England fail to tackle Johnson pace

             Johnson cleaned the english batting order with an annihilating spell of 7/40, leaving England all out for 172. Australia are way ahead with a lead of 530 runs. After the mammoth 570 by the Visiting side failed to counter. The first wicket fell in the third over of Johnson when he rattled the stumps of Captain Cook. Despite some fight from Carberry and Ian Bell, England failed to put a defendable total. Anderson replied well by taking two Australian wickets in his first spell, but displayed class and temprament to score 83 runs with 9 fours and a six.

          England have to battle for next 5 session, if they want to draw this test, but that may be too much to ask from a stressed dressing room

May God Save The Queen!

Behold! The most ancient cricketing rivalry went to its second session today. We can expect a lot of action and drama on and off the field. Who thought that a series based on an ancient mythology will become the most cunning dual in the world. Well, the subcontinent nations say these words for an Indo-pak clash but the facts say otherwise. The Ashes has its own pressure on both the teams. Besides, the Indo-pak games are often referred as 'friendship tour' whereas the Ashes was, is, and always will be a rivalry competition between two union jacks.

Talking about current game, well, not so encouraging for England. They have lost the first encounter and seemed to learn nothing from that. The only plus point for them is expected return of Tim Bresnan, which also won't help very much either, as they need to improve their batting lineup rather than altering the bowling. Chris Tremlett, James Anderson are in good form. Graeme Swann is a game changer as he was once on top in bowling and can trap the Aussies who don't have any experienced spinner right now. Nathan Lyon is effective but lacks variations. The batting order is not so compromising but they have sleeping giant like Kevin Peterson who posses great experience to play spin and of course Alister Cook, a test specialist.

On the other hand, the Kangaroos are in a high spirits after grabbing their first victory in last ten tests. After the humiliating 'brownwash' from India, Aussies literally reborn from the Ashes like a Phoenix. They look perfectly balanced having a correct mixture of bat and ball. Between the wickets, they have batsmen like Shane Watson, George Bailey and David Warner. Whereas Mitchell Johnson and company are doing a fantastic job with the new ball. The only weak point in their chain is lack of spinner. After Shane Warne and Brad Hogg, Australians always miss the quality spinners. This is the only area where England can outsmart. Nevertheless we can expect a war between two white teams. So guys! Cheer up your favourite team this November. Enjoy.

Preview: First ODI, Ind vs SA 5th Dec 2013

         

This has been a busy end to 2013 for both the teams. A little more glamorous for India. They defeated Australia in an ODI series by 3-2, then whitewashing test series with West Indies, and again winning their sixth straight ODI series.

           It will be the first Indian foreign test tour after the retirement of the master class trio of Sachin, Dravid and Laxman. Young Indians have responded to this challenge well by the in-form Rohit, Dhawan and Kohli. They have scored runs whenever the team needed. Now it is about adapting to the conditions. Understanding the pace and bounce of African pitches. ODI series will surely be preparing Indians for test challenge, but they need to make sure that they don’t lose their reputation as the world No1 ODI team.

          Result of first ODI will surely give strong advantage to winning side and will release the pressure of playing against some of the best cricketers around the world.

Key players:

Virat Kohli should be the stabilising factor for team India, he has scored a lot of runs in cricket in a short period, but now he need to anchor the team and make partnerships to counter the much feared South African pace attack.

Dale Steyn has been expressive about his desires to play India since last month, he says he has created plans against each Indian batsmen but it will depend on his execution. He can be serious threat to the inexperienced Top order.

Quotes:

I have had a look at the wicket and there's a lot of grass on it. It hasn't seen a lot of sun yet. But it should play the same over the course of 100 overs. Whether we bat first or second, or bowl first or second, I am not too fussed about that: AB de Villiers.

What we have seen in ODIs here is that the pitches provide something for the fast bowlers but at the same time, if you are a batsman who likes the ball coming on to the bat, this is the place to play. Johannesburg can be a high-scoring venue: MS Dhoni.

 

(Match starts at 5:30 pm at Wandererd South Africa)

Return of Swing Magician

At last selection committee of India got some sense of selection in their bags to bring Zaheer Khan back in the test squad for SA tour. Probably they understood that preparation for WC 2015 can't be done only with 'unripened fruits'. After observing various flaws in pace bowling against Aussies and against West Indies in ODIs, the Indian spearhead is also appointed as a mentor in limited over format.

Zaheer Khan, a.k.a. Zak, is one of the most successful speedster in Indian cricket. The left arm seamer is a role model not only for young bowlers like Jaidev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav but also for those who have anchored their places in international level like James Anderson. In the era of cricket where batsmen are pretty much dominant on the field, bowlers are treated like punching bags. The new rules and regulations are making the matter so worse, that for the young talent, as former Sri Lankan skipper Arjuna Ranatunga quoted, it will be very morale shattering for those who prefer shiny ball over shiny bat. In this battle of injustice, Zaheer is successfully holding flag of pacers for over 10 years. He can be categorized as an orthodox test bowler, which are left even less than tigers! Being at the age of 35, he is just an ocean of experience where everyone is welcome to learn.

The only drawback which frequently affected his place in squad is his fitness. Having a clean bowling action, he surprisingly keep on suffering from various injuries. Very recently, he got injured right in first test against England. That series resulted in an unfortunate whitewash for India which also snatched test crown from us. Let's hope this won't happen against South Africa and wish them best of luck.

Rohit Sharma in 2013

     Captaining the Mumbai Indian side in IPL was the turning point for Rohit's career. He not only lead the team in difficult times, but led with any role that situation demanded, being an anchorman or a hard hitter. It taught him the importance of a batsman's wicket. So now when you see Rohit play an International innings you wont find him throwing away his wicket like his prior International outings.

  Rohit sharma was a world famous name in cricket even before 2013 even before his test debute. What the opening position has done to Rohit in the present Inidan squad has sent all the cricket gurus praising the Hero of Historic Indian win over Austraila in ODIs.

     All that much talked about class and style has glittered like a diamond. If he keeps his form going he will be among the most celebrated batsmen of

cricketing history. Even now he also has a lot to accomplish, Selectors and fans would be expecting a lot from him in the upcoming South African series.

     At this point he has more than 1000 runs in 2013, a double century in ODI's, Man of the series against Australia, fantastic opening record with Shikhar Dhawan and two consecutive centuries in both of  the tests. Well he is surely lifting his average which was floating around 35 from a long time, and this boy has a lot to tell against the statistics.

     Bouncy pitches and fiery dale steyn awaits Rohit for now, Best of luck and keep your form unbeatable !!!

Mohammed Shami

 

 

 

     What everybody saw in Kolkata test was not just sachin's 199th test but also the uprising of a fast bowler from the land of UP. Mohammed shami stole the show by his pacy inswingers rattling stumps all along the west indies innings. It was the best ever performence by a debutant Indian bowler but also the 4th best figures for an Indian fast bowler.

     Mohammed Shami belongs to a poor rural family from UP. His father is a mechanic but passionate about his game. He supported him throughout his cricketing career. His life story is really interesting (click here to read).

     He has proved how lethal he can be in test, but now it's time for him to step up as a good death bowler which India extremely need. I am sure he will improve a lot sharing the dressing room with Zaheer Khan. Best of luck from our side for the South Africa tour Shami, we want to see more stumps flying. 

 

Ask Sammy

Ask Sammy about how does it feel when the middle stump is flying and the remaining two are saluting you.

Ha Ha funny though. Amazing bowling by Shami

Trott out of Ashes because of Stess

Jonathan Trott, a key pillar in English batting line-up has gone back to England to recover from an internal injury to his psych. A pale performance by all the English batsmen on first Ashes test have sent a lot of heads spinning over what exactly went wrong. The same batting lineup help England clinch the number 1 Test team. The same line-up made India embarrass by defeating them on their own turf. What an ecstatic Johnson can do in his return was on show when he defeated Trott in both the innings. With all the hype going around ashes and stress episode of trott doesn't seem too good for England. They will have to come back harder in the next test, until then its party time for Warner and team.

1 day ago

Sachin Tendulkar's Last Speech

        All my friends. Settle down let me talk, I will get more and more emotional (crowd gets louder and louder as he composes himself). My life, between 22 yards for 24 years, it is hard to believe that that wonderful journey has come to an end, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank people who have played an important role in my life. Also, for the first time in my life I am carrying this list, to remember all the names in case I forget someone. I hope you understand. It's getting a little bit difficult to talk but I will manage.

     

        The most important person in my life, and I have missed him a lot since 1999 when he passed away, my father. Without his guidance, I don't think I would have been standing here in front of you. He gave me freedom at the age of 11, and told me that [I should] chase my dreams, but make sure you do not find short cuts. The path might be difficult, but don't give up, and I have simply followed his instructions. Above all, he told me to be a nice human being, which I will continue to do and try my best. Every time I have done something special [and] showed my bat, it was [for] my father.

      

        My mother, I don't know how she dealt with such a naughty child like me. I was not easy to manage. She must be extremely patient. For a mother, the most important thing is that her child remains safe and healthy and fit. That was what she was most bothered and worried about. She took care of me for the last 24 years that I have played for India, but even before that she started praying for me the day I started playing cricket. She just prayed and prayed and I think her prayers and blessings have given me the strength to go out and perform, so a big thank you to my mother for all the sacrifices. 

          In my school days, for four years, I stayed with my uncle and aunt because my school was quite far from my home, and they treated me like their son. My aunt, after having had a hard day's play, I would be half asleep and she would be feeding me food so I could go again and play tomorrow. I can't forget these moments. I am like their son and I am glad it has continued to be the same way. 

          My eldest brother, Nitin, and his family, have always encouraged me. My eldest brother doesn't like to talk much, but the one thing he always told me is that whatever you do, I know you will always give it 100%, and that I have full faith and confidence in you. His encouragement meant a lot to me. My sister, Savita, and her family, was no different. The first cricket bat of my life was presented to me by my sister. It was a Kashmir willow bat. But that is where the journey began. She is one of those many who still continue to fast when I bat, so thank you very much.

        Ajit, my brother, now what do I talk about him? I don't know. We have lived this dream together. He was the one who sacrificed his career for my cricket. He spotted the spark in me. And it all started from the age of 11 when he took me to Archrekar sir, my coach, and from there on my life changed. You will find this hard to believe but even last night he called to discuss my dismissal, knowing that there was a remote chance of batting again, but just the habit we have developed, the rapport we have developed, since my birth, has continued and it will continue. Maybe when I'm not playing cricket we will still be discussing technique.

       

          Various things we agreed upon, my technique, and so many technical things which I didn't agree with him, we have had arguments and disagreements, but when I look back at all these things in my life, I would have been a lesser cricketer. 

         The most beautiful thing happened to me in 1990 when I met my wife, Anjali. Those were special years and it has continued and will always continue that way. I know Anjali, being a doctor; there was a wonderful career in front of her. When we decided to have a family, Anjali took the initiative to step back and say that 'you continue with your cricket and I will take the responsibility of the family'.

       

            Without that, I don't think I would have been able to play cricket freely and without stress. Thanks for bearing with all my fuss and all my frustrations, and all sorts of rubbish that I have spoken. Thanks for bearing with me and always staying by my side through all the ups and downs. You are the best partnership I've had in my life.

             Then, the two precious diamonds of my life, Sara and Arjun. They have already grown up. My daughter is 16, my son is 14. Time has flown by. I wanted to spend so much time with them on special occasions like their birthdays, their annual days, their sports day, going on holidays, whatever. I have missed out on all those things. Thanks for your understanding. Both of you have been so, so special to me you cannot imagine. I promise you [that] for 14 and 16 years I have not spent enough time with both of you, but the next 16 years or even beyond that, everything is for you.

             My in-laws, Anand Mehta and Annabelle, both have been so, so supportive [and] loving and caring. I have discussed on various things in life, generally with them, and have taken their advice. You know, it's so important to have a strong family who is always with you and who are guiding you. Before you start clapping, the most important thing they did was allowing me to marry Anjali, so thank you very much.

             In the last 24 years that I have played for India I have made new friends, and before that I have had friends from my childhood. They have all had a terrific contribution. As and when I have called them to come and bowl to me at the nets, they have left their work aside to come and help me. Be it joining me on holidays and having discussions with me on cricket, or how I was a little stressed and wanting to find a solution so I can perform better. 

              All those moments my friends were with me. Even for when I was injured, I would wake up in the morning because I couldn't sleep and thought that my career was over because of injuries, that is when my friends have woken up at 3 o'clock in the morning to drive with me and make me believe that my career was not over. Life would be incomplete without all those friends. Thanks for being there for me. 

              My cricket career started when I was 11. The turning point of my career was when my brother (Ajit) took me to Achrekar sir. I was extremely delighted to see him up in the stands. Normally he sits in front of the television and he watches all the games that I play. When I was 11/12, those were the days when I used to hop back on his scooter and play a couple of practice matches a day. The first half the innings I would be batting at Shivaji Park, the second half, at some other match in Azad Maidan. He would take me all over Mumbai to make sure I got match practice.

               On a lighter note, in the last 29 years, sir has never ever said 'well played' to me because he thought I would get complacent and I would stop working hard. Maybe he can push his luck and wish me now, well done on my career, because there are no more matches, sir, in my life. I will be witnessing cricket, and cricket will always stay in my heart, but you have had an immense contribution in my life, so thank you very much.

             My cricket for Mumbai started right here on this ground, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA), which is so dear to me. I remember landing from New Zealand at four o'clock in the morning, and turning up for a game here at eight o'clock just because I wanted to be a part of Mumbai cricket, and not that somebody forced me. That was for the love of Mumbai cricket, and thank you very much. The president is here so thank you very much, along with your team, for taking care of me and looking after my cricket.

              The dream was obviously to play for India, and that is where my association with BCCI started. BCCI was fantastic, right from my debut they believed in my ability and selecting me into the squad at the age of 16 was a big step, so thanks to all the selectors for having faith in me and the BCCI for giving me the freedom to express myself out in the middle. Things would have been different if you had not been behind me, and I really appreciate your support. Especially when I was injured, you were right with me and making sure that all the treatments were taken care of, and that I got fit and fine and playing [right] back for India. 

                  The journey has been special, the last 24 years, I have played with many senior cricketers, and even before that there were many senior cricketers with whom I watched on television. They inspired me to play cricket, and to play in the right way. Thanks to all those senior cricketers, and unfortunately I have not been able to play with them, but I have high regards for all their achievements and all their contributions.

                    We see it on the mega-screen, Rahul, Laxman, Sourav, and Anil, who is not here, and my team-mates right here in front me. You are like my family away from home. I have had some wonderful times with you. It is going to be difficult to not be part of the dressing room, sharing those special moments. All the coaches for their guidance, it has been special for me. I know when MS Dhoni presented me the 200th Test match cap on day one morning. I had a brief message for the team. I would like to repeat that. I just feel that all of us are so, so fortunate and proud to be part of the Indian cricket team and serving the nation.

           

                Knowing all of you guys, I know you will continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and right values. I believe we have been the lucky ones to be chosen by the Almighty to serve this sport. Each generation gets this opportunity to take care of this sport and serve it to the best of our ability. I have full faith in you to continue to serve the nation in the right spirit and to the best of your ability, to bring all the laurels to the country. All the very best.

                  I would be failing in my duties if I did not thank all the doctors, the physios, the trainers, who have put this difficult body together to go back on the field and be able to play. The amount of injuries that I have had in my career, I don't know how you have managed to keep me fit, but without your special efforts, it would never have happened. The doctors have met me at weird hours. I mean I have called them from Mumbai to Chennai, Mumbai to Delhi, I mean wherever. They have just taken the next flight and left their work and families to be with me, which has allowed me to play. So a big thank you to all three of you for keeping me in good shape.

                   

                 My dear friend, late Mark Mascarenhas, my first manager. We unfortunately lost him in a car accident in 2001, but he was such a well-wisher of cricket, my cricket, and especially Indian cricket. He was so passionate. He understood what it takes to represent a nation and gave me all the space to go out and express myself, and never pressurized me to do this ad or promotion or whatever the sponsors demanded. He took care of that and today I miss him, so thank you Mark for all your contribution.

                My current management team, WSG, for repeating what Mark has done, because when I signed the contract I exactly told them what I want from them, and what it requires to represent me. They have done that and respected that.

                     

               Someone who has worked closely with me for 14 years is my manager, Vinod Nayudu. He is more like my family and all the sacrifices, spending time away from his family for my work, has been special, so big thank you to his family as well for giving up so much time for my work with Vinod.

                 In my school days, when I performed well, the media backed me a lot. They continue to do that till this morning. Thank you so much to the media for supporting and appreciating my performances. It surely had a positive effect on me. Thank you so much to all the photographers as well for those wonderfully captured moments that will stay with me for the rest of my life, so a big thank you to all the photographers.

               I know my speech is getting a bit too long (crowd roars), but this is the last thing I want to say. I want to thank all the people here who have flown in from various parts of the world, and have supported me endlessly, whether I scored a 0 or a 100-plus. Your support was so dear to me and meant a lot to me. Whatever you have done for me.

                     

               I know I have met so many guys who have fasted for me, prayed for me, done so much for me. Without that life wouldn't have been like this for me. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and also say that time has flown by rather quickly, but the memories you have left with me will always be with me forever and ever, especially "Sachin, Sachin" which will reverberate in my ears till I stop breathing. Thank you very much. If I have missed out on saying something, I hope you understand. Goodbye.

India beat Austrailia in one day series 3-2.

Sachin Retires

Long back ago, in 1987, a 14 yr kid told in an interview,”I want to play for India one day and I am pretty sure and confident that one day I will.” 

The time was arrived on 15 Nov 1989, India playing Pakistan in Pakistan in 1st test at National stadium, Karachi. India lost couple of early wickets and the same 16 year kid walked in, beneath the helmet, under the unruly curly hair inside cranium, with proud feeling of being India’s youngest player to wear a test cap for his country. Boy walked out on strike with WaquarYounis at his peak form at that time. Pakistani skipper Imran Khan thrown statement at him,”India,aise  bacche lekar kyu khel rahi hai..?” But he was even surprised when that boy tried to drive Waquar through covers off his very first ball in test cricket. And the world saw for the first time, the rising cricketing star from India- “SACHIN RAMESH TENDULKAR”.

Within the short period of time, Sachin grabbed world’s attention at him through his “most” perfect batting technique, passion towards game, complete focus, long lasting excellence, restless determination and many more such qualities.
Though he was just 5 ft 5’’ tall, but was perfectly capable of handling the difficult short deliveries of all pace bowlers.
Even Sir Don Bradman after saw Sachin playing on TV and stuck by his technique and felt like he is seeing himself . He said Sachin is 99.5% “perfect ” batsman.Sachin is the only player of current generation who is included by sir Don Bradman in his squad of playing elevation and ratedhim the best amongst his eleven.

While meantime India has seriously suffered through a disease called match fixing where we lost couple of good players and it was seemed like, it will take at least a decade for India to come back but Sachin kept hopes of Indian fans alive and proved what a single man can do.
Steve Waugh after losing a match said, “We didn’t lose to a team called India…we lost to a player called SACHIN”. While making a match strategy Rantungasaid,”You get Sachin out and half the battle you won”. Andy flower talked about Sachin,”There are two types batsman in this world.One Sachin Tendulkar. Two all the others”. Sachin had such great impact on this game.
Like every successful person Sachin also faced lots of criticism throughout his career but everytime he responded through his “bat” only. Every time he suffered through bad days, he came back even strongly and as an even more matured player. Guys those talk silly about this great man should know ,”he has been in form for the time longer than some of our guy shave been alive”.

He made his every dream come true, even the dream of being part of world cup winning team. Sachin believed in only single line while building his inning, “One ball at a time” and the same he has employed in building his career from a kid batsman to a LEGEND. He has massive number of world records on his name that being polite and humble even after achieving these many milestones makes Sachin stand different from others.
The legendary batsman has today announced his retirement from ODI cricket and made a unrecoverable vaccum in Indian cricket. For filling(replacing ) his place in our team, only GOD has take a rebirth otherwise it seems impossible …..

“The more I saw him, “MORE ” I want to see him” said Azhar and no doubt every Indian thinks the same. Every run by sachin is recorded for generations as a manual of classic batting, flicks, straight drives upper cuts, and every cricketing shot a dictionary can hold. We will see his videos in many computers, Youtube , Facebook . We will see him supporting various noble causes , We will even see him during net practice And for the last year in the classic five day format too, BUT we will never see him again in the blue jersey riding the hopes of crores of Indian fans

The only thing I would like say is,”We are luckiest generationon the earthof all time, who saw Sachin batting live….”We will miss u Sachin……

Lords Test 2nd Ashes Match 2013

 Update

Smith takes his 3rd wicket, dismisses Prior for 6(18) c Haddin b Smith

Anyone missing Shane Warne here

Smith Takes two after a consistent Bell and Prudent Bairstow departs.



Ian Bell register another 109 to English scorecard after the early departure of openers and KP. He made partnerships of 99 and 144 with Trott and Bairstow respectively. He hit 16 boundaries in his savior innings.
 J Bairstow fortunately held his ground for a fantastic partnership with Bell to take England to a respectable 274 but returned a catch to Australian All-rounder, Part time leg spin bowler Steven Smith.
Smith took his took wicket in just a span of 4 runs after a solid partnership which made Pattinson and Siddle sweat for a wicket.

Ashes 1st Test 2013

                1st Ashes test of the season formed one of the best archives for ESPN. Though it resulted in pride for the composed and methodical England, But the young Ashton Agar won many hearts back home with his fearless 98 against one of the best Test bowling line up in the world.
                Ian Bell quoted this century as the best innings of his career so far. Anderson well deserving his Man of the Match for his 10 wicket haul. He has developed to a real masterpiece and  a perilous weapon of Cook. Specially for his classic reverse swing and for his 3 c Cook b Anderson and 4 c Prior b Anderson combination, which shows how skillfully he can maneuver the ball.
               Around all the hype about the DRS and Broad not walking off, many forgot the Important contribution from Stuart Broad in English Triumph. He scored 89 runs and scored 12 boundaries in the match with 2 crucial wickets of Watson and Clark who where once unstoppable.

               This match will surely make Australian think tank to ponder over their selection and batting order.  Interesting to wait what the new coach bring into the side.
                Anyway it was a wonderful start to another breathtaking series for the cricket full of tweets and opinions to follow in the upcoming month.