Pressure Situations - A Brief Essay

Very often in cricket, especially in the modern day with the shorter version of the game, pressure situations occur more and more often. A team, as a unit as well as each individual must be able to manage these situations.

There are many different kinds of pressure situations in the game; the pressure of the match (World cup final, etc) and circumstantial pressure. The pressure caused due to the match itself is more a kind of nervousness rather than pressure. On the other hand, in a particular situation in the game, the pressure may be on a particular team because of the situation itself. This pressure is caused because the players realise that no mistakes can be afforded.

Some players succumb to this circumstantial pressure while some handle it with relative ease. As a coach often says – It’s all in the mind. A great instance which serves as an example to the point that some players handle pressure situations extremely well is the catch Ricky Ponting took of Johan Van der Wath in the famous 400+ chase of South Africa.

People handle pressure in many different ways. Many bowlers, most noticeably Glenn McGrath talk to themselves, some bowlers mark the crease for no apparent reason, some batsmen on the past even hummed at the crease! This circumstantial pressure is a mere fear of commiting a mistake and can easily be avoided. Experience helps.-BS

Australia....... Again

The World Cup final. It was Australia vs Sri Lanka. Almost everyone was pretty certain that the Aussies would win. But most sincerely hoped Sri Lanka would.

For Adam Gilchrist, from the point of view of batting, it was not the best World Cup. That was why there was something due from him. The Sri Lankans could not have done anything about Gilchrist. There were no missed chances as such. But, luck sided with Gilly today, he hit one in the air to sweeper and it fell between two fielders.

If he hit it, it stayed hit. This was true throughout Gilly’s career and more so yesterday. Haydos took advantage of Gilly’s onslaught at the other end by trying to construct a well organised innings. He scored at an unusually slow rate with his strike rate at 69 but supported Gilchrist well. When Hayden fell, the Australians were in such a good position that even a collapse at that stage would not pose a heavy threat. Ponting also hit the ball a few times. Gilchrist fell to give way to Symonds who continued. At the conclusion of the innings, Australia were 281/4 in 38 overs; equivalent to about 356-370 in a match of full length.

The Sri Lankan innings actually started off pretty well. Although Tharanga went early after playing a good stroke, Jayasuriya and Sangakkara played very good knocks and stayed around for sometime. Sri Lanka then lost Jayasuriya at which stage they were on 145/3 and it was the 23^rd over. They were in a good position until the wickets started falling in uncomfortably quick succession.

But, one can also say that Sri Lanka were a touch unlucky. The toss proved to be crucial and notwithstanding the weather, first use of the pitch really helped the Australians. Also, towards the end of the game, the light was just so bad that the batsmen were searching for the ball coming towards them. Australia emerged triumphant but not as comprehensively as they would have liked (although that would not matter.)-BS

World Cup 2007? - where?

Prior to the start of World Cup 2007, all of us hoped for and expected a successful tournament. Success not from the point of view of any particular team; we wanted the world cup to be a success as a tournament. But approaching the end of this tournament, we realise that it has been a comprehensive and complete failure.

Although the ICC courageously reported of many of the matches as having been completely booked prior to the match and in some cases the World Cup itself, there was not one stadium which even without analysis seemed full. There were huge sections of the seats which looked beautiful only for their being colourful and bearing the rather attractive sponsor logos. The crowds did not come in as a result of high ticketing rates.

As if this was not enough, the ICC also decided to go in with an extremely long and an unnecessarily and inexplicably complex tournament schedule. Everyone was satisfied with the last World Cup’s schedule where two matches were played in a day and there were just two pools, which meant a much lesser number of group matches. The complete exclusion of day night matches was once again inexplicable. The only reasonable explanation for that can be that all of the cricketing nations in the world are to the east of the West Indies and therefore, day-night matches would stretch too far into the night.

The grouping system in this year’s world cup is even worse because it does not give teams time to settle down. In this edition, if teams do not play well in three matches, the do not play another game. Ireland and Bangladesh’s entry into the super eights of the tournament is only per chance and to believe this to be a success in the promotion of the ‘minnows’ is but an illusion. The promotion of the minnows is when these teams get to play more matches in the international circuit against the more significant teams, not to win, but for exposure. There was clearly more room for this promotion in the last edition. Also, Habibul Bashar issued a statement that Bangladesh and Ireland entered the super eights because they deserved to. Does what he say mean that India and Pakistan did not deserve to? Remember, Bangladesh won only one game against a rather complacent India.

When Bradman got out in his last test, a little angry boy told the bowler who dismissed the don, “I came to see Bradman bat!” The boy was right.-BS

Australia

The Chappell Hadlee Trophy played in New Zealand between the hosts and Australia proved that Australia was unbeatable and proved that the top spot was not exclusive. Unfortunately for the Kiwis and other cricketing nations, later results also proved that series losses do not indicate a long term slump for the kangaroos.

It is also important to note here Australia did not play bad cricket but that the Kiwis played better cricket. Michael Hussey’s disappointing captaincy and Ricky Ponting’s absence are reasons for the Aussie defeat. Although the Kiwis beat the Australians, it was partly because of their good fortune. Craig McMillan came back into the side and batted extremely well for the Kiwis; unfortunately, that was just a short run of great form. Also, they did not have Ricky Ponting to contend with in the opposition; Gilchrist was also not in good form. But the Aussies are back to their consistent, winning ways in the world cup as seen thus far. What is it that gives them this knack for winning?

It is important to note at this juncture that not all of the other teams are as competent as they can be. India, England, The West Indies, etc are some examples of out of form, not-performing-to-potential kind of teams. This accounts for only a minor portion of the reason why the Australians emerge triumphant so often. Reminds me of Roger Federrer in tennis.

There are so many reasons for their stupendous performance in the recent past; they are professional to a great extent, dedicated, hard working, disciplined (in most areas) and of course talented. Australians get on the field to win, practice in the nets to win and go through the physical training to win. This accounts for their rarely blemishing performance.

There is also one negative aspect to this kind of robotic precision, repetition and hard work. The enjoyment in the game is reduced to a certain extent. The satisfaction that a bowler gets from beating the bat and the batsmen and increasingly prominent batswomen get from feeling the impact of the ball right at the middle of the bat when timed to perfection is lost in Australian cricket. When an Australian bowler celebrates after a wicket, it is for the material success and not for the sheer satisfaction that sports were initially created to produce. This negative factor results unfortunately in so many positive factors; grit, determination, the will to run back in pumped up after being hit for a six, etc. This also results in all the players of the team working towards only one thing – success rather than the more important satisfactions.

In no way is the approach of other international cricket teams brought into consideration. This approach is probably the indication of the evolution of man into the stage where material gains have gained priority. But this is why you can always rely on the Australian middle order to perform after a very early top order collapse. That’s dedication.-BS

What goes into captaincy?

Mike Brearley and Michael Vaughan are two great captains, both not outstanding players. Conversely, Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Hussey are examples of stupendous performers who have not proved to be the best captains.

Captaincy requires much more than being a great player, for that matter, even being a great cricket mind does not necessarily mean that that person will make a good captain. Strategy, tactics and most importantly man management are some important issues that go into captaincy. It is pretty evident that the greatest players are not the best captains, but there is another fact to be appreciated.

Sachin Tendulkar is as wily as a fox with the ball in his hand and is certainly has a good cricketing mind. So often it is noticed that he goes up to a bowler and talks to him and the bowler does something so unexpected the next ball only to pick up a wicket. But his captaincy record has been uninspiring and unsatisfactory.

A person like Sachin can often advice the captain on what to do at a particular time or in a particular situation out of sheer experience and cricketing knowledge. Although sometimes these points may be pertinent and very significant, only a good captain can implement these and keep coming up with such points over the period of a game.

All the coaches today advise and in fact insist that a player must not constantly focus on the game and let his mind waver a bit between balls so that the concentration and capacity to focus throughout the long duration of a match can be used to the optimum. It is only logical. It is important to efficiently exploit our resources. But this philosophy cannot be followed by the captain. It is between the balls that all his captaincy duties come into play. At other times, he has to focus on the game. Therefore, captaincy is extremely tiring and is a strenuous job.

Captaincy is not a cake-walk as Waugh, Fleming and Brearley made it out to be. It is, along with umpiring one of the toughest jobs in the cricketing circles.-BS

The cricketing world recently witnessed the exit of one of the great batsmen of the modern era, Brian Lara. Another great batsman of the modern era, Sachin Tendulkar, also is probably going to seen the sun set on his career soon.

Tendulkar’s critics have already decided that the Tendulkar Chapter is a closed one. His form in recent times has been nowhere near satisfactory. His test form has simply been disappointing. The last test series Tendulkar played was against South Africa. Apart from one fifty, Tendulkar’s performance in South Africa was disappointing. He looked very good even in his short stays at the wicket. He played cover drives like the deliveries were harmless toys to play with. Surely, he must still believe that bowlers do not know how to bowl. But he just kept getting out early. After all the beautiful strokes he played, he got out like he didn’t know how to bat; there were too many soft dismissals.

With the progression of Tendulkar’s career, there has been a large amount of evolution in his game. He came in looking like a youngster angry with the bowlers around the world, and looking to hit them out of the park. Obviously, as his career progressed, his mind and attitude towards the game and his batting matured. Also, in the past five years or so, probably since the Natwest series, he has attempted to be a more organised and professional batsman. Unfortunately that does not suit his natural and instinctive style of play. But, a good part of this evolution of his batting is that, he has gained greater mastery over the art. This has made his cover drives look better and most probably gives him a greater amount of pleasure on execution.

Tendulkar’s not being in form is probably because he has got himself into a tangle. He seems rather indecisive at the crease of late probably because of excessive analysis and alteration of his natural game. In all the detailed study cricketers do of late, it is also a possibility that the error is hidden in plain sight and is at a much lower level than what is being analysed and dealt with. It is possible that he just has developed a minor technical flaw much like one develops a common cold. Bob Simpson’s hypothesis that Tendulkar does not look at the ball leaving the hand of the bowler is not baseless. His dismissal against Bangladesh in the league stages of the world cup was very unusual. How often does Sachin Tendulkar misread an arm ball?

On the political front, Tendulkar’s probably not as humble as he has been made out to be for the last decade or so. The controversy regarding his Ferrari and the other controversy regarding his accountant probably exposes his true colours. Also, the way Tendulkar has been speaking of late indicates many things. Has success finally got to Tendulkar’s head?

Tendulkar has almost nothing left to achieve. As Ian Chappell said, Tendulkar has to look in the mirror and take a decision. If Tendulkar scores a century or 2 in the upcoming Bangladesh test series, he should retire immediately like Pete Sampras did; after a good performance.-BS

A Lasting Impression

Cricket is a game which tests its players’ endurance and staying capacity. In order to present a satisfactory or commendable performance, one needs endurance. Endurance of two types is required; one which includes constant practice throughout the year (long term), and the other, a sustained amount of focus, concentration and physical sustenance throughout that period (match or innings) in which that performance is delivered i.e., short term endurance.

All of us who sat at home and enjoy Lara’s 400 not out on TV are not aware of how much effort (both on the spot and prior practice) the recently retired stalwart of cricket put into that innings. We sat and watched him on TV, periodically getting a drink of water and eating our dinner in front of the TV. It has to be appreciated that ALL this time, Lara was on the field, in the heat of St.John’s en route to a record.

The amount of endurance cricket requires is noted in one game, the Ranji Trophy Final of 1982 between Delhi and Karnataka at Delhi. Karnataka batted first and scored a mammoth 705 all out. There were four centuries in that innings and surprisingly, G.R.Viswanath scored a duck in that innings.

In the event of a match ending in a draw, the team with the first innings lead at stumps on the last day is awarded the match. Delhi won. 707 for 8 was their score.

This is one of the best examples of endurance in cricket. Batting first and scoring 705 is significant but not as significant as chasing that down in the second innings of the match. A significant point was that there were only two centuries in the Delhi innings. The man of the series in world cup ’83, Mohinder Amarnath came in at number 5 and went on and on to score 185 and won the match (not outright though) for Delhi.

The endurance from the bowlers was also commendable. Some of the spinners in that game bowled an enormous number of overs. In the Karnataka innings, Maninder Singh bowler 87.5 overs in a total of almost 256 overs!! In the Delhi innings, left arm spinner Raghuram Bhat bowled 94 overs!!! The innings lasted almost 253 overs.

That’s endurance for you.-BS

Contributions - Bowling

Picking up wickets; the primary goal of every bowler. Although picking up wickets is significant for the bowler’s reputation and performance, there are so many other things a bowler can do to develop his reputation and cement his place in the team.

So many different forms of cricket have developed today which demand many different roles from bowlers. The game is being made shorter and shorter, twenty20 is the talk of the town today. It has come to such a stage that wickets are not relevant in the bowler’s statistics in some forms of the game. In twenty20 for example, keeping the runs down is more relevant than picking up wickets.

Even in the longer version of the game, there are different roles that can be played by bowlers. For example, India used to play with four spinners in the seventies. In this team, Chandrashekar and Bedi were the primary wicket takers. Venkat was always bowling from the other end, making sure nothing went out of hand. Chandrashekar was known to be inconsistent. He could soar to levels unimaginably high and then again swoop to levels inexplicably low. When he came to these low levels, he would be smacked around the park and, if Geoff Boycott was old enough to be a commentator then, I’m pretty sure his ‘mum coulda’ hit those balls for six.’ This was where Venkat was important in the team. He would make sure that runs are not given free at both ends. He would then also take wickets and take over Chandrashekar’s role in the team (to a certain extent at least.) Venkat once said that he used to flight the ball quite a bit more in the Ranji games he played as against the international games; this in itself shows how a bowler can play many different roles in the team.

Bowling in different manners (not necessarily to pick up wickets) is also important for bowlers.-BS

Not-so-High Scores dont mean Bad Batting

Many batsmen score 40s or 50s but don’t get to hundred. In the right situation, these scores may be crucial.

Even if the main batsmen score centuries in a one day international, these centuries may be of no use if wickets fall around that batsman. This is why, if another batsman scores a 40 or 50 accompanying the centurion, it provides certain stability to the batting line up.

Even in test matches, seemingly ineffective scores prima facie may actually be very useful. Some of these scores, especially in tests may in fact be centuries. For example, in that test in Multan between India and Pakistan, Virender Sehwag scored 309 in the first innings. In the same innings, Sachin Tendulkar scored 194*. This 194, although overshadowed by the triple, was crucial to the Indian innings.

Many players, in ODI cricket play or played this supportive role for the more significant scorers.

Michael Bevan and Andrew Symonds – The Australian batting has consistent performances from their batsmen like Ricky Ponting. But, earlier Michael Bevan always came in later in the order and pushed up the run rate in the later stages of the innings. Symonds has always, hung around the higher run scorers and played some useful knocks.

Tillekratne Dilshan and Romesh Kaluwitharana – Romesh Kaluwitharana often came in to open the bating for Sri Lanka. As Jayasurya piled up on the runs, Kaluwitharana did some hard hitting, scored a quick 50 and got out, to get Sri Lanka a good start. Dilshan bats at number seven for Sri Lanka and consistently scores useful runs late in the innings.

Abdul Razzaq – Razzak is a very important fixture in the Pakistani team. He always comes in late in the innings with about ten overs or so to spare and slogs and significantly increases the run rate.

Craig McMillan and Paul Nixon are other examples of players who play such a role in the team. Low scores don’t necessarily bad batting.-BS

English captains - Poor performers?

England played the first recorded international test match. England brought cricket to many other countries but really have not had as many outstanding performers as they could have. Sure there have been some very good players to have played for England (Willis, Snow, Botham, etc.,) but take a look at their captains.

Mike Denness – One of England’s good captains, Denness played just 38 tests, which by modern day standards is hardly anything. He was said to have an array of strokes and was said to be one of the most stylish batsmen in England. Unfortunately, in the end, his average was but 38 with 4 hundreds and 7 fifties in his 45 innings which is not as satisfactory as it is made out to be.

Mike Brearley – Brearley is said to be one of England’s greatest captains, Brearley was innovative and creative and he found a place in the side probably on account of his phenomenal captaincy. His batting record is simply disappointing. He scored only 1442 runs in 66 innings at a n average of 22.88! Had he not been a good captain, his place in the side was highly questionable. What’s more, he didn’t score a single hundred at test level.

Nasser Hussain – This Chennai born English captain was a very competent skipper. He was also a very articulate one. He once walked into a press conference and said “You might remember me. I was captain of England when they were ****.” That probably was the problem. He really did not have a good side to support him. A highly and uniquely listenable commentator today, his record was also disappointing. He 5762 runs at an average of 37.18 (ODI – 30.28), wit only 14 hundreds in 171 innings.

Michael Vaughan – He has the most satisfactory record for captains in this analysis. With a test average of 42.94, he has thus far scored 4595 runs in 115 innings with 15 hundreds. But his ODI record is poor. At an average of 26.56, he 1886 runs in 84 matches with no hundreds. He is also a very good captain.

England need performing captains. In the modern day, phenomenal captaincy is not enough for a place in the side.-BS

Spinners today

Shane Wanre’s done with international cricket; Murali’s probably has just a few more years in him; what is the cricketing world’s spinning situation?

Australia – Australia have had some very good spinners for a long long time. All the way from Benaud to Macgill. Warne recently retired from test mach cricket. He opened up a spot for a fellow leg spinner Stuart MacGill in tests. The one day spinner for Australia is Bradley Hogg. MacGill’s strength is the amount of turn and drift he gets. Sometimes he is not able to control this drift resulting in some worries. He often bowls mediocre deliveries wide outside the off stump and it was one such delivery that gave India the winning runs in Adelaide in early 2004. MacGill and Hogg are both already 36 and Australia have some thinking to do or have they already done it?

Bangladesh – The three left arm spinners have been the talk of the town this World Cup. Abdur Razzak and Saqibul Hasan are future prospects for Bangladesh. Mohaammad Rafique, who often bowled 35-40 overs in single innings of test matches, is the old warhorse for the former Indians. He does not have as many years ahead of him as his counterparts but Bangladesh do not have problems with that even after the tragic death of Manjural Islam Rana, another left arm spinner. The only potential problem is that they need variety.

England – Mudhsuden Singh Panesar is England’s prominent spinner. But he really needs to work on his batting and fielding to keep his place in the side. If I were an English selector, I’d play both Panesar and the more experienced and reliable Ashley Giles. The last prominent non left arm spinner they had was probably Robert Croft. There have also been other people like Gareth Batty, etc, but England need spinners.Word is also spreading that Saqlain Mushtaq may just represent England in 2008.

India – India’s much celebrated spinner, Harbhajan Singh is not in the best of form now-a-days (now-a-days referring to a longer period than it usually does.) Bhajji is a spinner who seems to be flighting the ball, but some how manages to beat the batsmen for flight VERY rarely. India has lost its tradition of spin and will have to regain it as it is one area where Indians can perform easier than the others. Kumble’s out of ODIs but is still probing in test matches. Who’s next? Will it be Piyush Chawla?

New Zealand – Daniel Vettori is the best left arm spinner in the world for lack of left arm spinners (he is a very good one but just not in the same class as a Bedi or an Underwood.) New Zealand also have Jitan Patel but still lack spinners. They probably don’t require them with all the other variety in the team. Meanwhile, yet another spinner, Paul Wiseman, who (unfortunately) had to bear the brunt of being hit around the park in 98-99 by Tendulkar, has not played for NZ since 2005. He’s playing with Durham for 2007.

Pakistan – Pakistan’s primary spinner is Danish Kaneria. Kaneria is extremely important for Pakistan mainly in the longer version of the game. The advantage for Pakistan is that they have a lot of part time spinners who can be useful and they also have Mushtaq Ahmed as their bowling coach (for now at least.)

South Africa – South Africa have had problems with spinners for a long time. Nicky Boje recently retired and Johan Botha was picked up for an illegal action. But the Proteas do have the services of Paul Harris. The Phil Tuffnel like Harris caused a lot of bother for the Indian batsmen on the recent South African tour. Graeme Smith is developing gradually into a part time off spinner. But SA still need match winning spinners.

Sri Lanka – Murali Murali Murali. Sri Lanka have no problems with their spin department at present with Mutthaiah Muralidharan and Malinga Bandara. Murali used to bowl useful overs along with his partner Kumar Dharmasena. After the latter’s retirement, he just took all the pressure on himself and worked beautifully. Sri Lanka also have spinners like Jayasuriya and Upul Chandana.

The West Indies – Although they play with no full time spinner after the mysterious disappearance of the tall off spinner Omari Banks, Chris Gayle has taken up that role pretty well. They also have Sarwan who can occasionally bowl leg spin. But no Lance Gibbs in the team.-BS

B.O.W vs R.O.W

The Best of the World versus the Rest of the World; although Australia are not at the top of the ICC rankings for teams, it can be said that they are still on top of the world. What led to their losing the top spot in the ICC rankings for international teams was the whitewash (how often do you see that) in New Zealand. It has to be noted here that the team which lost in New Zealand lacked their captain and prolific batsman Ricky Ponting. It has to be mentioned that Mr.Cricket’s captaincy was not really satisfactory. Here are the results of comparisons between Australia and other teams.

England – One day cricket originated in England. England’s performance in the past 15 years or so has not been satisfactory. At present, they have the advantage of knowing who they’re going to open the batting with. Unfortunately, although they’re sure of the order, the batsmen just don’t perform. The bowlers are competent, but England just do not have an outstanding performer. All in all, half-way through a game, the English find themselves in positions they did not want to be in – consistently. Australia does not.

India – India is a talented team. Unfortunately, Coca Cola does not give people strength and endorsements don’t count for performance. India has a tendency of collapsing. If there’s a good foundation, then the batsman coming in at 4 ad 5 tend to take the job too easy and do not capitalise. If the openers of Australia, along with Ponting and Hodge fall, there are still two or three competent players like, Clarke and Symonds who you can rely on to save the ship. A close observation will reveal that the players at number 5 for Australia have a lot of work.

New Zealand – Peter Fulton, Stephen Fleming, Ross Taylor, Scott Styris, Jacob Oram, Craig McMillan, Brendon McCullum. An analysis of this line up reveals that there are just 3 pure batsmen. It is largely accepted that most modern day allrounders cannot find a place in the team for any one of their skills alone. The batting of New Zealand is simply insufficient, however long the line-up may be, there are just not enough batsmen. Once again Australia wins. But, a flash of brilliance from this side is always on the cards.

Pakistan – Their batting is out of sorts. Even the batsmen themselves will probably not be sure whether they will open the batting in their next game. Then there is Younis Kahn, Mohammad Yousuf, and Inzy who retired from one day cricket, then Kamran Akmal, Shoaib Malik, etc. They have a very formidable batting line up if not for the openers. Their bowling line up though is not completely certain. The key for Pakistan is balance in the side. All the test playing nations today, barring Australia lack balance to a certain extent, Pakistan more than the others.

Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka, from what is seen on field, is a well knit set up. They always work as a team. They have good openers, a competent middle order, great fielding and there is absolutely no need to comment on the bowling (they have Murali and Vaas, in the same team.) They are one of the few sides you can place your bets on to beat the Aussies. Unfortunately, for some reason, the opposition very often outplays them.

West Indies – The world cup is Brian Lara’s last one day tournament. They have some thinking to do. Virtually since West Indian cricket has existed, their cricketers are known to be extremely brilliant, but HIGHLY unpredictable. Lara scored 2 ducks and 2 30s before scoring that 400*. Typical. Australia clearly has the upper hand.

Australia will stay at the top for some more time. Their re-entry to their customary position at the top of the ICC rankings soon is inevitable.-BS

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar vs Mathew Lawrence Hayden

Mathew Hayden recently came into the list of the top 5 run scorers in one season. Topping that list is Sachin Tendulkar. There’s nothing much to differenciate between the two years in which these batsman scored a bulk of runs.

Tendulkar tops the list for scoring 1894 runs at an average of 65.31 from 33 matches in 1998. Hayden has scored 1042 runs (and counting – unless of course he scores a duck in every innings he plays from now in 2007) in 2007 from 19 matches at an average of 65.12.

Had Tendulkar played hundred matches in that season (1998), he would had scored 5740 runs in the season. If Hayden goes on to play 100 matches this season with the same batting form as he is now, he will (statistically) score 5485 runs in 2007.^*

This, if you consider a legitimate analysis, indicates that Tendulkar in fact was batting better in 1998 than Hayden in 2007.

In that magical year in 1998, Tendulkar scored 9 hundreds out of which 4 were against Australia (we’re all unhappy for you Shane.) He played 7 innings against Australia in that season and scored 4 hundreds against them. Hayden, thus far has scored only four hundreds. And if Hayden bats in the form he presently is, he would have scored only 7 hundreds when he has played his 33^rd match this year. In the same situation he would have scored 5 fifties as against Tendulkar’s 7.

Hayden has scored a score above 50 in 42% of the matches he has played as against Tendulkar’s 51%.

Unfortunately for Hayden stats are not going his way. We only hope form does. -BS

Was Habibul Bashar actually out?

The 38th match of the Cricket World Cup 2007 proved to be an interesting encounter. Interesting in many ways; Bangladesh's batting disappointing, their bowling almost succeeding in making up for the matting mishap and England going on to win the game.
But there was a supposed umpiring blunder in that match which has gone unnoticed. Habibul Bashar popped a simple catch to Michael Vaughan. He dropped it and went on to throw the ball to Paul Nixon who ran Habibul Bashar out when he was on his way to the pavilion, assuming he was out. He was given out. Could this actually be not out?
Law 27 of the game of cricket deals with appeals. It describes the manner of appealing, that an appeal is required for a dismissal, etc. One of the clauses (clause 7) under this law also states that an umpire shall intervene if satisfied that a batsman, not having been given out has left the wicket under a misapprehension that he is out. The umpire intervening shall call and signal dead ball to prevent any further action by the fielding side and shall recall the batsman.
This implies that the English fielders could not have run Bashar out. That a dismisal occurred in such a manner is surprising and that it went unnoticed is also equally surprising.
The only point siding the English could be the interpretation of the law. But, Tom Smith's Book of Cricket Umpiring and Scoring (a reputed and recognised text book) has interpreted the clause in such a manner that this dismissal is in fact not out. Have Mr.Taufel and Mr.Bucknor made a mistake?-BS

The Role of a Coach

The other terms in the dictionary for the word coach are, tutor, instructor, teacher, trainer, etc. The key here is guide.

The coach acts as a guide or a leading light through a player’s career. In the cricketing world today, at the international level, coaches are given much more importance than they deserve. They are certainly vital to every player but can help only to a certain extent.

A coach is most important in the early stages of one’s cricketing rendezvous. The early stage is where the coach can actually guide the youngster and bring home to him as to which direction to move in. The coach can build the cricketing foundation of that person. And like anything else, a solid and stable foundation is almost always required to be a good cricketer.

But, as a cricketer is groomed, his knowledge of the game increases. There comes a stage when he can do many of the things the coach had to do for him at a young age (identifying mistakes, correction, etc.) When a cricketer has matured such and gained sufficient knowledge to manage his cricketing self competently, it is important for the coach to let the player grow (assuming that there are no flaws) by himself. Of course now and, there arises a situation when the player requires a person with greater knowledge to help him and then and only then should a coach intervene.

It is important for a coach to realise his role and stick within it, as overdoing anything can be counterproductive. John Wright said in his book ‘Indian Summers’, “I did not coach Sachin Tendulkar, I helped him, only when he asked for it.” -BS

Mohammad Ashraful - A fragment of Bangladeshi talent

The youngest person to score a test century, also on his debut, Mogammad Ashraful is an immensely talented right handed batsman and leg spinner. A large part of Bangladesh’s middle order hopes rest on him.

He made his test debut against Sri Lanka. He scored exactly 100 in the match where Bangladesh beat Australia in the Natwest series 2005 at Cardiff. To prove that he is important when Bangladesh win, his ODI average is under 40 as against his career average which is over 22.

If he has a flaw, it is unfortunately that he is highly inconsistent. The average number of matches he plays between scoring two fifties is under 10. Ashraful, in his innings against South Africa in the World Cup, showed the completeness of his batting. He played some great straight drives, good cuts, cover drives and also had some Doug Marillier shots! He pulled off 2 but went on to get out as a result of that very shot. He played in every area of the field and showed the world his true batting potential.

But, for some reason, as mentioned earlier, consistency is not with him. His talent slapped you on the face right from his first few matches and age is also on his side. Bowlers, this a heads up for you.

Indian Cricket - progressing?

It is a feast of opinions, arguments and debates for the media. It is this very media which has resulted in the BCCI taking one of these many controversial decisions of slapping notices demanding an explanation for comments made by Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Singh for issuing certain statements.

One of the good moves made by the BCCI is to give more importance to the under 19 tours. This is a good move as the important people can find out how the up and coming are able to cope in different conditions. Unfortunately, the previous system encouraged the juniors playing in Indian conditions. This is a disadvantage as from the point of view of the batsmen; there is a tendency to be committed to the front foot. Robin Uthappa is an example of that. Also they play only certain types of bowlers.

There is also this constant issue about the playing surface. A grassy wicket which lets the ball skid is not friendly to spinners. But that does not automatically mean that a spinner is not capable to bowl on such a surface. Playing in foreign conditions rather different from what one plays at home. Playing in these foreign conditions at the under nineteen stages gives this player time to learn how to adapt in those conditions. For example, a bowler should be able to effortlessly change his length as per the surface. To sum it up, players get exposure.

The changes made with repect to match and series fees, payment and also endorsements automatically increases the dedication to the game which in the first place should have been at the top. The BCCI has taken some remedial measures and this helps the progress of Indian cricket.-BS

Team India - A SWOT Analysis

There’s been so much debated about team India. Cricketopinions gives you another angle to choose from.

Strengths: The most harnessed strength of the Indian cricket team is its batting. We have had some of the world’s best batsmen in our team for some years now – Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar, etc. But it is consciously that the word harnessed is used.

That is because the Indians’ playing conditions, physique and strategic abilities really promote the growth of spin bowling in the country. Although there are sufficient spin bowlers playing first class and list A cricket, there is no youngster whose future in international cricket is guaranteed. There was a time when India played with four spinners who started operating sometimes even from the fourth or the fifth over. Unfortunately, it was not often that the four of them all played a match together. Therefore, spin is also India’s strength.

Weaknesses: The most prominent weakness of the Indian team is its fielding. Although we have had good fielders like Jadeja and the Yuvraj in recent times and Solkar and Venkat earlier, there has not been one team where the spectators can count on any given player in the team to pick up that ball soaring high in the air. This of course is a controllable weakness which I believe will improve with the generations.

Another weakness is that although we have a very strong batting, if it collapses, it collapses wholesale. It is not like the Australian team where on can assume that even after the fall of Hayden, Ponting and Hussey, Clarke and Symonds will still do the job for you. We have very capable batsmen all the way to number seven, but somehow, if there are a few wickets lost early, one is pretty sure that there will be no recovery.

Opportunities: India has had some good pace bowlers but never a strong pace line up. Nevertheless, this seems to be improving. There are a lot of aspiring and more importantly promising pace bowlers in the junior ranks around the country. Some of them have already come towards the apex. Assuming that their bodies hold on and that they don’t suffer early burnouts what with the sharply increasing amount of junior cricket, India has a good fast future.

Threats: The Indian cricket set up is starting to give too much importance to the junior levels of cricket. Let alone early burnout, a promising under thirteen cricketer who probably even represented his state could get bored of cricket (after all a recreation) after that junior level with the coaches squeezing out all the juice from him. Another looming but long term threat is that India may soon lose out in the cricket arena with the growth of the ‘minnows.’

At this stage analysis and future planning is crucial and should be given a great amount of importance. - BS

GREG CHAPPELL'S DECISION

The Indian people are known for the emotional attachment they have for the game of cricket. I believe this emotion related to cricket that has done no good to Indian cricket.

One could hypothesise many reasons for Greg Chappell to decide that he would not extend his contract as coach of the Indian cricket team. But this aforementioned emotional attachment did not seem to work for Mr.Chappell. It is either this or the corruption and manipulation that exists in Indian cricket.

Chappell is a typical Australian. He believed that if a player did not perform for a period of time, he did not deserve a place in the team. And this is the right approach. After all, however great a player one is, if he does not perform, he has no right to be in the team. It is simple logic. Also if a player is given this licence of sorts, it puts in him a false sense of security that could also act as an initiator to high handedness.

When Mr.Chappell took up the job of Indian cricket coach, it seemed that he had one goal of setting the system right. He was not able to do this and he found out more and more about the way things function in Indian cricket.

The effects this can have are severe. Indian cricket’s reputation is going down the drain. A foreign coach may not join the Indian team not only because of his not wanting to join the ruckus but also the sheer fear of the chaos and also probably a lingering fear of murder after a series loss.

As Rajan Bala rightly put it, the best choice for the next man-manager of the Indian team is Sachin Tendulkar so as to cater to the needs of the senior players.-BS

TENDULKAR OR LARA

Tendulkar or Lara?

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and Brian Charles Lara – the two best batsmen on the international circuit in recent times. Both are left handers (Sachin plays his cricket right handed) and both are match winners for their respective countries. But who is better? Of late, it would have to be Lara. But, who has done more? Lara has more runs, Tendulkar more centuries; Lara has more fifties, Tendulkar has a higher average.

But to recognise the true potential of these players, one has to look at how they have performed in matches their teams have won. Tendulkar has 35 test centuries to his name. Twelve of Tendulkar’s hundreds have come in a winning cause.

Lara has 34 hundreds to his name and 8 of them have come in a winning cause. But, Lara has played 3 matches lesser than Tendulkar. How relevant that is is a different question.

There are just so many aspects that can contribute to one’s being a good player. Tendulkar has a ‘better’ (rather more orthodox) technique than Lara. But Lara on his day, is probably the only man who has the credit of being able to take the attack to the opposition with more ease than Tendulkar. Tendulkar does not have a flaw is his technique that can be really exploited by bowlers, but the bowlers have to take advantage of Lara’s tendency to come far across the stumps regularly.

Lara is much fitter undoubtedly than Tendulkar will be at Lara’s age. But one can argue that Lara is West Indian while Tendulkar is an Indian.