Australia vs India, 2nd Final
Australia gives lots of reasons for losing matches. Dead rubber syndrome. End of season burn-out. Injury. Retirements. Jetlag. Umpiring decisions. Substitute fielders. God.
But Australia lost the 1st final for two simple reasons. We batted like crap, Tendulkar batted like a champion. Somehow the Australian top order need to reverse a season-long trend of poor form that has been around regardless of injuries, season burn-out or divine intervention. No excuses, boys, keep your eye on the ball and smash those Indian youngsters!
My prediction. If Australia bat second, they'll win. The reason? The JC curse. If I'm ever unable to watch Gilly bat, he does something incredible. While at a Christmas Carols event, he scored the 2nd ever fastest Test century. Last week when Channel 9 were airing news and current affairs, Gilly scored 80 off a handful of balls. Today being a local game, only the first few hours are being televised. If Australia bat first, I'll watch Gilly smash a few boundaries through the covers then sky one to mid-on. If Australia bat second, I'll listen on the radio as he scores a century off 70 balls and Australia chase India's total comfortably.
| Posted by JC on Tue 4 Mar |  133 comments |
I guess Austrlia will put in a superlative performance today, especially after the kick in the backside from Ricky Ponting.
Indian team is ramping up well, but need to see if they can maintain the momentum from their previous wins.
Ideal contest; the most hungry team will win today.
On a side note an objective article on crowd behaviour, Harbhajan Singh by Greg Baum in the Age
Should be journalism 101 for Malcolm Conn of the Australian for his one dimensional, jingoistic trash that cheats his readers of an objective opinion. Articlea title is "Yet again, Harbhajan walks free"
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 11:08:30
Indian team is ramping up well, but need to see if they can maintain the momentum from their previous wins.
Ideal contest; the most hungry team will win today.
On a side note an objective article on crowd behaviour, Harbhajan Singh by Greg Baum in the Age
Should be journalism 101 for Malcolm Conn of the Australian for his one dimensional, jingoistic trash that cheats his readers of an objective opinion. Articlea title is "Yet again, Harbhajan walks free"
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 11:08:30
Interesting definition of objective Ravi.
Anyway, cricket is all that interests me today and there are any number of Australian batsmen who are overdue. Let's hope it's a bit closer than Game 1.
Posted by TA on 2008-03-04 11:28:20
Anyway, cricket is all that interests me today and there are any number of Australian batsmen who are overdue. Let's hope it's a bit closer than Game 1.
Posted by TA on 2008-03-04 11:28:20
It's getting a bit damp in the evening up here now we're into March. I wouldn't want to be batting second on a Gabba wicket with the ball swinging all over the place.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 11:35:49
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 11:35:49
Read in an Indian newspaper that both Ishant Sharma & Sachin will play today. Apparently, Ishant's X-ray did not reveal anything serious. In case India plays one spinner, it will be a tossup between Munaf Patel & Sreesanth. Both have been leaking runs, and if held at gun point, I may choose Sreesanth, and & pray that he does not do any theatrics. Piyush seemed a tidy bowler but not sure how will fare at teh Gabba.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 11:47:53
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 11:47:53
Should be journalism 101 for Malcolm Conn of the Australian for his one dimensional, jingoistic trash that cheats his readers of an objective opinion. Articlea title is "Yet again, Harbhajan walks free"
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Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 11:08:30
Ravi,
It is just australian media trying to get the attention of their readers/viewers, much like the Indian media does. I guess it has become common nowadays that CBN is Pure Australian support comments and Star is Pure Indian support comments. I had watched Star Cricket clippings for the "symonds trying to run out the batsman when the batsman collided with the bowler" (Aus-SL match) and the "Brett Lee Beamer" (Aus - India match) incidents. I felt they are exaggerating the issues. Anway,
as per book, Harbhajan was cleared by Independent Judge for racism complaints in Sydney test and cleared by Match Refree for crowd issues in the First Final. ( They can see/argue about these issues however they want).
Lets hope we have a good game.
Posted by mss on 2008-03-04 11:57:35
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Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 11:08:30
Ravi,
It is just australian media trying to get the attention of their readers/viewers, much like the Indian media does. I guess it has become common nowadays that CBN is Pure Australian support comments and Star is Pure Indian support comments. I had watched Star Cricket clippings for the "symonds trying to run out the batsman when the batsman collided with the bowler" (Aus-SL match) and the "Brett Lee Beamer" (Aus - India match) incidents. I felt they are exaggerating the issues. Anway,
as per book, Harbhajan was cleared by Independent Judge for racism complaints in Sydney test and cleared by Match Refree for crowd issues in the First Final. ( They can see/argue about these issues however they want).
Lets hope we have a good game.
Posted by mss on 2008-03-04 11:57:35
Ravi, TA's reaction actually sums up how great the gulf is between the perspectives of the two sides and it would be quite pointless to try to convince each on what is objective and what is not. So how about back to the game and enjoy Brett and Sachin. At SCG I thought one of the major reasons for Aussie losing was that Johnson did not fire as he had normally been doing earlier.
Wonder if Ishant does not take the field, we may see Sreeshanth??
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 12:03:44
Wonder if Ishant does not take the field, we may see Sreeshanth??
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 12:03:44
JC wrote: "Today being a local game, only the first few hours are being televised. ...."
Are u located overseas??
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 12:20:55
Are u located overseas??
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 12:20:55
Interested in others thoughts - what do people think about players retiring before the season is over. Dizzy and Jimmy Maher finished up yesterday - when there is still one round to go in the shield / Pura Cup. Kasper finished up last month and Boof back in December. I grew up with the notion that you generally finished the season and then hung up the boots. Perhaps that is the issue - in general they are not hanging up the boots - just getting a bit of a rest before heading to India for the big pay cheques. I think it is a bit sad that they aren't seeing the season through...
Posted by Andrew Mosey's Cousin on 2008-03-04 12:25:29
Posted by Andrew Mosey's Cousin on 2008-03-04 12:25:29
I agree, there seems to be gap in expectations on both sides, and trying to bridge it is probably an unwinnable point. Harbhajan being supported by Border at Sydney final is good enough for me.
Its funny how fans across different teams have same experience with respect to watching their team perform. I was joking the other day with my friend India seems to do well when we are not watching the game. I followed the sentiment in first final; popped in to check the score & made a hasty exit from the browser as fast as a Brett Lee beamer. I will try to avoid the match today, but it seems too interesting not to.
Not sure about Sreesanth yet; but Munaf may get in the call if there is a chance. Not sure why Irfan Pathan bowled so pathetically in Sydney, even after considering the relative slowness of the pitch. Short & wide on any pitch will be hammered.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 12:30:27
Its funny how fans across different teams have same experience with respect to watching their team perform. I was joking the other day with my friend India seems to do well when we are not watching the game. I followed the sentiment in first final; popped in to check the score & made a hasty exit from the browser as fast as a Brett Lee beamer. I will try to avoid the match today, but it seems too interesting not to.
Not sure about Sreesanth yet; but Munaf may get in the call if there is a chance. Not sure why Irfan Pathan bowled so pathetically in Sydney, even after considering the relative slowness of the pitch. Short & wide on any pitch will be hammered.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 12:30:27
LK: Am I overseas? Depends on where you are. I live in Brisbane, same location as the 2nd final. I just heard on the radio half an hour ago that Channel 9 are mulling whether to show the whole game or not.
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 12:43:31
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 12:43:31
Just heard that the whole game will be shown live on 9
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:06:39
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:06:39
JC, I'm at Mumbai. Since this is your blog, had presumed that you'd be somewhere in Australia, so was a bit surprised to read that the 2nd Final was not being telecast in your city. Such a thing would have been unthinkable here at Mumbai. Of course didn't realise that the 'local' game was this ODI final itself. Interesting
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 13:09:02
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 13:09:02
I also heard today that Ian Healy, when asked by an interviewer about the behaviour of the australian crowds, said they are the worst he's seen anywhere. And the Gabba is in particular the worst. Possibly due to qld being the place of birth of One Nation? Too much sun and XXXX?
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:09:22
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:09:22
LK, the way it's worked in Australia for an eternity is that unless the game is sold out before the start, Nine will only show the first two hours of the game. Used to be the case for test matches as well.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:10:21
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:10:21
JC, in contrast to NOT telecasting local matches, quite often in many cities here, TV sets with big projection screens are placed arround the stadiums, to prevent overcrowding at the grounds.
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 13:19:57
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 13:19:57
I've always thought Cricket Australia shoot themselves in the bits for not holding the finals over a friday-sunday. Would love to have gone, but work calls....
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:27:53
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:27:53
NOW it will be interesting. India win a toss and bat, and they've gone with Sreesanth. Good choice.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:57:14
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-04 13:57:14
Sreesanth & Piyush in for India. Ishant ruled out. Stuart Clark in place of Brad Hogg.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 13:59:10
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 13:59:10
Interesting comments.
India bats first. My first prediction was right. I also think that the Aussies would be thirsty as hell and being usually strong on comebacks, they will skittle India around 175. Not that I hope that happens, but that is what my gut says.
Posted by deezina on 2008-03-04 14:08:30
India bats first. My first prediction was right. I also think that the Aussies would be thirsty as hell and being usually strong on comebacks, they will skittle India around 175. Not that I hope that happens, but that is what my gut says.
Posted by deezina on 2008-03-04 14:08:30
Its so pleasing to watch fielding collaboration between Symonds & Clarke. Amazing fielders & awareness on field.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 14:21:42
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 14:21:42
India start well (36/0) and Channel 9 announce they'll air the whole game. Looks nasty for Australia.
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 15:01:06
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 15:01:06
India started off really well ... 92/0 in 20 overs. Without Hoggie around, my prediction is a cool 250 plus score. That could be challenging too ...
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 15:51:45
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 15:51:45
Good platform for India, we will need to bat well if we want to win this one...
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 15:52:58
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 15:52:58
Weird to watch Clarke holding onto Tendulkar after colliding with him in the last ball of his first over .. sure he saved a single for Australia :-)
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 16:16:34
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 16:16:34
on par for somethin around 270, anything less should be a loss ...
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 16:39:47
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 16:39:47
India in trouble now. Time for Pathan, Praveen kumar and Chawala to prove their all round abilities. Else 250 will be easily chaseable.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 17:24:53
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 17:24:53
yeah ... 270 is a target they need to set ... that could be competitive ...
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 17:27:32
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 17:27:32
harakiri towards the end ... look short of the par score here.
Will be interesting to see if the match referee docks the aussies of some overs, they clearly havent had the best days with the stipulated time rules.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 17:56:47
Will be interesting to see if the match referee docks the aussies of some overs, they clearly havent had the best days with the stipulated time rules.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 17:56:47
Latest update on Channel 9 TV coverage in Brisbane - they are now televising Australia's innings but will miss the first half hour due to damn Current Affair. That's right, who wants to watch possibly Gilly's last innings for Australia when we could watch a TV show vilifying drug adled teenagers, find out the latest way to save 30 cents grocery shopping and get a gawk at the latest wonder bra.
Hopefully Gilly will get his eye in over the first 30 minutes then open up at 6pm when coverage starts.
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 18:10:13
Hopefully Gilly will get his eye in over the first 30 minutes then open up at 6pm when coverage starts.
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 18:10:13
JC, was this nerves towards the end or is it the Gabba pitch?!!
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:11:33
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:11:33
Good Luck, Gilly!
One last effort, we all would like to see!
But then, a good 'one last effort' from Gilly might result in an aussie win and render the phrase 'one last...' meaningless as we'd have another match in hand!
Fingers crossed.
Posted by Zapper on 2008-03-04 18:13:57
One last effort, we all would like to see!
But then, a good 'one last effort' from Gilly might result in an aussie win and render the phrase 'one last...' meaningless as we'd have another match in hand!
Fingers crossed.
Posted by Zapper on 2008-03-04 18:13:57
Ghurram, as far as I know, overs are not docked anymore. The captain has to pay a fine.
As far as 258 is concerned, it might be competitive as the ball is not coming on to the bat and India have 2 spinners. Plus the ball does swing in the evenings. India will surely miss Ishant.
Average 1st innings total in 5 matches before this match here is 230. So lets see.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:14:11
As far as 258 is concerned, it might be competitive as the ball is not coming on to the bat and India have 2 spinners. Plus the ball does swing in the evenings. India will surely miss Ishant.
Average 1st innings total in 5 matches before this match here is 230. So lets see.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:14:11
Worth a read during the lunch break:
http://espnstar.com/studio/columndetails.cmd?id=7030930
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 18:17:13
http://espnstar.com/studio/columndetails.cmd?id=7030930
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 18:17:13
Media showing some bias towards home team is understandable. But media manufacturing a non-existing offense & whipping up reader frenzy is straight out of a Bond movie - was that "Golden Eye" when a Rupert Murdoch kind of moghul tries to create nuisance.
Talking about cricket, it was irritating to see Gambhir & Yuvi holing out when in good nick. These guys should learn from Sachin how to pace an innings. Probably they forgot the Gabba is a much bigger ground & non-trivial to clear the rope.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 18:30:10
Talking about cricket, it was irritating to see Gambhir & Yuvi holing out when in good nick. These guys should learn from Sachin how to pace an innings. Probably they forgot the Gabba is a much bigger ground & non-trivial to clear the rope.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 18:30:10
Hey Ghurram. I read the article and agree with what has been said there. I saw the pic in TOI today. He was just scratching his arm pit. And if you did not notice, he was enjoying with the crowd, even though they were out to insult him, his religion, his community etc. Yet he kept his composer. But guess what, unlike Mumbai, no one was arrested here.
The beamer is a non-issue. It happens, and Lee immediately apologized, so no hassle there.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:30:11
The beamer is a non-issue. It happens, and Lee immediately apologized, so no hassle there.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:30:11
Ghurram, just IGNORE the Aussie press and also the local reactions. The writing on this blog by amateurs is much better. (Yes we need to discuss what's been happening and also take corrective steps, but on a more mature forum, or at least after the emotions have subsided). As for now, am still wondering if its the nerves getting the better of Dhoni & Co or this HAD to happen at Gabba, where the 1st inn av. score is abt. 230? Also, the better bowlers were the slower ones, so maybe Bhajji and Piyush could do something?? Or is that wishful thinking???
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:32:13
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:32:13
Yeah ... I feel a hassle though. Surprisingly no docking of overs.
May be Ponting might be called up post the match. But thats repeat offence in this series, they have been docked twice of being slow in their innings.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 18:33:11
May be Ponting might be called up post the match. But thats repeat offence in this series, they have been docked twice of being slow in their innings.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 18:33:11
Gilly gone. Big relief for India. Hopefully his last innings.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:35:04
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:35:04
Sorry JC, Gili out ( and hope you don't get to see him again at Ad...come over and see him at IPL)
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:36:02
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:36:02
Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! Kumar is a cracker though, swinging it both ways. India is bristling with talented bowlers at the moment.
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 18:36:55
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 18:36:55
Punter OUT!!!!!!Yahoooooo
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:45:20
Posted by LK on 2008-03-04 18:45:20
Hayden, Clarke, Symonds are the danger men.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 18:47:08
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 18:47:08
Good beginning though. Kumar is doing a wonderful job. The thing is will Hayden counter attack.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:48:32
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 18:48:32
Ponting should be kicked out of the australian squad. Apart from being a loud mouth, repeated offences, he is just showing his mediocracy in batting as well.
He has bought Australian cricket too much of shame and he rightfully deserves a boot. He should have gone on a 0 though. Being as old as tendulkar he hardly shows any sign of maturity and cries like a bitch.
Posted by AustralianPork on 2008-03-04 18:53:02
He has bought Australian cricket too much of shame and he rightfully deserves a boot. He should have gone on a 0 though. Being as old as tendulkar he hardly shows any sign of maturity and cries like a bitch.
Posted by AustralianPork on 2008-03-04 18:53:02
Gilli, Gilli, Gilli, failed again should have been dropped ages ago but not to worry he's nearly gone.
Posted by PJ on 2008-03-04 18:57:17
Posted by PJ on 2008-03-04 18:57:17
Hayden catch dropped!!! Hope Dhoni will not repent it.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 18:58:59
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 18:58:59
Clarke out!
2 Queenslanders now at the crease at their home ground. Nice story.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 19:18:49
2 Queenslanders now at the crease at their home ground. Nice story.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 19:18:49
One more wicket here and this could be curtains. Aussies are missing a semi-batsman in Hogg today .. btw.
Clark is a bunny when compared to George.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 19:40:04
Clark is a bunny when compared to George.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 19:40:04
Ponting is a classy batsman but he looked woefully out of sorts tonight (and most of the season). The ball before he was dismissed, the look on his face was bewildered - he was all at sea against Kumar.
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 19:46:56
Posted by JC on 2008-03-04 19:46:56
Pathan is messing up for India. Tough in current circumstances, but he is doing his best with wides & short balls.
Reg. Ponting's form, even the great batsmen are not immune to the form slump. Sachin was there; at his worst moment, he was booed by his home crowd in Mumbai, and ha dto field demands about his retirement.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 19:54:09
Reg. Ponting's form, even the great batsmen are not immune to the form slump. Sachin was there; at his worst moment, he was booed by his home crowd in Mumbai, and ha dto field demands about his retirement.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 19:54:09
Why are there so many wides today?
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:09:34
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:09:34
Agree with you Ravi. Dravid these days is woefully out of form too. But I don't think international matches are the place to find form. They end up hurting the team's cause
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:09:45
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:09:45
This pair is looking very dangerous. India needs to break this partnership and do so quickly
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:19:36
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:19:36
ssukhdial,
True, but it becomes very difficult to displace an out of form batsman when he is the skipper. They can balance with other skillset like smart captaincy, like Mark Taylor did for a very long time while on woeful form.Its kinda difficult choice - once a skipper makes himself unavailable to get hold of his focus & form & returns back to the team, there will be a new captain and needless power struggle. I vaguely remember there were such awkwardness between Steve Waugh & Ricky Ponting b4 Waugh retired.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:21:13
True, but it becomes very difficult to displace an out of form batsman when he is the skipper. They can balance with other skillset like smart captaincy, like Mark Taylor did for a very long time while on woeful form.Its kinda difficult choice - once a skipper makes himself unavailable to get hold of his focus & form & returns back to the team, there will be a new captain and needless power struggle. I vaguely remember there were such awkwardness between Steve Waugh & Ricky Ponting b4 Waugh retired.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:21:13
Symonds started actually to like his shots. And not sure why Pathan is bent upon bowling short & wide of offstump? Too many drinks last night ?
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:22:45
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:22:45
Somebody get Pathan off bowling. He is back to bowling like the time he did when he was chucked out of the team.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:27:02
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:27:02
Why are India throwing away the game?
This is the unlosable game
I am sick of Channel 9s commentary team and their failure to ever criticise our players even when they play extremely ordinarily
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 20:29:33
This is the unlosable game
I am sick of Channel 9s commentary team and their failure to ever criticise our players even when they play extremely ordinarily
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 20:29:33
Symo and Hydo r batting very well. Attacking the first few balls and playing the rest over normally. Required run rate down to 5.63 from over 6 at one point of time.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:34:43
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:34:43
yipppee .... that was looking dangerous ... that partnership, and now we get a look in ... Mr.Cricket out to face the spin twins.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 20:34:53
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 20:34:53
Ace,
True Indian fans are quite used to this pattern of India losing from unlosable situations.
Recent youngsters in the team, and before that the winning attitude under Ganguly have slowly changed this trend. But apparently it has not gone away completely from the Indian team, and is again making its ocmeback.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:35:00
True Indian fans are quite used to this pattern of India losing from unlosable situations.
Recent youngsters in the team, and before that the winning attitude under Ganguly have slowly changed this trend. But apparently it has not gone away completely from the Indian team, and is again making its ocmeback.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 20:35:00
Thank God, Hydo is gone. India will be breathing slightly better now.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:36:07
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:36:07
2 in 2 .... symonds gone !!! yaaahhhoooo !!!!
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 20:36:26
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 20:36:26
No Hoggie remember ... so its just Lee and Co. after this partnership ... and Hopes is no great player of good quality spin !!!
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 20:39:05
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 20:39:05
While Mr.Cricket is there we have a decent chance, India need to strangle the Aussies now and force the pace...
Hopes is playing hopelessly - love Chappeli's comment - He is reading it as well as Sanskrit
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 20:46:40
Hopes is playing hopelessly - love Chappeli's comment - He is reading it as well as Sanskrit
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 20:46:40
Did Symo edge the ball onto his pads????
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:46:46
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 20:46:46
Symonds "Clothes lined" a streaker WWE style lol
Rohit Sharma covered his eyes ROTL
Posted by Adi on 2008-03-04 21:02:24
Rohit Sharma covered his eyes ROTL
Posted by Adi on 2008-03-04 21:02:24
Dhoni ought to gamble .. go by instincts and give Pathan an over or two here. Hopes has a habit of walking cross the line and can keep Pathan interested.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 21:23:26
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 21:23:26
Aussies sitting comfortable. Take it till last 5 over with around 40 to get. the game is then theirs
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:27:32
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:27:32
Photo-Hog is back on the field
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:33:50
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:33:50
Hussey gone. India rekindle some hope. But Aussies still have an edge.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:42:57
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:42:57
The 3rd umpire took almost an eternity of 10 minutes to give out a simple catch.
It was the same umpire who gave Symonds not out after caught a mile outside crease.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 21:42:57
It was the same umpire who gave Symonds not out after caught a mile outside crease.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 21:42:57
hmm interesting situation. But hey sukhi ... I guess the match is safely in hands of the Indians now.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 21:45:45
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 21:45:45
No Ghurram. Lee can bat, Hopes certainly, so can Johnson. 1 good over of 12-13 runs and it is in their favor.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:52:50
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 21:52:50
Hopes playing a superb knock. Indians have themselevs to blame with bad batting in slog overs, & then loose bowling & fielding.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 22:02:29
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 22:02:29
who would bowl the last over ? My bet is on Pathan though if Tendulkar is around, he might get a go.
Hope Dhoni doesnt go across to Yuvraj to bowl that. Chawla shud be a better option.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:12:14
Hope Dhoni doesnt go across to Yuvraj to bowl that. Chawla shud be a better option.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:12:14
Hopes! What a shot under pressure! He's earned some fans today!
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2008-03-04 22:15:17
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2008-03-04 22:15:17
13 from 1 over...Pathan SHOULD bowl. Considering his form its looking a bit tense for India.
A tie anyone?!
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2008-03-04 22:16:26
A tie anyone?!
Posted by Ajesh Nag on 2008-03-04 22:16:26
No tie Ajesh .. its a win for India from here.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:21:36
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:21:36
yeah ... India wins !!!!
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:25:07
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:25:07
INDIA WINS !!!
Posted by Jason on 2008-03-04 22:25:13
Posted by Jason on 2008-03-04 22:25:13
Piyush took some amazing catches that turned matches in this finals.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 22:27:52
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 22:27:52
His was an inspired selection, and I really praise Dhoni for that !!! Youngsters or not ... its proven that we can challenge the best on a consistent basis.
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:30:03
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:30:03
Woopie. India WINS. Bhajji gets Symo for the Nth time. What an end to the series. India beat the champs in their own backyard. And Symo becomes, Bhajji's Bunny (no racialism meant).
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 22:31:57
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 22:31:57
most satisfying day in my life
Posted by anurag on 2008-03-04 22:34:13
Posted by anurag on 2008-03-04 22:34:13
Bracken as Man of the Series, might appear justified,but I felt that it must be Dhoni. The 3rd highest run-getter, clean keeping and most importantly, some of the most inspired decisions ever taken. Nevertheless ... I wont be as sore as Ponting, Bracken too deserves the applause !!!
Well played Aussies .... is photohog still in the stands ?
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:40:52
Well played Aussies .... is photohog still in the stands ?
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-04 22:40:52
i do not know wat to say here.. just that i think india did a good performance and for once i saw the aussies actually not in a position to even say a word!!!
wonder when was the last time that this happened to them... been a a strong supporter of the aussies way of playing cricket i somehow think wat better than probably these guys win it off and give gilly a wonderful farewell gift but, this did'nt seem to go well with many ppl i feel.
the aussies are by far the most engaging teams in the world and they have this never say die attitude which is something that everyone wants to look out for... but somehow this zeal and courage and will to fight seems to ve been lost someway down the line and it has been taken up by the indians...
Posted by noelalok on 2008-03-04 22:46:08
wonder when was the last time that this happened to them... been a a strong supporter of the aussies way of playing cricket i somehow think wat better than probably these guys win it off and give gilly a wonderful farewell gift but, this did'nt seem to go well with many ppl i feel.
the aussies are by far the most engaging teams in the world and they have this never say die attitude which is something that everyone wants to look out for... but somehow this zeal and courage and will to fight seems to ve been lost someway down the line and it has been taken up by the indians...
Posted by noelalok on 2008-03-04 22:46:08
Hmmm... script for forthcoming 20-20...?
Posted by virtualgaz on 2008-03-04 22:47:55
Posted by virtualgaz on 2008-03-04 22:47:55
Same old tri-series loss, I promise I wont swear or call out No Argument on his idiocy this time.(That wasnt a personal attack, it was a description!)
We sucked, India played ok but should've cleaned us up even cheaper. Symo should win MoTM for his shoulder charge on that tool streaker.
All this talk of us losing our mojo and all that crap is petty. We lost the tri-series to the poms and the chappell/hadlee last time. It seemed to inspire is to win the world cup undefeated. Keep the dream alive India.
Posted by ShootME on 2008-03-04 22:59:31
We sucked, India played ok but should've cleaned us up even cheaper. Symo should win MoTM for his shoulder charge on that tool streaker.
All this talk of us losing our mojo and all that crap is petty. We lost the tri-series to the poms and the chappell/hadlee last time. It seemed to inspire is to win the world cup undefeated. Keep the dream alive India.
Posted by ShootME on 2008-03-04 22:59:31
Well, So here it is. Tests won by Aussies, ODI by India. But in both I must say, Aussies must have realized that they are no more the unbeatable cricket super power. India is close, very close. Lets wait and see their tour to India. Will be interesting.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 23:00:06
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-04 23:00:06
TWO NIL TWO NIL TWO NIL TWO NIL
READ IT AND WEEP AUSSIES
OUR FAVOURITE OFFIE
Posted by Harbhajan on 2008-03-04 23:01:42
READ IT AND WEEP AUSSIES
OUR FAVOURITE OFFIE
Posted by Harbhajan on 2008-03-04 23:01:42
Great match, & kudos to the Aussie team for a great comeback to make it a thriller.
Also good to watch Indian fielders consoling Hopes after he was distraught. Compare that to the way Ricky Ponting & Co's wild celebrations at the end of Sydney test on Ishant's wicket. Kumble waited to do the post match courtesy of shaking hands, & ultimately had to spend sometime at the boundary for the Aussies.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 23:03:09
Also good to watch Indian fielders consoling Hopes after he was distraught. Compare that to the way Ricky Ponting & Co's wild celebrations at the end of Sydney test on Ishant's wicket. Kumble waited to do the post match courtesy of shaking hands, & ultimately had to spend sometime at the boundary for the Aussies.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-04 23:03:09
Wouldn't read too much into this one - clearly scripted for the twanky twanky series - just about the only way to generate ANY interest for the low attention span version.
Posted by virtualgaz on 2008-03-04 23:09:54
Posted by virtualgaz on 2008-03-04 23:09:54
A bunch of old 'loud mouth' haggards defeated by a young team. Shame shame on you losers.
Get a life ppl , go hide !!
Posted by Indie on 2008-03-04 23:15:45
Get a life ppl , go hide !!
Posted by Indie on 2008-03-04 23:15:45
NATHAN BRACKEN.....MAN OF THE SERIES.....WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP. THAT HIPPY WEIRDO HAS DONE JACK TO DESERVE THAT. SHOULD HAVE BEEN M.S.DHONI FOR HIS CONSISTENT BATTING AND GREAT CAPTAINCY.
AND THAT RIDICULOUS REFERRAL TO THE THIRD UMPIRE BY TAUFEL OF THE HUSSIE DISMISSAL. CALLED CORRECTLY BY THE SKY COMMENTATORS AS AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN HOME ADVANTAGE.
YET MORE EXAMPLE OF AUSSIE BIAS AND CHEATING. IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THAT INDIA WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TEST SERIES TOO.
Posted by Aussie crybaby on 2008-03-04 23:25:36
AND THAT RIDICULOUS REFERRAL TO THE THIRD UMPIRE BY TAUFEL OF THE HUSSIE DISMISSAL. CALLED CORRECTLY BY THE SKY COMMENTATORS AS AN ATTEMPT TO GAIN HOME ADVANTAGE.
YET MORE EXAMPLE OF AUSSIE BIAS AND CHEATING. IF IT HADN'T BEEN FOR THAT INDIA WOULD HAVE TAKEN THE TEST SERIES TOO.
Posted by Aussie crybaby on 2008-03-04 23:25:36
Are the Aussies any good at any sport whatsoever? Tonked by the English in the World Cup Rugby, and tonked by the Indians in the cricket.
Stick to Aussie rules boys. The rest of the world doesn't play that, so at least you can win at something.
Posted by Aussie sporting loser on 2008-03-04 23:29:05
Stick to Aussie rules boys. The rest of the world doesn't play that, so at least you can win at something.
Posted by Aussie sporting loser on 2008-03-04 23:29:05
India will muller the Aussies at both the Tests and One Dayers when they next tour India. Can't wait!
Posted by The Singh boys on 2008-03-04 23:32:50
Posted by The Singh boys on 2008-03-04 23:32:50
Well done India, shame a lot of Indian fans are still losers...
I have said it before and will say it again - if this team plays consistently they can beat anyone, but lets see the consistency now..
Will be following the Safrica series closely and looking forward to the October Tour...
We have some real worries at the top of the order with the bat - and Ponting needs to focus on his batting, they all need a well deserved break...
If you had told me we would win the Test series and have a cracking ODI series but lose I would probably have taken it...
Well done to India for challenging us, but you will have to wait 4 years before you can claim to be the Worlds best if you manage to win the Tests down here...
Oh and in the interim lets hope you can win a World Cup, after all it is in your backyard next time...
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 23:52:19
I have said it before and will say it again - if this team plays consistently they can beat anyone, but lets see the consistency now..
Will be following the Safrica series closely and looking forward to the October Tour...
We have some real worries at the top of the order with the bat - and Ponting needs to focus on his batting, they all need a well deserved break...
If you had told me we would win the Test series and have a cracking ODI series but lose I would probably have taken it...
Well done to India for challenging us, but you will have to wait 4 years before you can claim to be the Worlds best if you manage to win the Tests down here...
Oh and in the interim lets hope you can win a World Cup, after all it is in your backyard next time...
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-04 23:52:19
Ace....Australia had a cracking ODI series?! Surely you're not trying to imply the finals were even close. India creamed on Australia in the 1st Final and were always ahead of the eight ball in the 2nd. And we didn't even need to bother with the 3rd! So grow up and accept that your team were humbled by superior and classier opposition.
Posted by sourgrapes on 2008-03-05 00:01:54
Posted by sourgrapes on 2008-03-05 00:01:54
Can we get an IP report on those fake indian fans with different usernames? I wonder who they could be, haha. Seriously, calling out Simon Taufel as a cheat when he has been the best ump in the world for the last few years is hilarious.
I'll give you some fodder in case the next series is close, "Steve Bucknor in Sex Scandal! Caught on tape with Third Umpire! Both Wearing Australian Jerseys made of Australian Dollars!"
Posted by ShootME on 2008-03-05 00:05:47
I'll give you some fodder in case the next series is close, "Steve Bucknor in Sex Scandal! Caught on tape with Third Umpire! Both Wearing Australian Jerseys made of Australian Dollars!"
Posted by ShootME on 2008-03-05 00:05:47
Gilly retires and with him ends Aussie cricket's Golden Age with its bunch of Has Beens. Stand up and make way for India's talented Young Guns. Their time is NOW.
Posted by Reality bites on 2008-03-05 00:06:54
Posted by Reality bites on 2008-03-05 00:06:54
Shootme.....Sky commentators called Taufel out, not anyone else. Are they all deluded too?
Posted by Aussie crybaby on 2008-03-05 00:09:04
Posted by Aussie crybaby on 2008-03-05 00:09:04
I agree wid ShootMe. Some of the ids here look fake and who knows the poms, the kiwis or the proteas are posting obscene stuff here wid fake ids. Seems like the world was waiting for this day! ;)
Anyway the second ODI was a thriller and the better team has won.
Posted by Zapper on 2008-03-05 00:42:24
Anyway the second ODI was a thriller and the better team has won.
Posted by Zapper on 2008-03-05 00:42:24
where is my twin mr.photo hog...are u still alive??
Posted by jason on 2008-03-05 00:53:58
Posted by jason on 2008-03-05 00:53:58
ace ,dont worry just wait and watch the test series when ausies come here, i can only pity u without gilly..
and i repeat this indian team is the future of cricket generation x ...egsample - a win in the u 19 world cup too..
india deserves to win the next world cup because they just dominated the ausies in their own backyard in the whole of the series.
but never have i enjoyed a series like this one in my life,full of on and off the field controversies and some fitting replies..
at the end the better team won.
Posted by purush on 2008-03-05 00:58:08
and i repeat this indian team is the future of cricket generation x ...egsample - a win in the u 19 world cup too..
india deserves to win the next world cup because they just dominated the ausies in their own backyard in the whole of the series.
but never have i enjoyed a series like this one in my life,full of on and off the field controversies and some fitting replies..
at the end the better team won.
Posted by purush on 2008-03-05 00:58:08
Well done Team India and Vengsarkar, for taking a brave decision in selecting this young team. Tendulkar has delivered when it was needed the most. Most of the people praising this Indian team now, would have definitely criticised Dhoni and the selectors for dropping seniors, if this series was lost , but they had real confidence in this team and they have delivered. Time for Ganguly and Dravid to announce retirement from One Day Internationals and assist in bringing this same glory in the Test match arena. The Aussies have lost too many good players in the last 2 years. Most of the current Aussie team are in their 30's. They have to look at youth if they want to dominate as they once used to.
Posted by Sunny on 2008-03-05 01:02:11
Posted by Sunny on 2008-03-05 01:02:11
I dont know why i'm bothering responding to someone with a name like 'aussie crybaby' but yes, those commentators are clueless sad little men who want any excuse to belittle any australian. There's a reason Taufel was voted the best umpire by the WORLD'S cricketing captains, because he's the best. Please take a win graciously for once in your pathetic life.
Posted by ShootME on 2008-03-05 02:42:14
Posted by ShootME on 2008-03-05 02:42:14
I'm an Indian and I feel ashamed that so many posters here are so immature to post ridiculous & abusive comments here. Let's be gracious in our victory and acknowledge a fighting display by Aussies.I think Aussies are going to come to India later this year with a lot of determination to prove quite a few things.
Think Aussies have found someone to replace Watson,in the form of Hopes.If Watson is fit and if they find a good enough spinner,India will have tough time in the test series this year.
Posted by mahesh2 on 2008-03-05 03:13:37
Think Aussies have found someone to replace Watson,in the form of Hopes.If Watson is fit and if they find a good enough spinner,India will have tough time in the test series this year.
Posted by mahesh2 on 2008-03-05 03:13:37
Tendulkar was a treat to watch in the last two days. He justified why is a class apart and why is he compared to Don Bradman n ilk.
His improvisation and application to the cause is exemplary and other teams should learn from it. He lets his bat do the TALK !!!
Posted by AustralianPork on 2008-03-05 03:18:12
His improvisation and application to the cause is exemplary and other teams should learn from it. He lets his bat do the TALK !!!
Posted by AustralianPork on 2008-03-05 03:18:12
Guys, firstly, Im Indian and proud to be one too. But hate these absolutely chauvinistic remarks - the series is over and the better team won - period! Next time is a new series and both teams better be at their best cause it'll be another hard fought one.
Truth to tell, all the controversies sickened me - it'll be hard to come up with new lows. The real culprits here were the media - from both sides. Jingoistic reporting can never be objective can it - and we all just lap it up. Grow up, people. Enjoy the game - u got to agree, it was a great series.
Posted by Levelheaded on 2008-03-05 04:26:28
Truth to tell, all the controversies sickened me - it'll be hard to come up with new lows. The real culprits here were the media - from both sides. Jingoistic reporting can never be objective can it - and we all just lap it up. Grow up, people. Enjoy the game - u got to agree, it was a great series.
Posted by Levelheaded on 2008-03-05 04:26:28
Guys, I'm really proud of the fact that compared to other blogs, most of the coversation on this blog has been civil and respectful throughout the Australia v. India series.
Now that the series has ended I would request supporters of both teams to avoid sniping (like the last few postings) and take the high ground regarding closing comments.
All the elements made for one hell of a series. Whether you love/hate either team, I guarantee we will be watching when they play again!
Posted by K.B. Bose on 2008-03-05 04:52:42
Now that the series has ended I would request supporters of both teams to avoid sniping (like the last few postings) and take the high ground regarding closing comments.
All the elements made for one hell of a series. Whether you love/hate either team, I guarantee we will be watching when they play again!
Posted by K.B. Bose on 2008-03-05 04:52:42
All very well being gracious, but the fact of the matter was that India were robbed in the Test series by appalling umpiring and dirty gamesmanship on the part of the Australian cricket team (centered around Symonds, Ponting and Hayden). Most neutral observers would agree that India played the most exciting and meaningful cricket during the series in the better sporting spirit, responding only to provocation. Burying one's head ostrich like , and then pontificating to others, is excusing the inexcusable. Period.
Posted by Apologist on 2008-03-05 05:13:02
Posted by Apologist on 2008-03-05 05:13:02
India did play the best cricket in this one day series but the Aussies weren't playing at their best. They didn't play with that flair and aggression that they normally have. All credit to India and Tendulkar who batted awesome in the two finals.
Posted by Isaac on 2008-03-05 05:25:55
Posted by Isaac on 2008-03-05 05:25:55
Guys, whether we like it or not, Aussies did win the test series. Even if Sydney is scrapped, it would have been a tie and not a series win for India. I too did not agree with the umpiring and Aussie spirit in that game, but the score board still read an Aussie victory.
The next big shot for India is Aussie's tour to India. If we can beat them at home then it will remain neutral. Both tigers at home. But I certainly believe that Aussies will have a real problem in hand without a quality regular spinner.
As far as Aussies not being at their best, too bad that they weren't at their best. The fact is that the better team won. Both team were under tremendous pressure because of the off field controversy, but it brought out the best in India, while the one's who started it (Symo, Hydo, Ponting and Clark) suffered.
Yup, as far as us waiting for 4 years before we tour Aussie to win the test, lets see how Aussies do in India.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-05 06:51:11
The next big shot for India is Aussie's tour to India. If we can beat them at home then it will remain neutral. Both tigers at home. But I certainly believe that Aussies will have a real problem in hand without a quality regular spinner.
As far as Aussies not being at their best, too bad that they weren't at their best. The fact is that the better team won. Both team were under tremendous pressure because of the off field controversy, but it brought out the best in India, while the one's who started it (Symo, Hydo, Ponting and Clark) suffered.
Yup, as far as us waiting for 4 years before we tour Aussie to win the test, lets see how Aussies do in India.
Posted by ssukhdial on 2008-03-05 06:51:11
This Aussie team can be match winners on any day, if they focus on cricket & do not bring on stupid stuff like "mental disintegration".
Moral of the story:
- Mental disintegration of opponents boomerangs!
- Dirty gamesmanship brings disrepute.
- Positive cricket is good for both score card, bank statement, & the mind.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-05 08:35:25
Moral of the story:
- Mental disintegration of opponents boomerangs!
- Dirty gamesmanship brings disrepute.
- Positive cricket is good for both score card, bank statement, & the mind.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-05 08:35:25
Well what a disappointment last night. Got along to the ground for the whole affair. The Aussie side bowled well enough but the Indian batsmen were very trades manlike the way in which they built there score. Not too flamboyant, just solid stuff. Tendulka up until he was caught never looked like getting out, graceful drives, deliberate steers through gully and slip and one or two slogs. The Aussie fielding was again marvelous to watch but I have to say, Ricky Ponting had a poor match overall. I am a avid fan of our captain but his field placings were ordinary (I know, its easy to make such claims sitting in the stand). He didn't put enough pressure on India in the middle overs, there were just too many easy singles. Worse still I think he managed his bowlers poorly, particularly at the end of the innings. Hopes had the most economical figures and was sitting on 5 for 13 (ish) when he brought back Lee for his final four. Lee at that stage had been the most expensive of the Aussie bowlers (from memory he had 5 overs and 38 against him) and the final overs he bowled were expensive. In fact in the end it contributed to the loss.
Batting - well quite frankly the top order were culpable ! It was one of the worst displays from the Aussies in many a year. Ricky Ponting had just watched Tendulka play a great innings, so instead of attempting a measured start he attempts a cross bat slog and is caught, hardly what we would expect from the national Captain. Clarke did something similar, admittedly to a ball which stayed low - but the shot selection was a shocker. Hadyen had the Indian's measure and looked like the saviour until he stunningly ran himself out. Symonds' played straight to short mid off and stood his ground and unbelievably Hayden was already half way down the wicket. It was Symonds' call, and quite rightly he didn't as it was suicidal. The rest is history. Symonds' I'm sure with his minds still on the spray he received from Hayden when on his way back to the pavilion, was out LBW next over to a Singh delivery. He was unlucky and it was one of the few dodgey decisions from Umpire Tauffel.
The remainder of the middle order and tail were left to pick up the pieces, they did very well considering the circumstances, but despite Hopes and Hussey's efforts there was a certain predictability about the outcome. No excuses Indian played good solid cricket and deserved the win. Australia were just....disappointing, mostly from a batting perspective. What a great lineup but frankly 'what were they thinking' ??
Posted by GM on 2008-03-05 09:54:07
Batting - well quite frankly the top order were culpable ! It was one of the worst displays from the Aussies in many a year. Ricky Ponting had just watched Tendulka play a great innings, so instead of attempting a measured start he attempts a cross bat slog and is caught, hardly what we would expect from the national Captain. Clarke did something similar, admittedly to a ball which stayed low - but the shot selection was a shocker. Hadyen had the Indian's measure and looked like the saviour until he stunningly ran himself out. Symonds' played straight to short mid off and stood his ground and unbelievably Hayden was already half way down the wicket. It was Symonds' call, and quite rightly he didn't as it was suicidal. The rest is history. Symonds' I'm sure with his minds still on the spray he received from Hayden when on his way back to the pavilion, was out LBW next over to a Singh delivery. He was unlucky and it was one of the few dodgey decisions from Umpire Tauffel.
The remainder of the middle order and tail were left to pick up the pieces, they did very well considering the circumstances, but despite Hopes and Hussey's efforts there was a certain predictability about the outcome. No excuses Indian played good solid cricket and deserved the win. Australia were just....disappointing, mostly from a batting perspective. What a great lineup but frankly 'what were they thinking' ??
Posted by GM on 2008-03-05 09:54:07
I couldn’t have agreed more with Angela. Playing with Australian cricket team like playing with a bunch of immature and naughty school kids who believe that winning is what counts, no matter how. Any cricket series played in Australian soil is always full of controversies. I hope that the recent defeat in the CB series will trigger these 30+ years old kids to re-think their approach towards the game.
Posted by William on 2008-03-05 09:59:18
Posted by William on 2008-03-05 09:59:18
It usually takes a result like that for Australia to consider its make up and approach, and now especially now Gilchrist is gone, it's time to consider selection based on form, not reputation. Here's one thought I've been having recently - isn't it time for Ricky to forego the captaincy and concentrate on what he's there to do (bat)? Thrusy Clarke into it like a certain Allan Border was in 1984 (and he had to deal with the West Indies in a period of total domination). How AB has said recently that Ponting had a more difficult job coming into captaining than he did is beyond me. And after scores of f-all, f-all, a hundred, f-all and f-all, any other player other than ponting would have lost their place.
Loving that India tried young guys in their side - pressure situations are the best for learning your craft. I especially loved how Kumar was so cool after taking wickets (not jumping around like a lunatic). And MS Dhoni's coolness and grace in victory is something all cricketers can take on board. I don't like losing, but you have to enjoy the way in which the Indians accounted for themselves in victory.
And on the Bracken MOTS thing - was an odd choice on the surface (I was initially surprised), but he was pretty consistent throughout the tourney. Was certainly a series where, on the whole, the ball was a little more dominant over the bat.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 11:44:30
Loving that India tried young guys in their side - pressure situations are the best for learning your craft. I especially loved how Kumar was so cool after taking wickets (not jumping around like a lunatic). And MS Dhoni's coolness and grace in victory is something all cricketers can take on board. I don't like losing, but you have to enjoy the way in which the Indians accounted for themselves in victory.
And on the Bracken MOTS thing - was an odd choice on the surface (I was initially surprised), but he was pretty consistent throughout the tourney. Was certainly a series where, on the whole, the ball was a little more dominant over the bat.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 11:44:30
an intersting post here
http://stills360.com/blog/2008/03/04/cricket-a-sport-keep-up-to-the-spirit-of-the-game/
Posted by Murali K on 2008-03-05 12:11:13
http://stills360.com/blog/2008/03/04/cricket-a-sport-keep-up-to-the-spirit-of-the-game/
Posted by Murali K on 2008-03-05 12:11:13
Great to win the ODI and equally pleasing to see a lot of mature comments on this blog.
Now that tempers are cool, I wish we can have a healthy debate on the murky events which actually began in INDIA, and how we can make cricket more enjoyable.
Ribbing each other can actually be very interesting, but it should never be abusive or language be unparliamentary. Calling an opponent Fu***er, FO, FU, Bas***d, Monkey or names should be absolutely NO NO.
SO JC and Jaradevans et all, how about an actually OBJECTIVE Aussie reaction to what transpired at Sydney in that Test match?
Posted by LK on 2008-03-05 13:40:18
Now that tempers are cool, I wish we can have a healthy debate on the murky events which actually began in INDIA, and how we can make cricket more enjoyable.
Ribbing each other can actually be very interesting, but it should never be abusive or language be unparliamentary. Calling an opponent Fu***er, FO, FU, Bas***d, Monkey or names should be absolutely NO NO.
SO JC and Jaradevans et all, how about an actually OBJECTIVE Aussie reaction to what transpired at Sydney in that Test match?
Posted by LK on 2008-03-05 13:40:18
jaradevans ... spot on as usual ... Bracken was an odd choice for the MOTS .. considering Dhoni was in supreme form both with the bat and in the field. However, he was no less deserving either, his haul of wickets was there for all to see !!
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-05 15:26:07
Posted by Ghurram on 2008-03-05 15:26:07
At he beginning of the series I had suggested that India had to bite the bullet and blood youngsters for the CB series. Not even in my wildest dreams did I forsee that the rookies to steam roll Australia. Congratulations to the team and to the selection committee headed by Dilip Vengsarkar.
And finally the way Aussie media has conducted itself was despicable. The Aussies that I know are fantastic people but your media conveys an image of Australia that is not very palatable.
Posted by Varghese on 2008-03-05 16:40:30
And finally the way Aussie media has conducted itself was despicable. The Aussies that I know are fantastic people but your media conveys an image of Australia that is not very palatable.
Posted by Varghese on 2008-03-05 16:40:30
Cheers Ghurram. I think the difference there is that MSD should become the cornerstone of the Indian team for the next 8-10 years. However, Australia's approach thinking Bracken is purely an ODI specialist is a tad befuddling, when clearly he has the control and ability to swing the ball that could warrant another chance at test level.
LK, one thing that I've noticed over the past 10 years or so is that Australia's on-field behaviour (with the exception of the team under Mark Taylor for a period) has not improved, not got any worse. The fact that they have been winning for a majority of that time has drawn attention (in this country anyway) away from their behavioural issues.
Because of this, it has been perceived that the Australian "aggression" and "determination" has contributed to this success. When the success is looking as though it is on the wane, or at least, the rest of the cricketing community are proving to be more challenging in Australian eyes, we can see very much has been confused as aggression as arrogance, and that winning determination as winning at all costs. Neither of the latter are very respected in any sport.
Having lived overseas for a long time and only returning to Australia recently, I know that the attitude that many of the other nation's supporters view the approach of Australian cricket team can be, at times, ugly, especially when under pressure. This is what we saw in Sydney. I am not detracting from the ability of many of the players we have seen (Waugh x 2, Gilly, McGrath, Warne), but I do question their response to difficult situations. Often, under pressure, Australia resort to means that turn you off cricket (with some few exceptions - the 5 wicket win over Pakistan in Hobart springs to mind). A friend of mine used to say, if you want to beat Australia in a test match, set them about 120 in the fourth innings to win. Australia has very recently turned to unsavoury tactics when the pressure is on, rather than entrusting their abilities. And they are the poorer side to watch because of it.
Australia may have won in Sydney, but the behaviour of a few senior players needs to be examined by its hierarchy, because I don't want the younger players coming through in the next 5 years thinking that sort of approach to the game is acceptable. Messers Ponting, Hayden and Symonds have some work to do in my mind, as does one H Singh.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 20:22:37
LK, one thing that I've noticed over the past 10 years or so is that Australia's on-field behaviour (with the exception of the team under Mark Taylor for a period) has not improved, not got any worse. The fact that they have been winning for a majority of that time has drawn attention (in this country anyway) away from their behavioural issues.
Because of this, it has been perceived that the Australian "aggression" and "determination" has contributed to this success. When the success is looking as though it is on the wane, or at least, the rest of the cricketing community are proving to be more challenging in Australian eyes, we can see very much has been confused as aggression as arrogance, and that winning determination as winning at all costs. Neither of the latter are very respected in any sport.
Having lived overseas for a long time and only returning to Australia recently, I know that the attitude that many of the other nation's supporters view the approach of Australian cricket team can be, at times, ugly, especially when under pressure. This is what we saw in Sydney. I am not detracting from the ability of many of the players we have seen (Waugh x 2, Gilly, McGrath, Warne), but I do question their response to difficult situations. Often, under pressure, Australia resort to means that turn you off cricket (with some few exceptions - the 5 wicket win over Pakistan in Hobart springs to mind). A friend of mine used to say, if you want to beat Australia in a test match, set them about 120 in the fourth innings to win. Australia has very recently turned to unsavoury tactics when the pressure is on, rather than entrusting their abilities. And they are the poorer side to watch because of it.
Australia may have won in Sydney, but the behaviour of a few senior players needs to be examined by its hierarchy, because I don't want the younger players coming through in the next 5 years thinking that sort of approach to the game is acceptable. Messers Ponting, Hayden and Symonds have some work to do in my mind, as does one H Singh.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 20:22:37
jaradevans,
When you say younger players should not follow the approach of messrs Ponting, Hayde, Symo to the game, one example that comes to my mind is Michael Clarke. Apparently, he drew his inspiration from Ponting for bumped catches, but after the Sydney furore, seemd to ahve gotten a clean head & a chastened attitude.
On other points, I applaud your "objective" or lets say fact based appraisal of current affairs.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-05 20:58:07
When you say younger players should not follow the approach of messrs Ponting, Hayde, Symo to the game, one example that comes to my mind is Michael Clarke. Apparently, he drew his inspiration from Ponting for bumped catches, but after the Sydney furore, seemd to ahve gotten a clean head & a chastened attitude.
On other points, I applaud your "objective" or lets say fact based appraisal of current affairs.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-05 20:58:07
Ravi I agree with you, I don't think Clarke has had a great role model as a captain. That's why I stick by what I said about Ponting - he needs to resign and get on with batting. The issue Australia has is that no one, in the last 30 years, has remained in the side when the captaincy has been passed on (i'm ignoring that ODI/Test captain farce they had with Ponting and Waugh). Get Clarke in and let him determine his own style, rather than have Punter rub off on him too much.
It must have been a sign when Ponting's behaviour as a youth was much worse than Clarke.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 21:20:46
It must have been a sign when Ponting's behaviour as a youth was much worse than Clarke.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 21:20:46
And was certainly trying to take an objective view on things. All my friends are either English or NZers, and I've seen every Ashes test since 1982. I've has some cracking conversations with them about the approach each nation takes to its cricket. I hope that I've seen enough to get a good idea of how the australian cricket psyche has developed since the dark years of the mid-late 80s through to now.
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 21:24:42
Posted by jaradevans on 2008-03-05 21:24:42
Wow, that should be a separate thread by itself. It would be very interesting to know the approach each country take to their cricket. For most countries, the way their national teams perform in sports reflects the national character. Indian team is undergoing a huge transition, started by Ganguly, which is moving from humility to assertiveness.
But there are still huge gaps (like that of Yuvi's bat pad gap) in the Indian system that much talent falls thru the cracks, or those who make it are not persistent.
Setting up good domestic setup, sporting pitches, formal approach to sports medicine, selection pattern free of polticial & zonal ties, professional leadership of BCCI rather than current political administrators would be on an Indian fan wish list. Obviously not going to happen or in near future.
These are some areas Australia is a world leader, and wish the IPL will help rub some of that off in India.
Ponting is too classy a batsman & like you said, and just like what Sachin is doing, should focus on achieving batting greatness.
A good thing about Ponting is his ability to learn when showed up, and as he did before many times, and as illustrated by his sportive demeanor atleast in post match interviews since the Sydney test, I am sure he will shine both as player & person in whatever role he takes up further.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-05 21:46:46
But there are still huge gaps (like that of Yuvi's bat pad gap) in the Indian system that much talent falls thru the cracks, or those who make it are not persistent.
Setting up good domestic setup, sporting pitches, formal approach to sports medicine, selection pattern free of polticial & zonal ties, professional leadership of BCCI rather than current political administrators would be on an Indian fan wish list. Obviously not going to happen or in near future.
These are some areas Australia is a world leader, and wish the IPL will help rub some of that off in India.
Ponting is too classy a batsman & like you said, and just like what Sachin is doing, should focus on achieving batting greatness.
A good thing about Ponting is his ability to learn when showed up, and as he did before many times, and as illustrated by his sportive demeanor atleast in post match interviews since the Sydney test, I am sure he will shine both as player & person in whatever role he takes up further.
Posted by Ravi on 2008-03-05 21:46:46
I feel India is doing gr8 under Dhoni's captaincy. Dhoni is very much different from his past captains. He is aggressive like Ganguly, calm, cool like Dravid, always lets performance talk like Tendulkar. Plus he has some other special qualities like he is clear about what he expects and if anyone violates that then that person must pay. He did so by removing Ganguly and Dravid and took youngstars which really paid off though everyone was critical about this in the beginning.
Posted by Rdx on 2008-03-05 22:10:59
Posted by Rdx on 2008-03-05 22:10:59
I did have doubts about Dhoni as captain but he's proving that he can become a very good captain. Having Kumble as the test captain is also working well as this gives Dhoni experience and eventually in a couple of years time the test captaincy will be given to Dhoni.
Posted by Isaac on 2008-03-06 04:20:36
Posted by Isaac on 2008-03-06 04:20:36
Major time for an overhaul of the Aussie team.
I suggest giving Hussey or Symonds more responsibility too and axing Hayden, or encouraging him to focus on Test cricket...
We need to make the tough decisions and bring in a new opener and possibly a new middle order batsmen.
Dave Hussey should be in the team if it is picked on form, and there are a number of openers that have done well in the Ford Ranger cup that should be given a decent chance...
As long as there is so much reliance on Ponting and Hayden we are not going to develop the future of the team. I have been impressed by Clarke's batting this series he seems to have reigned his head in, which is good to see...
Also applaud his decision to not participate in the dash for cash...
a young off spinning all-rounder might be the way to go - Hauritz or Beau Casson spring to mind, but I'm a New South Welshman, so hence the bias...
Im also not sure what happened to the rotation policy, use a big squad and force players to miss games - it seemed to work in the past and keep everyone fresh, plus blood younger cricketers...
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-06 10:11:19
I suggest giving Hussey or Symonds more responsibility too and axing Hayden, or encouraging him to focus on Test cricket...
We need to make the tough decisions and bring in a new opener and possibly a new middle order batsmen.
Dave Hussey should be in the team if it is picked on form, and there are a number of openers that have done well in the Ford Ranger cup that should be given a decent chance...
As long as there is so much reliance on Ponting and Hayden we are not going to develop the future of the team. I have been impressed by Clarke's batting this series he seems to have reigned his head in, which is good to see...
Also applaud his decision to not participate in the dash for cash...
a young off spinning all-rounder might be the way to go - Hauritz or Beau Casson spring to mind, but I'm a New South Welshman, so hence the bias...
Im also not sure what happened to the rotation policy, use a big squad and force players to miss games - it seemed to work in the past and keep everyone fresh, plus blood younger cricketers...
Posted by Ace on 2008-03-06 10:11:19
A memorable win over Australia n will be remembered for a long time.
I came across some other golden moments of Indo Aussie ties which entered its 60th yr. in 2008. You guys would like to visit too
http://www.octanmen.com/articleDetail.aspx?Id=106
I enjoyed reading, Hope other cricket buffs will too enjoy it.
Posted by brad on 2008-03-10 20:22:36
I came across some other golden moments of Indo Aussie ties which entered its 60th yr. in 2008. You guys would like to visit too
http://www.octanmen.com/articleDetail.aspx?Id=106
I enjoyed reading, Hope other cricket buffs will too enjoy it.
Posted by brad on 2008-03-10 20:22:36
Who do you think is the best cricketer?
http://bickr.austhink.com/sales/project/121/
Posted by Cricket lover on 2008-04-10 17:16:10
http://bickr.austhink.com/sales/project/121/
Posted by Cricket lover on 2008-04-10 17:16:10
C'mon folks....Cricket does seem to go big in India but Indians do need variety in their sporting tastes. Check these out. Variety of sports to talk about.
Hey fellow Indians, I am with you'll in celebrating cricket! Be with me in celebrating other sports too!!
Cheers and happy sporting!
Posted by vijay on 2008-04-14 16:36:04
Hey fellow Indians, I am with you'll in celebrating cricket! Be with me in celebrating other sports too!!
Cheers and happy sporting!
Posted by vijay on 2008-04-14 16:36:04
Cricket Lover,
I think that Matty Hayden is the best cricketer.
His big powerful, strength in his hitting is becoming a rarity with the like of the smaller strokeplayers coming into the game. For Example, clarke, jacques, rogers, ponting..
Posted by cperk21 on 2008-04-23 18:11:17
I think that Matty Hayden is the best cricketer.
His big powerful, strength in his hitting is becoming a rarity with the like of the smaller strokeplayers coming into the game. For Example, clarke, jacques, rogers, ponting..
Posted by cperk21 on 2008-04-23 18:11:17
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