same about Misbah.
Post Spot Fixing Resurgence
It was under Misbah after the spot fixing scandal that Pakistan got back on track, without these two test series results hard to see how the team would have succeeded at the World Cup. They took a lot of confidence from these results. In both series they exceeded expectations with a totally reformed side. Not many expected them to draw against South Africa and win in New Zealand with a brand new team:
Drew 0-0 vs number 2 ranked test side
Won 1-0 vs New Zealand (first test series win in 4 years, first in 7 years outside Asia)
Afridi on the other hand with a more experienced side in one day cricket:
Lost 6 consecutive Twenty20 internationals (Misbah only played 2 of them)
Lost 3-2 against England and South Africa (Misbah only played 2/10 ODIs)
When Misbah was reintroduced into the ODI team as vice-captain in 2011 after test series win in New Zealand:
They beat New Zealand 3-2 – man of the match in one of the games
They reached WC semis – team leading run scorer
They beat West Indies 3-2 – man of the match in one of the games
If Afridi did such a remarkable job then why would they have been contemplating replacing him two weeks before the World Cup with Misbah or sacking him in May 2011 for Misbah? The PCB isn’t that dumb. Journalists are not that dumb either. I’m yet to see a foreign journalist praise Afridi more than Misbah for leading Pakistan’s resurgence.
It’s blinding obvious why Misbah gets all the credit as the leader of the ship if not the bulk:
1) Misbah has led for 12 consecutive test series since the spot fixing scandal.
2) Test Cricket is the pinnacle of the game.
3) This is where the effect of the spot fixing scandal was going to be felt the most. Not only losing the trio but losing Danish Kaneria as well, as the investigation was being widened with his involvement for Essex following what happened with the trio.
4) There were different personnel in the one day side: Razzaq, Afridi, Akhtar, Kamran and Yousuf (for 6 of the ODIs) and the team were far more experienced. There were 7 different players in the Test side in the 1st test under Misbah from the team that played in the scandalous Test. Very thin on experience.
5) Misbah although wasn’t captain during the 2011 World Cup or the tour of New Zealand in the ODIs before that, he was nonetheless a premier performer in the side and formally Afridi’s deputy.
6) Misbah has captained the ODI side for significantly longer than Afridi in the years which followed. 3 years as opposed to Afridi’s 1 year.
7) Misbah was the only one to have captained in all 3 formats after the spot fixing scandal.
8) It was under Misbah’s captaincy in 2011-12 where you could say Pakistan had reached a revival when they beat Zimbabwe in all 3 formats on same tour, beat Sri Lanka in all 3 formats on same tour, beat Bangladesh in all 3 formats on same tour, whitewashed England 3-0 and won the Asia Cup.
Does Afridi really have Misbah's professionalism, man management, calmness, education and temperament to lead a resurgence? This is a man who lost more than he won overall as captain across all formats, ran away from test captaincy, violated code of conduct as captain, overall had modest performances, gave irresponsible media statements, attacked his own players in the press and yet is being credited for leading Pakistan out of the doldrums. Madness. While Misbah may only have captained in 4 Tests after the spot fixing scandal till the 2011 World Cup, one Test is worth the equivalent of a whole one day series.
Drew 0-0 vs number 2 ranked test side
Won 1-0 vs New Zealand (first test series win in 4 years, first in 7 years outside Asia)
Afridi on the other hand with a more experienced side in one day cricket:
Lost 6 consecutive Twenty20 internationals (Misbah only played 2 of them)
Lost 3-2 against England and South Africa (Misbah only played 2/10 ODIs)
When Misbah was reintroduced into the ODI team as vice-captain in 2011 after test series win in New Zealand:
They beat New Zealand 3-2 – man of the match in one of the games
They reached WC semis – team leading run scorer
They beat West Indies 3-2 – man of the match in one of the games
If Afridi did such a remarkable job then why would they have been contemplating replacing him two weeks before the World Cup with Misbah or sacking him in May 2011 for Misbah? The PCB isn’t that dumb. Journalists are not that dumb either. I’m yet to see a foreign journalist praise Afridi more than Misbah for leading Pakistan’s resurgence.
It’s blinding obvious why Misbah gets all the credit as the leader of the ship if not the bulk:
1) Misbah has led for 12 consecutive test series since the spot fixing scandal.
2) Test Cricket is the pinnacle of the game.
3) This is where the effect of the spot fixing scandal was going to be felt the most. Not only losing the trio but losing Danish Kaneria as well, as the investigation was being widened with his involvement for Essex following what happened with the trio.
4) There were different personnel in the one day side: Razzaq, Afridi, Akhtar, Kamran and Yousuf (for 6 of the ODIs) and the team were far more experienced. There were 7 different players in the Test side in the 1st test under Misbah from the team that played in the scandalous Test. Very thin on experience.
5) Misbah although wasn’t captain during the 2011 World Cup or the tour of New Zealand in the ODIs before that, he was nonetheless a premier performer in the side and formally Afridi’s deputy.
6) Misbah has captained the ODI side for significantly longer than Afridi in the years which followed. 3 years as opposed to Afridi’s 1 year.
7) Misbah was the only one to have captained in all 3 formats after the spot fixing scandal.
8) It was under Misbah’s captaincy in 2011-12 where you could say Pakistan had reached a revival when they beat Zimbabwe in all 3 formats on same tour, beat Sri Lanka in all 3 formats on same tour, beat Bangladesh in all 3 formats on same tour, whitewashed England 3-0 and won the Asia Cup.
Does Afridi really have Misbah's professionalism, man management, calmness, education and temperament to lead a resurgence? This is a man who lost more than he won overall as captain across all formats, ran away from test captaincy, violated code of conduct as captain, overall had modest performances, gave irresponsible media statements, attacked his own players in the press and yet is being credited for leading Pakistan out of the doldrums. Madness. While Misbah may only have captained in 4 Tests after the spot fixing scandal till the 2011 World Cup, one Test is worth the equivalent of a whole one day series.
Facts of the Matter
See a few jokes going around social media
Misbah didn't perform 2007
Misbah didn't perform 2011
Why will he perform in 2015?
This is factually incorrect. Misbah's tournament record as a batter in high profile one day competitions or as captain.
International Level
2002 Tri Series = Player of the tournament
2007 World T20 = Team leading run scorer
2008 Asia Cup = 2 50+
2008 Tri Series = Batted aggressively in limited chances
2011 World Cup = Team leading run scorer
2012 Asia Cup = Averaged 40+, winning captain
2013 Champions Trophy = Team leading run scorer, named in team of the tournament
2013 Champions League = Averaged 195 with SR of 140
2014 Asia Cup = 2 50+ in 5 innings, reached the final
Domestic Level
2005 Tri Series = Winning Captain for "A" team
2006 Domestic One Day Cup = Winning Captain
2010 National One Day Cup Final = Player of the match, winning captain
2013 Faysal Bank T20 = Batsman of the tournament, winning captain
2013 Presidents One Day Cup = Winning Captain
2013 Inaugural CPL = MOM in one of the games
Rewind to 2011. Captain was only confirmed 2 weeks prior to the tournament.
Some Afridi fans saying if they (PCB) were thinking of replacing Afridi with Misbah just a few weeks before 2011 World Cup as the captain of the team, why can't they do the same now?
That case was different. No comparison.
1) Misbah was already Test Captain at the time with excellent results with a new team, draw vs SA, win vs NZ
2) Afridi had only been captain for 8 months, Misbah 3 years here, so change not as dramatic in 2011
3) Misbah had won many recent domestic trophies as Captain at that stage in 2011
4) Misbah had a wealth of experience in domestic captaincy since 2001
5) Misbah was performing remarkably, six consecutive Test 50s and a 100 in the last domestic one day final
6) Afridi's conduct as a Captain was an issue; ball biting, ran away from tests, violated conduct, attacked his players in media
7) Afridi's results as Captain were not much to write home about, 6 consecutive T20 losses, hadn't won an ODI series at that point
8) Misbah was genuinely a more complete captain, a specialist captain who could get into the team based on leadership alone
9) Waqar preferred working with Misbah as Coach-Captain according to close sources
10) Misbah was the only Pak captain to have won a Test or ODI series since 2009 at that point
Change could have only been a good thing at that stage it seemed.
Completely different case here.
The lobbying will persist. But even if they lose the next ten games, Misbah will/should be leading Pakistan at the showpiece event of the 11th Cricket World Cup. Not enough time for anyone else to settle into the role. And neither is there no quality alternative replacement who has leadership success in recent times like there was with Misbah in 2011. He didn't become captain in 2011 World Cup although they were on the brink of appointing him, but did 1 month after that for the ODI format.
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