I'm struggling to understand how people can openly criticise Virender Sehwag. With an average of just under 50 in test match cricket, and an attacking style of play, surely he is a much better option that the dead wood that is Wasim Jaffer?
The pair played together in Perth and although Sehwag didn't set the game alight with his batting he managed 70+ runs in the match, and showed ambition to take it to the Australian attack. I don't see any ambition with Jaffer, and he can't even do his job as a rock at the top of the order. I wasn't overly impressed with what I saw of him before this tour, but what I've seen in Australia has just backed my thoughts up. Anyway, lots not turn this into a Jaffer bashing post!
Sehwag has done it against the best, and offers experience at the top of the order, where India need it at the moment. Their middle order is phenomenal, but foundations have to be set for them to fire. I for one hope Sehwag gets a good run in the Indian test side now and hope he can be succesful at Adelaide and beyond.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Standing up for the little guy
This entry was inspired by a thread on Planet Cricket.
I'm sick and tired of people criticising Bangladesh for their test match performances. I thoroughly understand that they're not winning games and getting turned over more often than not, but how much do we want cricket to progress? Kicking Bangladesh out of test cricket would be a massive step back, and would probably demoralise the cricket setup in the country.
In the thread on Planet Cricket members suggested setting up a two tier system where the lesser nations face each other (guessing this would include Zimbabwe, Namibia, UAE, etc). No, no, no. You learn from playing the best, and I genuinally think Bangladesh will take something from every test match they play against the likes of Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand.
I look at the team that played against New Zealand in the two test matches, and that team has potential. Tamim and Siddique showed they could bat by posting the highest test match opening partnership by a Bangladeshi pair. This in only their second test match. And who can forget Tamim's explosive knock against India in the world cup? Give this kid time to work on his game and consistency and he could be a great find for Bangladesh.
Captain Ashraful seems to have been around for ages. But at the age of 23, he is the perfect age to lead the next generation of Bangladeshi cricketers. That hundred against Australia at Cardiff announced Ashraful on the world stage, and although he also lacks consistency, he has produced some fantastic knocks. Again, he is a young player, despite having played 40 test matches and 107 one-day internationals. He has time on his side and he will learn.
The most notable area of weakness to me when I last saw Bangladesh was seam bowling. Mortaza was a good prospect, but he was the only seamer capable of reaching a decent pace and taking wickets reguarly. However, Sajidul Islam and Shahadat Hossain are two capable of doing a similar job as Mortaza. They have a combined age of 40, so give them time! Sajidul has just played two test matches, and showed promise.
I guess my main point is, let Bangladesh get on with playing their cricket, and lets focus on their possitives as oppose to concentrating on their weaknesses.
I'm sick and tired of people criticising Bangladesh for their test match performances. I thoroughly understand that they're not winning games and getting turned over more often than not, but how much do we want cricket to progress? Kicking Bangladesh out of test cricket would be a massive step back, and would probably demoralise the cricket setup in the country.
In the thread on Planet Cricket members suggested setting up a two tier system where the lesser nations face each other (guessing this would include Zimbabwe, Namibia, UAE, etc). No, no, no. You learn from playing the best, and I genuinally think Bangladesh will take something from every test match they play against the likes of Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand.
I look at the team that played against New Zealand in the two test matches, and that team has potential. Tamim and Siddique showed they could bat by posting the highest test match opening partnership by a Bangladeshi pair. This in only their second test match. And who can forget Tamim's explosive knock against India in the world cup? Give this kid time to work on his game and consistency and he could be a great find for Bangladesh.
Captain Ashraful seems to have been around for ages. But at the age of 23, he is the perfect age to lead the next generation of Bangladeshi cricketers. That hundred against Australia at Cardiff announced Ashraful on the world stage, and although he also lacks consistency, he has produced some fantastic knocks. Again, he is a young player, despite having played 40 test matches and 107 one-day internationals. He has time on his side and he will learn.
The most notable area of weakness to me when I last saw Bangladesh was seam bowling. Mortaza was a good prospect, but he was the only seamer capable of reaching a decent pace and taking wickets reguarly. However, Sajidul Islam and Shahadat Hossain are two capable of doing a similar job as Mortaza. They have a combined age of 40, so give them time! Sajidul has just played two test matches, and showed promise.
I guess my main point is, let Bangladesh get on with playing their cricket, and lets focus on their possitives as oppose to concentrating on their weaknesses.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Time to move on
I'm delighted to see today, India have dropped the charges against Brad Hogg and Harbhajan will definately be free to play in the final two tests of the series.
The whole scenario that has erupted over the past couple of weeks is too detailed to map out here. But, I for one am pleased the series can finally resume (sadly not at 1-1, but 2-0 to the aussies), and hopefully can finish with two competitive games.
Despite the dropping of the charges against Hogg it seems he is going to be replaced by paceman Shaun Tait. Interesting move. Tait has ability but I'm a big fan of having the spin option in your team. I know Ponting can turn to Symonds and Clarke, but part-timers can't do the job of an out-an-out spin bowler. But, hey ho! Who am I to question a captain and cricketer of Ricky Ponting's knowledge and ability.
My final point in this post is on Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist WAS destructive and has a fabulous test/one-day record. But he seems to be digging himself a bit of a hole at the moment. Maybe the time has come to START looking for new prospects, and by this I don't mean Brad Haddin (despite the fact he probably will takeover!).
The whole scenario that has erupted over the past couple of weeks is too detailed to map out here. But, I for one am pleased the series can finally resume (sadly not at 1-1, but 2-0 to the aussies), and hopefully can finish with two competitive games.
Despite the dropping of the charges against Hogg it seems he is going to be replaced by paceman Shaun Tait. Interesting move. Tait has ability but I'm a big fan of having the spin option in your team. I know Ponting can turn to Symonds and Clarke, but part-timers can't do the job of an out-an-out spin bowler. But, hey ho! Who am I to question a captain and cricketer of Ricky Ponting's knowledge and ability.
My final point in this post is on Adam Gilchrist. Gilchrist WAS destructive and has a fabulous test/one-day record. But he seems to be digging himself a bit of a hole at the moment. Maybe the time has come to START looking for new prospects, and by this I don't mean Brad Haddin (despite the fact he probably will takeover!).
Saturday, January 12, 2008
West Indies leave with nasty Steyn
Dale Steyn has announced himself on the world stage in the last few months. He destroyed New Zealand when they toured South Africa, and now he has claimed six wickets in the second innings of the third test match, to take the Proteas to a series victory over the West Indies.
I remember watching him play against England in 2004, and thinking, this is just another Andre Nel. Angressive, fast, wayward. But now look at him. Eighteen test matches and over 90 wickets at under 24. That's some record, and I genuinally believe this guy could be the next Allan Donald.
South Africa will be looking for someone to spearhead their attack, and Steyn ticks all the right boxes. His rise to the top has come at a good time, with the retirement of Shaun Pollock (who SA have relied upon too many times). But a new era is about to begin for South Africa, and with that they have exciting prospects. I for one, look forward to seeing them tour England in July.
I remember watching him play against England in 2004, and thinking, this is just another Andre Nel. Angressive, fast, wayward. But now look at him. Eighteen test matches and over 90 wickets at under 24. That's some record, and I genuinally believe this guy could be the next Allan Donald.
South Africa will be looking for someone to spearhead their attack, and Steyn ticks all the right boxes. His rise to the top has come at a good time, with the retirement of Shaun Pollock (who SA have relied upon too many times). But a new era is about to begin for South Africa, and with that they have exciting prospects. I for one, look forward to seeing them tour England in July.
Friday, January 11, 2008
SAying Goodbye
The South African cricket fans will soon be saying their goodbyes to one of the games greats - Shaun Pollock. Born into a cricketing family, he was made for this wonderful game, and became one of the worlds greatest allrounders.
Thirteen years, 107 test matches, 416 wickets and nearly 4000 runs and counting, as he plays his final test match against the West Indies. The one-day series will be his chance to tour his country as a international player for the last time.
I'm not old enough to remember Pollock that well in his earlier days, but I still get told when he came on the seen he was rapid. A bowler with genuine pace and wicket-taking ability. Looking at him now that's hard to believe, but he still manages to trouble the worlds top players with his on the spot seam bowling.
Batting is part of his game that his developed immensely. So much so, he is often entrusted by current captain Graeme Smith to go in, and take a game by the scruff of it's neck. And a health average in both forms of the game backs it up.
Shaun Pollock, we thankyou for your years of service to international cricket, and for the memories you have left us. You truely were a fantastic performer.
Thirteen years, 107 test matches, 416 wickets and nearly 4000 runs and counting, as he plays his final test match against the West Indies. The one-day series will be his chance to tour his country as a international player for the last time.
I'm not old enough to remember Pollock that well in his earlier days, but I still get told when he came on the seen he was rapid. A bowler with genuine pace and wicket-taking ability. Looking at him now that's hard to believe, but he still manages to trouble the worlds top players with his on the spot seam bowling.
Batting is part of his game that his developed immensely. So much so, he is often entrusted by current captain Graeme Smith to go in, and take a game by the scruff of it's neck. And a health average in both forms of the game backs it up.
Shaun Pollock, we thankyou for your years of service to international cricket, and for the memories you have left us. You truely were a fantastic performer.
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Sussex reject replaces Sussex no1
Now that everyone has had time to mull over the England test squad to tour New Zealand, I thought it would be a good time to look at it.
The major shock is Matt Prior being dropped. I have to admit, I'm not totally against this decision, but a strange time to do it by the ECB. People were calling for his head after a dreadful series with the bat against India. He keeps his place. He bats well against Sri Lanka. But then gets dropped. Strange Indeed, but the decision has been put on his wicket-keeping ability, which is a bit of a change from the norm for the ECB.
Tim Ambrose spent countless years at Sussex as Prior's number two, never getting a look in, which forced him to move on to Warwickshire. The move has now paid off for him, as he replaces Prior for the tour to New Zealand. And Chairman of Selectors David Graveny has been quoted as saying he will be the wicket-keeper for the test series, ahead of Durham's Phil Mustard. Ambrose had a great season at Edgbaston while Prior was struggling to improve on his debut series against the West Indies.
As I said, I'm not totally against this move, despite it being a big shock. Prior let us down with his wicket-keeping too many times, and although his batting had it's moments, I never saw him as Mr Reliable. Having said this, I feel Ambrose could be another one in a long like of wicket-keepers to come and go. Hopefully I'm wrong, and he sets the world alight in New Zealand with his keeping and batting, but only time will tell.
Experience is a crucial factor in any side, just look at the Australians and Indians! But in Sri Lanka England didn't have the experience when it was needed, which has resulted in the recall of Andrew Strauss. A good move if you ask me, despite a shakey 12 months or so in International cricket, he's what we need at the top of the order, hopefully opening with Vaughan, with Cook moving to three.
The major shock is Matt Prior being dropped. I have to admit, I'm not totally against this decision, but a strange time to do it by the ECB. People were calling for his head after a dreadful series with the bat against India. He keeps his place. He bats well against Sri Lanka. But then gets dropped. Strange Indeed, but the decision has been put on his wicket-keeping ability, which is a bit of a change from the norm for the ECB.
Tim Ambrose spent countless years at Sussex as Prior's number two, never getting a look in, which forced him to move on to Warwickshire. The move has now paid off for him, as he replaces Prior for the tour to New Zealand. And Chairman of Selectors David Graveny has been quoted as saying he will be the wicket-keeper for the test series, ahead of Durham's Phil Mustard. Ambrose had a great season at Edgbaston while Prior was struggling to improve on his debut series against the West Indies.
As I said, I'm not totally against this move, despite it being a big shock. Prior let us down with his wicket-keeping too many times, and although his batting had it's moments, I never saw him as Mr Reliable. Having said this, I feel Ambrose could be another one in a long like of wicket-keepers to come and go. Hopefully I'm wrong, and he sets the world alight in New Zealand with his keeping and batting, but only time will tell.
Experience is a crucial factor in any side, just look at the Australians and Indians! But in Sri Lanka England didn't have the experience when it was needed, which has resulted in the recall of Andrew Strauss. A good move if you ask me, despite a shakey 12 months or so in International cricket, he's what we need at the top of the order, hopefully opening with Vaughan, with Cook moving to three.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Is this a joke?
Today, umpire Steve Bucknor has been replaced by Billy Bowden for the third test of the Australia India series in Perth. As I stated before, Bucknor made mistakes, but who doesn't? Benson made an equally bad one when giving out Ricky Ponting LBW in the first innings at Sydney.
Bowden is regarded as one of the best umpires, as is Bucknor. So surely that suggests there equally likely to make mistakes. The decisions has been greeted with delight from the Indian Cricket Board, who had threatened to pull out of the tour. What happenes if Bowden makes five poor decisions that cost India another test match? Are they going to buoycot the final test, and are the ICC going to give into their demands again?
Steve Bucknor is being punished when it should be the Indian Cricket Board for suspending the series. I understand India got a rough deal, and sympathise with them to an extent. But they have acted unprofessionally and this latest movement by the ICC to please them is simply a disgrace.
Bowden is regarded as one of the best umpires, as is Bucknor. So surely that suggests there equally likely to make mistakes. The decisions has been greeted with delight from the Indian Cricket Board, who had threatened to pull out of the tour. What happenes if Bowden makes five poor decisions that cost India another test match? Are they going to buoycot the final test, and are the ICC going to give into their demands again?
Steve Bucknor is being punished when it should be the Indian Cricket Board for suspending the series. I understand India got a rough deal, and sympathise with them to an extent. But they have acted unprofessionally and this latest movement by the ICC to please them is simply a disgrace.
Monday, January 7, 2008
A New Era
Welcome to the start of Twelfth Man, James Hendry's blog on the world of cricket. We start with a pressing issue; the 'racism' row between Australia and India. Sparked off way before the current incident surrounding Harbhajan Singh.
It all started in October with the one-day series between the two nations. Australia went on to win 4-2 in a hottely contested series. However, the series was mared by racist slur from some sections of the Indian crowd towards Australia's Andrew Symonds (a fantastic cricketer, if you don't mind me saying!).
Nothing seemed to happen bar mild warnings from Cricket Australia and the BCCI, but the situation has escalated earlier this week, when Harbhajan was deemed to have called Symonds a "monkey". The spinner who has bowled very well in the opening two tests (removing Ponting three times) was hit with a ban, which has caused India to suspend the tour in protest. There has also been angry reactions to umpiring decisions by fans.
But why have they suspended the tour? Is it a matter of principal? If the Umpires and match referee Mike Proctor have found Harbhajan guilty, they should take it, and get on with the series. They're not going to change their minds now the Indians have suspended the tour. It just seems a bit unintellegent and pety. It's throwing the game into disripute and I for one hope India reverse their decision and resume this tour.
Secondly, why the over the top reaction to bad umpiring decisions?! Every team gets rough decisions, and yes they can affect the result of a match, but these things have a way of evening themselves out. Dravid was given out wrongly, a bad decision. But these umpires have a split second to decide, they don't have the technology. Harbhajan himself got a wicket in his favour from a poor umpiring decision by Mark Benson.
I wouldn't bet against more poor umpiring decision in the third test at Perth (if the tour resumes!!). Maybe this time the decisions will weigh in India's favour, and they can create an exciting fourth and final test.
It all started in October with the one-day series between the two nations. Australia went on to win 4-2 in a hottely contested series. However, the series was mared by racist slur from some sections of the Indian crowd towards Australia's Andrew Symonds (a fantastic cricketer, if you don't mind me saying!).
Nothing seemed to happen bar mild warnings from Cricket Australia and the BCCI, but the situation has escalated earlier this week, when Harbhajan was deemed to have called Symonds a "monkey". The spinner who has bowled very well in the opening two tests (removing Ponting three times) was hit with a ban, which has caused India to suspend the tour in protest. There has also been angry reactions to umpiring decisions by fans.
But why have they suspended the tour? Is it a matter of principal? If the Umpires and match referee Mike Proctor have found Harbhajan guilty, they should take it, and get on with the series. They're not going to change their minds now the Indians have suspended the tour. It just seems a bit unintellegent and pety. It's throwing the game into disripute and I for one hope India reverse their decision and resume this tour.
Secondly, why the over the top reaction to bad umpiring decisions?! Every team gets rough decisions, and yes they can affect the result of a match, but these things have a way of evening themselves out. Dravid was given out wrongly, a bad decision. But these umpires have a split second to decide, they don't have the technology. Harbhajan himself got a wicket in his favour from a poor umpiring decision by Mark Benson.
I wouldn't bet against more poor umpiring decision in the third test at Perth (if the tour resumes!!). Maybe this time the decisions will weigh in India's favour, and they can create an exciting fourth and final test.
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