It's In TeH GaMe !!!

Am I back??? Not really.

2009-10-15T20:26:00.003+05:30

So after a long...very long absence indeed, I am posting something here. But this doesn't really mean I am back.

I have learnt a lot during this period. And now I am busy with currently shifting the blog. So yes, I will be back soon along with Shanav and Satya. And So Crick-O will be in a new look and out refreshed with a new name!

Hope to see you guys soon. Will try to keep an update on how the things are going to proceed.

Anyways, thanks and see you all later.

Pakistan Beat India

2009-09-28T10:26:00.004+05:30

Not at all a good news for Indian fans.You all must have watched the match between the two arch rivals and have witnessed India's mistakes in such an important game. But one can't ignore the fact that this wasn't a full strength Indian side and surely missed world class players like Yuvraj, Sehwag and Zaheer Khan. I will highlight some of the things that went against India.
Firstly, Dhoni decided to have his par-timers bowl when India were going good and Yousuf and Malik were new to the crease. Had he continued with the pacers or even introduced Harbhajan Singh, India could have avoided the record partnership.
Bowlers bowled short on a track which seemed to be favouring the batsmen. India leaked away too many runs in the region behind square. They got the first tirthy overs right, not giving too many runs, but in the last twenty overs India conceded over 160 runs with a run rate over 8.
Gautam Gambhir made up for the early loss of Sachin Tendulkar and played a magnificent ininngs
before he got himself run out, this probably cost India the match, because he seemed to be simply unstoppable.
Middle order batsmen weren't able to maintain the run rate fell victims to Boom-Boom Afridi. Afridi's double blow consisting of Kohli's and Dhoni's wickets.
Suresh Raina being ruled out unjustly as the umpire did not notice the big inside edge. He lost his wicket just after striking two huge sixes. He along with Dravid planned a good recovery, but finally failed.

It has now become a knockout tournament for India, as Dhoni said. India must improve their feilding standards and the lines and lengths of the bowlers before the crucial game against Australia. I wish the Indian team ALL THE BEST!!!!!!!

Dravid for ODIs?

2009-07-06T22:11:00.005+05:30

Don't believe me, better do so. Rahul Dravid, one of the best technical players in the world and my favourite cricketer is among the 30 probables for the Champions Trophy this year in September. I was totally shocked when I saw the news flash on the television, but it is completely understood why he is being considered for the One-dayers. Indian batsmen like Gautam Gambhir, Suresh Raina, Rohit Sharma and many more have struggled to face the short delivery well. Dravid's inclusion, I believe will surely give a new atmosphere to the Indian dressing room and will surely add pressure on youngsters to perform well in order to secure a place in the playing XI. Though we've seen Dravid play some long innings with strike rates around 30, but Dravid's performance in the IPL and the Test series against NewZealand have proved that he still has the ability to strike the ball at a good rate. I feel Dravid if selected will surely hold up to the expectations I have from him. Till then let's wish him luck for his one-dayer comeback.

Ashes: England or Australia?

2009-07-03T22:50:00.010+05:30

Sorry guys I'm writing after almost 2 long months due to some problems with my internet connections, but now I'll try to be regular and make up for the lost time. I start my new session with some notes on the oldest and probably the greatest rivalry in cricket. Although I wouldn't be able to watch all the action, but still I can at least write about my predictions and previews. At present, the Australians aren't having a good time in the warm-up games- the Aussie bowlers being penalized, many struggling with form and others looking forward for a tough Ashes, this English summer. My predictions are as follows-

1. Since a lot of T20 & limited overs cricket has been played during the recent times, so expect all 5 matches to be hard fought and with no draws at all.

2. England are having edge over Australia mentally because of Australia's dismal shows in recent times and England's good run recently.

3. Australia will believe that they are not the underdogs because their key bowlers like Brett Lee and Stuart Clark are regaining form. Though Aussies don't have a well known test bowler, still their bowling attack seems dangerous. Playing Andrew Symonds would have benefited them a lot.

4.Finally my this year's Ashes predictions are that Australia reclaim their title 3-2.Such a prediction comes keeping in mind that Australia are still a champion side but would have to face intense competition from the English team.

Gambhir: India's Second Wall

2009-04-12T18:19:00.003+05:30

Sehwag feels so, and probably the experts of the game do the same. But I don't agree. We all know that Gambhir played a wonderful innings of about 11 hours in Napier, but I feel that it is too early to give him the status of the second wall. Rahul Dravid has played several match-winning knocks and match-saving knocks, and that is why he is called the 'Wall'. But on the other hand, Gambhir has played only one or two such knocks(97 against England and 137 against NewZealand), so how can you call him the second wall?
I also made comparison between Dravid and Gambhir and found that Dravid features twice in the longest innings by an Indian chart, while Gambhir is at a lower position in comparison to Dravid.
Maybe Gambhir will prove me wrong, and stick to his status of the 'Wall'. But for that he needs more such opportunities, which this current Indian team is unwilling to give.

After reading this perhaps you would agree with me, till then let's wish Gambhir luck for the Indian Premier League 2.

The Clash Of The Champions

2009-04-08T20:27:00.005+05:30

No, its not the Champions League T20 but it is something equally special and unique!
Our own Rajasthan Royals will be starting of their ‘African Safari’ by playing a best of two match series Against South African giants ‘Nashua Cape Cobras’.
In a what they call ‘Strategic Partnership’, the Royals play the Standard Bank Pro20 Champions on the 11th and the 12th of April at The Newlands in Cape Town.
The Cobras have lots of international players in their side Like JP Duminy, Gibbs, Greame Smith and Charl Langerveldt and they are captained by domestic veteran Justin Ontong. But most of the international stars may have to forgo the matches because of their international duties, whereas the same cannot be said about their Royal counterparts.
This series is being seen as a curtain raiser for the IPL and its almost certain that it is going to be a hair raising encounter!!!!!

3rd Test, Day 1: Tailenders fire and helps India reach 350

2009-04-03T16:09:00.004+05:30

What a shame for the top order and what a game going on! A result is foreseen this time around. I would rather like India to go for a win than slowing down things and playing just for a draw. India's 1st innings is almost over other than (if)the last partnership between Ishant and Munaf can take the score to 450+ runs, it would be a merry and a cherry on the the cake served(I mean the efforts) by MS Dhoni, Harbhajan Singh and SRT. Congrats to Ian O'Brien for taking his 50 wickets. He continues to show a fine package of disciplined line and length bowling mixed with some fine pace.

From India's perspective what really hurt me the most was the middle order slump just after the Tea. But it's good to see MSD back in the side and why not? He has shown his worth by scoring a half century. Bhajji has again showed that he can bat and mat his counterparts. And as the cricinfo.com commentators said, Vettori would really be hopping madly back in the dressing room after failing to stop the Indian tail wag and score runs heavily. Definitely, the Kiwis have underestimated Harbhajan and Co.

A few records were tumbled down on this day and another one which is regarding this blog is that Crick-O marks it's 100th post with this one adding to the total.

Now moving forward to expectations from India for Day 2 all I can say is 'reverse swing'. That's it. Chilly, windy conditions are perfect for the Indian seamers to get the bowl to swing and once again prove their mettle after being hammered in the 2nd test. But again, DON'T Underestimate Harbhajan Singh.

While many of the Indian supporters would be wanting to see the 100th test win for India, it would be too early to say anything, at least after looking the mauling Indian bowlers received in Napier.

New Zealand vs India, 2nd Test : Incredible, Imemnsly Dedicated Indian Batsmen saves India

2009-03-30T21:13:00.009+05:30

Bravo!! What a courageous performance from the Indian batsmen, especially Gautam Gambhir. Toiling for more than 11 hours under the hot sun is never easy. This makes me remind of Gautam's own surname(Gambhir) which in Hindi means serious, which he remained throughout his innings of 137. It's one of the most spectacular comebacks I have ever seen or heard of. Seriously, not many would have expected a draw once the bails were dislodged by the umpires to call it stumps on Day 3. And again, India has proved the majority wrong. That majority who would have put their money on Kiwis must be thinking how in this world did New Zealand manage to loose their best chance to level the series?

Jesse Ryder's efforts were in vain and nearly drained. After all he himself expressed his disappointment over this draw.

As an Indian what's good to see is first this draw; second the top and middle order is back in form; India can't loose the series now; Dhoni would probably be back for the final game.

Anyways, here are the analysis of the three departments in this game:

1. Batting - India: Very much neutral given the slump in the first innings and the strong comeback in the second innings. And as I have said, the middle order is fired up now that Yuvraj Singh is looking back in form. Sehwag was the only concern in this game, but I know leading India is not easy, and so he did have some pressure on him to anchor both the innings.

New Zealand: They still have some issues that are urgently needed to be rectified. The top still hasn't settled down. However, it was their middle order that not only helped them bounce from 23/3 to post a mammoth total of 619 runs but also has been a reason to cheer about. Ryder looks solid and to break at. Ross Taylor looked classy throughout his 151. Now even the captain himself is looking dangerous.

2. Bowling - India: Once the catches were dropped the New Zealand batsmen offered no resistance whatsoever. Ruthlessly they hammered the Indian bowlers to all parts of the ground. The Indian think-tank would surely be wondering how they can stop Ryder. Precisely speaking, I thought that it was only Zak and Ishant who looked good but the third seamer again seems to be troubling India. In my opinion India should try swapping Munaf with Balaji or maybe go in with a spinner which would mean Amit Mishra getting to play his first game. Whatever it really is, the sloppy fielding has definitely let the bowlers down.

New Zealand: First a superb bowling performance which ended the first three days of the game in their pockets. And the next two were disastrous. Again, sloppy fielding even from New Zealand helped India get away with a draw. Chris Martin was clearly the star of the attack and has probably justified his selection. Franklin looked dangerous, Vettori was at his usual best. O'Brien was speedy. So should I say Jeetan Patel was spinny? Ahoy!!! True indeed. But then what went wrong all of them in the second innings? Was it the solid defense of the batsmen or the disastrous catching?

3. Fielding - India: Extremely disappointing. A bunch of butter-fingers truly.

New Zealand: Their's wasn't to good as well. They dropped many sitters. The worst one was on the final day when Ian O'Brien dropped Gambhir. Though it wouldn't have hurt the Kiwis too much but the catch was simply a sitter which even I would have held on 9 out of 10 times.

Both the teams do have a lot to think. It seems that India will not give the Black Caps any hope and chance of drawing the series. If India let their golden series win after 40 years go down it would be a shame. While New Zealand have nothing to loose from here on, India won't like to go down in the final test match to as well as their golden series win after 40 years slip away.

I am really looking forward for the third match that will begin on 3rd April.

IPL on African soil

2009-03-25T13:14:00.005+05:30

Finally, the suspense is over. We will be having the IPL in South Africa but the only change is that the tournament is postponed by one week. Though the league is no more Indian Premier league and has become International Premier League, we will continue to enjoy all the matches on TV. The timings have been set as such so that the matches are broadcasted at 4 pm and 8 pm IST.
Many people are saying that the IPL has lost its Indian flavour. Yes, I feel so. But the IPL organisers and the BCCI will look forward to expand their fan following globally along with the franchises. The season one last year saw a good television viewership in South Africa. Moreover the Africans have given a good response to the longer version, so expect them to fill the stadiums. We will be witnessing the action on TV and as if me and my friends (Satya and Rishabh) would have gone to the stadiums to watch the matches. Well the matches had already been moved out of Delhi and now out of India.
IPL Chairman, Lalit Modi blames the weather conditions as the key factor, but there would surely been some econmic factors as well which have worked in the favour of South Africa.
Some people also say that this shifting would create a bad image of India in front of the world as of Pakistan. But I disagree with this, because any security lapse could have created this image and this shift has much of positives rather than negatives like-

Incresing global fan following.
Helps in giving domestic players an international exposure.
Assuring total safety of players.

Sponsers also wouldn't have problems, because most sponsers are multi-national brands and wouldn't have much problems as they have markets in South Africa as well like- Coca Cola, Pepsi, Mastercard, Nokia and many more.

IPL, EPL or SAPL. Does it really make any difference?

2009-03-24T16:33:00.005+05:30

Road to IPL Season II has had so many hurdles and finally this latest one of shifting it out from India has probably deflated one of the wheels of the IPL vehicle. Now should I still call it Indian Premier League,English Premier League or probably South African Premier League?

You know why ? Just look at the points following below to understand my frustration and disappointment like many other Indians -

1. Player Values

Kevin Pietersen - $1.55 million - England

Andrew Flintoff - $1.55 million - England

Mahendera S Dhoni - $1 million - India

Even the icon players like Sachin, Virender Sehwag and Yuvraj are receiving just about Rs 4.50 crores which are around $800000-900000 which of course is no comparison
to that of the new Bengaluru Team captain ,Kevin Pietersen.

2.Captaincy

Thanks to the above mentioned point about K.P.'s new role that made me stretch this topic of captaincy further. Does our Indian players have no knowledge of how to lead a side whatsoever? Or are the foreigners more brainy when it comes to this job ? Doesn't seem to be true, isn't it? At least not after looking at the current healthy situation of the Indian Cricket team.If this is not enough then here's another good example that would reprimand this thought that Indians are not capable of leading a side - Sourav Ganguly. Both of them have had the midas touch to lead India to victory. Recently, Mallya and Co. replaced Rahul Dravid with K.P. as the captain and they also made a remark that once K.P. is gone back to England...oops, I mean for his national duty(since IPL is likely going to be held in England), Kallis would become the leader of the pack. And the recent speculation of removing Ganguly from his job as the captain of Kolkata Knight Riders is nearly true. And it does seem that the former Australian, John Buchanan who is now the coach of Kolkata Knight Riders would replace Dada with the Australian captain who also used to lead under his realm, Ricky Ponting. Soon we might Mukesh Ambani replacing Tendulkar with someone else. Though again, you just can't forget that if a team does remarkably well and gets into a habit of winning, it makes the job easier for the captain whosoever he is.

3.Foreign Coaches
Do we have any other team other than Mumbai Indians without a foreign coach? Let alone the franchises in IPL, do we presently have any international team(exceptions : South Africa and Australia) that doesn't have a single foreigner in their support staff?

We have seen over a decade or so and in fact we still are seeing teams like Saffas and Australia making merry with their local coaches and staff. So why can't have our local coaches in IPL as well ?

Conclusion

90% about IPL is foreign now including the crowd and all the points mentioned above. It's just those franchise owners and BCCI that make the remaining proportion.
Now tell me, is there any Desi Tadka which makes Indian Premier League Indian?

Think about it and do share with us anything Desi about IPL.

Symonds, the new king of controversies.

2009-03-23T15:27:00.003+05:30

This time he's in the news for being booted out of bar for drinking a lot.

Cricket Australia officials have already given Symonds a "last chance" warning over previous alcohol-related misdemeanors.

He was reportedly spotted at the Watt Bar at the Powerhouse in New Farm, Brisbane,where he was being asked by the security to leave.

For more news on this issue click here

It's time to bid adieu Shoaib Akthar as the controversial king.

Oh and probably it's all over for Andrew Symonds now. Isn't it ?

IPL:OUT,BUT NOT GONE

2009-03-22T17:25:00.003+05:30

Today I have two News, one is good and the other also can’t be called bad.

The good news is that the DLF IPL Season II will take place this summer and the other news is that it will not be held in India. The IPL might go to England, South Africa or even the Middle East and a decision on the venue shall be taken within a couple of days.

The BCCI officials, after the crucial meeting today, announced that the tournament fixtures and dates shall remain the same and all the matches shall begin at 4 pm or 8 pm IST no matter where they take place, all in the interest of the fans in India. Also, each team will be allotted a home ground and the Home and Away system shall be followed.

The board confirmed that all franchises had approved the program as having the IPL was most important.

Let’s hope that the 2009 Season of the IPL is remembered for the cricket and not the controversies that surrounded it!

Whose to blame for it ?

2009-03-20T22:03:00.006+05:30

101.3 McGain to de Villiers, 1 run, clipped off the legs to the long-leg region. 100 up for McGain. This is the worst economy rate in Test history.

Here's a look at his beautiful figures -

Bowlers O M R W Econ

*BE McGain (lbg) 11.0 2 102 0 9.27
(0nb, 0w)

-

And probably most of you might call this guy an idiot. But honestly, it's not completely his fault. The batsmen are mostly becoming aggressive and they do target a particular bowler even in test cricket. Though I haven't seen a single ball being bowled in this game, but from my experience I would say that even the hitting standards are increasing match by match. Now, if you have a look at previous test encounters around 2002, the average run rate of a strong batting team like South Africa would be around 2.50-3.80. But now teams try to score at a brisk pace of at least 4 runs per over. Secondly, how can we forget that it McGain's first game.

What are your opinions on bowlers giving a century of runs ?

1st test, Day 3 : India on top

2009-03-20T15:52:00.004+05:30

Yet again, India is showing their true domination and is near to tear all those records which suggests the smashing that previous Indian teams have received before in New Zealand. The bowling department has probably found a fitting bowling attack and especially the 3rd seamer in Munaf Patel. Tendulkar has probably blunted all those fingers pointing his retirement and form.

While on the other hand, the only bright rays of light for the Black Caps has been the all rounder, Jesse Ryder and Chris Martin's superb bowling. New Zealand nearly looks out of the game and they would now have to play the catch-up game in order to save the match.

Here's an extract from the day's play by cricinfo.com

Walk on
When Mahendra Singh Dhoni cut a wide delivery from Iain O'Brien, Ryder pulled off another athletic effort at gully, diving to his right this time, and claimed a low one-handed catch. Dhoni refused to walk, and was told by the crowd to "walk mate". Replays showed the ball might have touched the ground before reaching Ryder's hand. Dhoni was booed when the not-out decision was finally made. Three balls later, he went for a hook, gloved it, and walked right away. This time he was cheered.

This is hilarious. I do remember the Australian crowd doing the same to Indians during their tour late in 2007-08. In my opinion this is ridiculous, though of course, you do want to see your team win. But you can call it almost unfair. After all, Dhoni himself walks out so many times even when the umpires are doubtful whether it is out or not. He(or in fact any Indian batsman) has never ever refused to walk when they know they are out(a rare case if it is false).

Well anyway, here's another rare case -

Four for all
When Munaf Patel went down on his knee, and swept Daniel Vettori with one hand to the square-leg boundary to get off the mark, he became the ninth Indian batsman in the innings to start scoring with a boundary. Tendulkar and VVS Laxman started with one and two respectively.

Can anyone tell me if it has ever happened before?

The star of the day, Sachin has got another post in his name, this time from Naked Cricket - Sachin Tendulkar Exposed!

Yawn! Sony asks for delayed start to test matches

2009-03-19T17:23:00.003+05:30

Whose anyway going to watch the match early morning ?

Delhi venue unable to host IPL matches this time

2009-03-18T21:35:00.005+05:30

Wow !!! Seems like me, Shanav and Rishabh are going to miss the live stadium experience of IPL this time(if it happens anyway)

Sigh...don't think many would be coming to watch Dalhi Daredevils matches in Dharamshala.

Will we have the IPL this year?

2009-03-17T17:07:00.006+05:30

Aren't we all waiting for the Indian Premier League to kick off. But there's some bad news - probably we won't have the tournament this year. Too much bad for us. You all must be knowing the reason- The 15th General Assembly Elections. We are below 18 and can't vote so it is bad for us. But I've realized that security is a must and there are many reasons for this-

1. States cannot provide adequate security and going ahed with the IPL would mean that we will be risking the lives of our cricketers and millions of cricket fans.

2. Any type of security leak would create an bad image to the world about India. Cricketers would refuse to play cricket in India as of current Pakistan.

3. It wold have an impact on the other sports as well. It might even cost us the prestigious Commonwealth games next year. When no sportsperson would be willing to to come to our nation, how would we host any game.

But there are disadvantages as well. IPL's second season is worth 10,790 crore rupees. It would have been economically well for India during the time of recession. But however I believe that not having the tournament this year would be better. Another thought that occured to me is that can't we shift the election dates, but then I realized that this is immpossible. So we are left with no other choice but to either shorten the IPL or cancel it for this year. Hope the IPL organisers come up with a perfect schedule that would ensure proper security.

When 3 cricket fanatics got together !

2009-03-16T15:51:00.003+05:30

Hell ya !!! And we have another one joining in. Satya, you ROCK !!! So now, we are 3 cricket followers(me, Shanav, Satya) on a blog hitting one shot after another.

Satya is another of my classmate and our cricket talks has always been never ending. He's probably much more hilarious than me and his imagination goes far...far beyond, even to the distance of a ball being hit out of the stadium.

I welcome you Satya to Crick-O.

Goswami's Girls Aim To Go One Better

2009-03-15T20:09:00.003+05:30

The ‘2005 Women's Cricket World Cup’ was a dream run for the Indian eves as they finished second, only behind Australia. But this time they aren’t leaving a single stone unturned, thriving to go one better. The Indian women showed some resilience and a lot of nerve when they defeated the tournament hosts and favorites Australia by 16 runs, soon after they had been routed by England.
India is currently coming 2nd in the Super Six Table with 4 points in their kitty, two below England and marginally over New Zealand, Australia, Pakistan and the West Indies with all teams having two matches left.
India next plays the white ferns(NZ) at the North Sydney Oval on March the 19
and the Windies two days later. To qualify for the finals, they have to either win both the matches or at least defeat New Zealand and also maintain a good Net Run Rate.
The top two teams from the Super Six will play in the Finals on the 22nd and lets hope India is one of them.

Sehwag's blistering knock helps India clinch series

2009-03-11T15:49:00.003+05:30

Virender Sehwag has given another evidence that he has no pity on any bowler be it a spinner or a pacer. His work is to only hit the ball as hard as he can. He along with opening partner Gautam Gambhir led India to a memorable win in the fourth ODI against New Zealand. The red hot pair smashed an unbeaten 201 for the first wicket with Sehwag on 125 and Gambhir on 63. Hope they both continue their form in the future matches.

Earlier in the day New Zealand managed to 270/5 in their 47 overs. The bad weather distrupted the match once again and India were declared winners on the basis of the D/L method. Indian bowling did fairly well. Seamers were quite expensive but spinners managed to get wickets and stop the flow of runs. The pick of the bowlers was the comeback man - Ishant Sharma thogh expensive but he got 2 vital breakthroughs. The biggest disappointment for India was Harbhajan Singh with figures 8-0-50-0.

After winning the match India have aso clinched their first ever series win in New Zealand. Lets hope the next match is a bigger success for India. Happy Holi.

Women's day(s) Out

2009-03-10T20:21:00.008+05:30

The ICC Women's World Cup started on the eve of International Women's Day, making the event look a bit bigger success. Well lets hope the event is a huge success. In fact it is already turning out to be a huge success. Women are making it clear that they can play the gentlemen's game like them. Women can be seen anticipating the ball hard and diving more often. They are taking deep interest in the game and are giving 100% commitment.
Other than great action the women are also setting records. Pakistan registered their first ever win against Sri Lanka after losing horribly to India. On the opening day India beat Pakistan by 10 wickets. Australia defeated all their opponents as they are the favourites for the tournament. Earlier in the day India was defeated by England by 9 wickets. It clearly pointed that India still need more practice to face class opponents. I also feel that Women's cricket need's an overhaul. These matches are played at neutral venues and are compared to the u-19 men's cricket. So, women might probably have to wait more to experience world class facalities.

Can New Zealand give a fitting reply ?

2009-03-10T20:04:00.006+05:30

Seems tough! Their main in-form bowler Ian Butler is on the bed and will be there for the whole series. Anyway, there's still one ray of light that has the power to spark and turn the game for the Kiwis - Daniel Vettori. And one more advantage for them is Tendulkar's injury. I guess that should be at least average to save the series. Other thing is that they have to work hard for victory. If they still can't, then all is lost for sure.

I wonder who would be in for Tendulkar ? Is it going to be Rohit Sharma, Pragyan Ojha, Dinesh Karthik or maybe Ravindra Jadeja. My choice would be clearly Irfan Pathan as he would clearly add a bowling option as well as batting. This would create a balance as well. Also, it's time to get back Ishant back in side. And give some rest to Munaf.

I don't exactly know about the Black Caps when it comes to replacements and their squad as I am not a keen follower of them. Please suggest it yourself.

I would like to end this post with this quote by Rudyard Kipling from his poem 'If' which goes for both the teams :

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same;

Then and only then would you achieve your golden aim - The Game!

This last line was added by me myself though I know it won't do any justice to those real words of Kipling.

Whatta Match !!! There's excitement again !

2009-03-09T20:42:00.003+05:30

It's just one of those Australia-South Africa games where 90% this is sure to happen. Though victory is still a far sight for the Saffas, but they have a good chance of getting away with a draw. Who expected such a great fight by South Africa lead by Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers ? I mean, of course there are great partnerships which take the game away from your opposition...but how often does it happen.

It would actually be a shame for the Aussies if they let go this chance out of their hands. Probably they were missing the services of McGain.

Whatever it is...the match is now slightly evenly poised. Australia still has the chance to bowl out South Africa while they face a daunting task of chasing 302 runs more to complete what would be known as a record chase or at least settle for the draw. I am pretty sure that if Kallis and De Villiers can stay together till at least mid session after lunch, Australia would have to settle for a draw.

The weekend of injuries

2009-03-09T16:05:00.003+05:30

Tendulkar, Smith, Kallis, Ian Butler, and the latest one to join was the West Indian Chris Gayle. Sigh....with the level of fitness increasing I do hope to see these guys back in action(Ian Butler is back I guess).

Get Well Soon guys !

By the way, is there anyone else I missed out ? Please remind me by posting in the comments section.

Bodyline tactics ?

2009-03-07T21:39:00.004+05:30

24.5 Johnson to Kallis, no run, do we have another injury here, not a pretty sight! Short on middle, struck Kallis on the jaw from under the helmet, he's in pain and is bleeding, the physio is out and it may take some time before he's back on his feet. Lethal delivery that.

2.1 Johnson to Smith, 1 run, ripper, banged in short at 150.9 kmph, raps him hard on the gloves and lobs in the direction of square leg, superb bowling

Are we going to see another Bodyline series with this time Australia on the giving end ? Anyway, the Proteas seem to have lost their way with the day 2 ending completely under Australia's control.

Who do you say ? Have the Aussies shown that they are still the best or does it still require some more time to prove it ?

	Bowlers	O	M	R	W	Econ
	BE McGain (lbg)*	11.0	2	102	0	9.27		(0nb, 0w)						-