Cricket

The Sporting Spirit

2008-02-02T23:07:00.000+05:00

I have moved to "The Sporting Spirit". Have started blogging seriously over there on a more elaborate scope of sports. If you used to come here, re-direct to ....

http://thesportingspirit.blogspot.com

Thanks, C YA!!!

Switched to WORDPRESS

2007-10-05T12:25:00.000+05:00

Yes people, I don't know if anyone visits here anymore, but even if you do....here are the details,

http://umarpirzada.wordpress.com is my new blog area .... I have exported all blogs from the following blog addresses over there....

http://mrumarpirzada.blogspot.com
http://cricketumar.blogspot.com
http://the-point-of-view.blogspot.com

Amazing eh? Wanted to have as minimum areas to write as possible...for better management...so now I have TWO blog addresses....ONLY!!!

http://umarpirzada.wordpress.com (for serious BLOGGING)
http://umarpirzada.spaces.live.com (my space...personal stuff...)

For people interested in reading about my views on CRICKET...I have been writing at http://www.sportingo.com. Here is my profile address over there -> http://www.sportingo.com/umar_pirzada/1000,159

I haven't written about sports for quite some time but I will get back to it soon....See your around....

Use of Technology for Umpiring...

2007-01-17T10:51:00.000+05:00

I don't know whether umpires are making more mistakes now or its just that the technology available for review is so deep that we as viewers feel that its about time....more Technology steps in for decisions....

The game of cricket has evolved around technology in the last decade or so...with Laptop Coaches entering the game and statistics available more easily....and then the 3rd umpire being used for more and more decisions...it was run outs and stumpings at first and now its gone on to catches...

I think its time it moved to LBWs as well...I know it takes the human factor away from the game but I think its time we take it as real. Its frustrating when you see some critical bad decisions affecting the outcome of the game. There are just too many instances now and the umpires are under constant pressure.

I am not criticizing the umpiring here...they are only human as well and its gruelling pressure with so much cricket being played all around....its just about utilizing technology to improve the game....

I would suggest...LBWs should be able to be referred for INSIDE EDGES....for now and gradually be taken towards actual LBW appeals being sent to the 3rd umpire if thought unsure by the on-field umpires....

There could also be a NO BALL....thing by sensors popular in TENNIS for line faults...I think that should be part of the game as well....even though no balls arent an issue as of now....

There is just too much competition now and technology will make the job easier and more fair to everyone...players, umpires and viewers....as well....

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Year 2006 - The Emergence of Greats

2007-01-03T14:19:00.000+05:00

It was the most happening year I must say for the world of cricket in recent times considering the fact that it was ruled by mostly off-the-field incidents...but I think enough will be written about the same hence I chose to write about a few players who are emerging GREATs...of the gentleman's game...

Firstly, Mohammad Yousuf. Call it coming of age or a religious influence towards his breakthrough but what an year? Mr Consistency all around. He has taken over as the most reliable batsman of the Paki lineup ahead of Inzimam and Younis Khan. Considering he faced indifferent conditions all over the year including a visit to England, Mohammad Yousuf has shown he is a force to reckon with. Hopefully he can keep up his form and lead Pakistan towards World Cup Glory.

Next comes Michael Hussey. What a player? His God-like average and unbelievable adjusting skills in both forms of the game make him another one of the emerging greats. He had to be part of the Australian team in some way or the other and hence was moved up and down the order all through the year but that didnt affect him. He went on and played a big part in most Australian victories in one way or the other. Great talent to watch.

Another name that will be a force in the upcoming years is Mohammad Asif. Other than the off-field events this guy shows great promise of a great Fast bowler. With the talent to move the ball both ways, reverse swing it as well and then his great height has the making of a great fast bowler all around. Lets hope the youngster can build up on his achievements and be a great ambassador for the game.

There are lots of names to watch out for in the coming year but I felt these 3 names required a special mentioning while remembering the most controversial of years in recent times.

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Back AT YOU!!

2006-12-20T15:53:00.000+05:00

India had a pretty good answer to all critics and the 5-man South African pace attack. As they always say there is nothing sweeter than VICTORY and thats what it was. A good team effort with old stalwarts Ganguly & Laxman performing well under pressure and a team bowling effort. One should give credit where its due...so WELL DONE India...

Most people would say the Sreesanth & Nel episode left a sour mood for the victory but I dont think that at all. I am a big fan of emotions on the field. That six over long off was an underliner on the Indian Attitude in this match....BACK AT YA...

Lots of good things to take home for India...but I think they are making a mistake by not playing Irfan Pathan...Even though Singh made a valuable 20 odd while batting...the 4th bowler is needed to bowl well and take wickets...and Irfan is a better option...than Singh...ANY DAY....

South Africa has a lot of work to do especially on that shattered confidence....these are not the days where you can get away with a 84 innings total...especially after too big a mouth about your strategy of SHORT PITCHED stuff...much before the match....serves them right one would say....but the victory has brought life to the series....for sure...

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Dope Scene - Looking Beyond the Criticism

2006-12-06T10:29:00.000+05:00

Well well...Asif and Akhtar have both been acquitted heheh...is this some kind of joke? What kind of politics or management is this? I just dont get it? There must be some bribes or some kind of corruption involved? Pakistan couldnt do without them for the world cup? Maybe the commercial aspect of game also requires them, was ICC also involved?

So many different forms of criticism is expected starting from today right after the decision that Asif & Akhtar are free to go. They can play whenever they want. But I have decided we need to take a non-traditional approach this time. I am doing do this only because the world cup is near and enough controversy has been part of my 'Favourite' game in the past few months. Whatever attention we might have been attracting from all around the world especially non-cricketing nations moving away hence...I am going to comment on BEYOND THE DOPE....

Lets just look at the positives this decision brings to the game.

But first a little on Shoaib. I may be a little biased against Shoaib Akhtar as I dont think we need such a role model anywhere in the spotlight not only cricket. Hence I wasnt happy when Akhtar was released as well. He may be quick. He may be averaging an unbelievable average. He may be one of the most feared in the world and for that matter he may even bring crowds to the ground. But there is a thing beyond all that. The game...The game of cricket is a Gentleman's game...and Shoaib is not a gentleman...indisciplined spoiled brat...to say the least....and given the responsibility to lead an attack? I dont think so....Letting Shoaib go will have a negative impact on the team and the young bowlers who were looking forward to...trying to make a place in the team...in his absense...

The positives start with Asif...I was out of those people who wanted to be BAN in place as that would've ended Shoaib's career and disciplined Asif for a a good 10 years to come...Unfortunately that aint so...Hopefully Asif would learn his lesson and stay away from Shoaib for as much possible and maybe seek guidance from the bowling coach Waqar...in every damn matter...Waqar can be a mentor...or may be talk to Imran, Wasim even Aqib but not Shoaib. Stay away from that guy lad...he is bad influence...

The Paki team can look forward to a much better lineup...a more balanced side...they can attack with their bowlers...rather than relying too much on the batting...I am actually excited...now...So excited that I want to name a squad for the world cup but it would be too early with 5 one dayers with West Indies and a whole South African tour to come...who knows what dark horses would come up....dont expect too many new ones though...

The PAKI fans need to have a similiar attitude also...there is no use criticizing the board or the players for the decision...they need to buck the team up now...forgetting all thats happened...remembering the big picture...The Paki team is one of the best in the world...and definitely one of the favourites for the world cup...now...

In fact, that is one reason why the Paki team might be stuck in controversy again. It always happen, the world (Australia) fears them the most. The ICC with their Australian dominated ways...always manage to affect the team building of their most feared opponents. This time it is Pakistan. What they dont realize is that there is an UNSEEN power...with the team...if its meant to be...it will happen...no power can stop it....

If you dont believe in that quote...I will be writing on one of the greatest moments of Pakistani Cricket, the 1992 world cup ...very soon...where everyone can see....how God worked in His mysterious ways...Hopefully, nobody else picks up on this idea...before I do but anyway...I will be writing in MY STYLE...

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Australian Mind Games

2006-12-01T12:02:00.000+05:00

It is an age old fact how Australians are great at playing mind games, no matter who is playing against them. This applies to even ex-players who play their part through the media by giving so called expert opinions. What they really are doing is giving the other team's players thoughts which they can really do without.

The basic strategy is to identify the strong points of the opposition. This is usually the star players or the difference makers on the other side. Their best bowler, their best batsmen, a new captain, the fan favourite etc. Regardless of how much I disagree with this strategy, media and mind games are part of the game but they should really apply it on the field. Any off the field comments should be discarded from the game especially from players in the squad.

Frankly, the Australians are the best at this as well.

Many a times, a series loss to Australia is due to someone they missed out. Its a dark horse who came out of nowhere and surprised everyone. SO basically, they beat you with the mind. I am not taking anything away from the Pontings and Warnes, not questioning their talent but rather saying that if you take away their off-the-field mind games away from the game, they arent as great as their records show.

There are enough examples to quote and hence wont quote any. Interested people can look at the recent comments of Lillee, Lehman, Steve Waugh, Warne, Ponting, Langer, Mark Taylor, Richie Benaud etc.

Just considering the last comments by Darren Lehman trying to tell Pietersen on how to play on the Adelaide wicket. If one goes through the whole comment you see that he didnt really give one solid point on which he could count on. He has given ideas then shown a disadvantage on that. So many thoughts which anyone could do without really. There is already going on inside a batsman's head when playing Warne, even if a single thought lingers on his mind other than his natural thought process, Warne can be trusted to get him out on that...as he is constantly at the batsmen. Not a bad ball at all. Lehman would've played his part off the field..heheh...

This also indicates that they feel Pietersen was the only player who played their ace card, Warne without any respect. He has no consideration for his records or portfolio and that is the attitude that is required to be successful against Warne.

Anyway, sledging is another part of the game well exploited by the Australians under the hat of Mind Games on the field. I will write on that sooner than later.

Formally published on SPORTINGO.com

Indian Cricket - The 'CHAPPELL' Theory

2006-11-27T12:42:00.000+05:00

Indian cricket has been in the doldrums for quite a while to be frank and with cricket nothing less than religion in their country, the media & the fans wouldnt let them go off the hook so easy.

Some people blame the coach, in fact quite a lot of them blame poor Greg Chappell. He didnt know what he was up against before taking over the job. I am sure the big money was involved with India being the worlds biggest commercial capital at least when it comes to Cricket.

Arright so what has Chappell done. Lets see. The first and most controversial thing he did was get rid of Saurav Ganguly as he didnt envision him in his team. He had his reasons, the lethargic cricketer, a weaklink in the field and a misfit according to him in the middle order with Sehwag, Tendulkar opening. The lack of form also led to his misfortune and Chappell got him out.

Dravid has been my personal favourite player cos I am a big fan of people with STRONG temparent. I think every team should make their captain a player who is mentally strong. That should be top priority, second priority being experience. Dravid took over the reins of captaincy and well has been an average captain to say it safe based on the results. But you need to give him more time, I feel. He is the best choice currently.

Next, Chappell realized they need a genuine allrounder. He tried searching but apparently to no considerable talent available he decided he needs to explore the available options. If Irfan Pathan could develop as a better batsman or Dinesh Mongia develop as a better bowler, he could have that allroounder he wants in his team for the world cup. Thats what he did.

That plan has backfired I feel, for various reasons. Irfan Pathan was developing into a great bowler. Excluding the nippy pace, he was looking in the moulds of a certain Wasim Akram and hence the go-to guy for a wicket. The extra responsibility of batting affected his bowling big time. One down in the batting lineup is a position where the likes of R. Dravid, Ponting, Lara play not to mention a few players in the world who bat lower in the order even though they should play No. 3. Anyway, Irfan Pathan was experimented with there to avoid the new ball and maybe get in at a time where he could play his shots and gain confidence. Not to be ...he absolutely lost confidence in his abilities and that left him bowling indifferent as well and led to missing out the position of being the lead bowler. Sad...but its not over...he should develop.

D. Mongia can not be a genuine bowler but he can occasionally turn his arm over and for that matter so can Yuvraj (when fit), Sachin & Sehwag. So, I feel the Chappell theory though honest needed a different approach.

I must mention here that the Indian unit is definitely the most talented when it comes to batting and that area just needs some consistency in performance. Its the bowling thats the problem and wasting a resource such as Irfan pathan will hit them bad. Hopefully it is realized in time and he can get back to concentrating on his bowling.

The strategy in yesterday to go in with 5 bowlers was a very good ploy, I think. An Indian team with the batting lineup they can afford to go in with that. Even though it backfired with some out-of-the-ordinary batting from Kemp but I think they should stick to that formula. They need options while bowling and the likes of Zaheer Khan and Kumble should play to provide that extra edge.

If Yuvraj is fit, the lineup looks killer on paper:

Sachin, Sehwag, Dravid, Yuvraj, Kaif, Dhoni, Irfan, Kumble, Agarkar, Harbhajan, Zaheer

Waiting in the pavilion is Ganguly, M. Patel, Sreesanth, D. Mongia. I think they have the side for the world cup. I really feel the experimenting needs to stop. In my proposed 11 for India you got 5 of the world's best batsmen. Dhoni an explosive 'bat-anywhere' guy and then extra bit of batting from Irfan, Kumble, Agarkar. The bowling looks good too. Batting is their strength and they need to play their matches around that. Ganguly plays in my squad just cos he got experience and can replace an injured guy in there whenever required. Of course differences with the coach can make way for another played who could be anybody really. They got an extra keeper/batsman in D. Karthik as well.

They need to implement the same and let them play together for a while to build up for the world cup. Thats their best option according to me. The experimenting has to stop, NOW!

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Razzaq's TEST limitations

2006-11-24T10:34:00.000+05:00

Abdul Razzaq, the best of the Paki allrounders has been held in the spotlight at Test match level again. This isnt the first time when he has been questioned about his place in the test side. He brings in a bit of medium pace, nothing special, and batting at No.6 or 7 as the situation requires.

However, the makeup of the Paki cricket side in recent times has made them go for 3 genuine bowlers since Razzaq is an automatic choice it seems. I think he is a bit overrated to be called the 4th bowler or first change. Thats how he is being played at the moment when it comes to bowling. He is more of a stop bowler who should play as a 5th option in test matches. There is no doubt that on moving wicket in England or Australia he would be the automatic choice as all rounder but now in the presense of Shoaib Malik, I think the Paki team is blessed. They could utilize them better by choosing between them according to the pitch or the situation rather than playing them both together and compromising on a genuine test batsman or wicket taking bowler. Thats where the team seems lacking the moment. Saying that if Malik could start opening the batting successfully then there is no issue, we could get the extra bowler we need.

Anyway, there is no doubt about Razzaq's talent and he is definitely an automatic choice in any one-day side of the world. In fact both Malik and Razzaq make it into any side of the world in ODIs but for test matches you need specialists.

The skeleton make up of the Paki test Team should be:

Two Genuine openers, The big 3, The allrounder, Keeper, 3 pacemen, 1 spinner. Very similiar to Australia it seems but we have the talent to fill those spots easily. You need attacking wicket taking bowlers to get 20 wickets in a test match, its an age old formula.

There needs to be better utilization of resources rather than players playing on reputation.

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Bob Woolmer & All-Rounders

2006-11-23T10:21:00.000+05:00

I am not sure if somebody else noticed the two terms being found together a lot some place else. I will consider the two stints of Bob Woolmer as coach with South Africa and Pakistan.

I dont know if its cos of the selectors of each country or if Bob had a role in it, but I have seen All-rounders getting more chances and more development under Bob Woolmer.

Take the time at South Africa where he got famous as the first laptop coach. Bob found and played players like Hansie Cronje, Jacque Kallis, Lance Klusener, Shaun Pollock, Brian McMillan & to some extent even Pat Symcox. The expermenting with Nicky Boje paid off, he is a better batsman as well. In fact in such a jam packed talented batting lineup I remember a day when Mark Boucher came out as a Nightwatchman heheh...He rocked the scorecard with a well made century. I think the highest score as a nightwatchman. He has left the worm inside the South African team and they realize the importance of Allrounders in the game. You see Graeme Smith trying to turn his arm over and Nel trying to improve his batting.

Now currently with the Pakistani team he can take credit for sticking with Shoaib Malik and then bringing in M. Hafeez and grooming him. Razzaq had made his spot before him but I think there has been improvement in his bowling. The coach plays the role of a strategist a lot of the time and I think his strategy revolves a lot around all rounders. I dont think we could see a Pakistani team going to the field with only 3 specialist bowlers confidently and actually winning a test match as well. 3 specialist bowlers meant going with Razzaq, Malik & Hafeez as all rounders to support your specialists. Not that is a bad strategy but you need at least 4 bowlers who you could turn around to get a 5 wicket haul. None of the above 3 qualify for that. Even with playing with 3 allrounders we require at least 1 bowling all-rounder.

So, its still a learning curve for Bob. One-days is a different story. Your batting all rounder can get in 10 overs without taking wickets that works too. But in test matches you need 20 wickets to win. Its as simple as that. It worked with South Africa cos there was a bit more class involved when we talk about all rounders. With Pakistan, you need to exploit the talent of Fast Bowling available.

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Lara, A 'CLASS' Act

2006-11-22T11:25:00.000+05:00

West Indian batsmen of all ages have been known for their unique style of batting, not always by the book but sheer talent and class. The names Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Desmond Haynes all remind you of STYLE on the cricket field.

Brian Lara is a surviving member of the dominant era of West Indian cricket and the innings seen yesterday and continued today was another one of his great knocks. His 35th century brings him level with the great Sunny Gavaskar and one short of The Little Master Sachin for the most ever.

He eventually got out at 216 but it was more of the Dominant aspect of the innings. You see hours and hours of batting in the sun but this innings was very fluent in fact it was the 6th to 7th fastest hundred reached. It consisted of an over of Danish Kaneria going for 26 which included 3 beautiful sixes from Lara and 2 boundaries.

Brian Charles Lara has the highest and only score of 400 in an individual innings and 2 of the 3 highest ever innings scores, the other one also a record breaking 375. The wonderful aspect of both scores was that it was seperated by 10 years of consistency and greatness. An era of West Indian cricket underlined by Lara. He also has a 500 in first class cricket. Talk about ability to stay on the crease and nothing old-fashioned about it. None of the innings were a 900 minute innings just blocking around. He makes sure as long as he is on the crease he makes the fielding side go on the back foot.

Hopefully, he could play as long as possible cos whenever he leaves the game, he will surely be MISSED. He will be remembered as a CLASS ACT.

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

The ART of giving it away...

2006-11-20T11:16:00.000+05:00

If you are guessing this is going to be a SARCASTIC piece of writing...YOU ARE RIGHT!!

Second Test Match, PK vs WI, DAY One.

The openers are settling down, good to see. Both of them played well, got runs on the board. The pitch wasnt really helping the bowlers either but they played well. The heart of the batting lineup followed, everybody chipped in with something. The day ended with Pakistan 263/4. Doesnt look that great now does it?

What went wrong, everyone chipped in with a few runs but NOT ONE out could be called a beauty from a bowler or the bowler beat him with mind games or something of the sort. It was economical bowling to say the least, nothing special. No such thing as a classy spell. All outs were GIVEN away by the batsmen. Lack of mental strength. Thats the problem.

The last score I heard today was 338/7. A batting wicket, a good toss to win, a long batting lineup and a mediocre total as yet. Unless, there is some magic by Razzaq and the bowlers Pakistan should be bowled out near 400. Mediocrity on such a pitch especially after a great start. I was expecting at least 5 sessions of batting and a score near 600 but not to be.

You expect your big guns to score big also and batsmen live for playing on such wickets to get the big ones, get back on track. Its not only about giving your wicket away, its all about a change of attitude I suddenly noticed in Younis Khan when 2 wickets were down. He suddenly was looking to quicken the rate. They were going along fine. If they had ended the day at 200/2 (even though thats not possible) they wouldve been better off rather than losing crucial wickets of the two Y's of Paki lineup. Sometimes you need to ask them WHY oh Y?? Whats the hurry? Look for the big one.

The headline today says, 'Farhat Leads batting dominance'. Firstly there was no DOMINANCE if you ask me. 263/4 doesnt say dominance anywhere and secondly 74 is not a dominant Test Score. Appreciating MEDIOCRITY is the worst that one can do.

Have a simple attitude while batting 'Let them get you out, DONT GET OUT YOURSELF!!'. How difficult is that? The talent prevails and you will score runs naturally. I think all batsmen have natural talent to do that, but you dont give your wicket away and if you think you runs would not come naturally, well you shouldnt be part of a international cricket side. We have a long way to go. This Paki batting lineup needs a lot more mental strength to play in Test matches. I dont know how you build that up, but we need that bad.

People can now looking forward to a batting coaching lesson from Brian Lara when he comes in to bat. Being a PAKI fan, I would hope that doesnt happen and our 3 man bowling attack can do the same they did in the previous test. But I think they should miss that extra bowler they could have had in this match.

Anyway, comments are comments. They arent there to offend anyone, its just how I feel about things and they are just not right at the moment. Mental toughness is the ask of the hour. I dont know how you develop that but one way to do it is change of attitude,

"DONT GIVE IT AWAY...Let them TAKE IT!!!"

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Ashes Buildup - MY VIEW

2006-11-17T12:31:00.000+05:00

The last Ashes series was definitely one of the best series I have ever seen. It was well hyped and a very good time for both teams as both were peaking especially the underdogs England. It was surprising to see their comeback after the 1st match. Anyway, what about this year?

These marketeers are really good I must say. I was also part of the hype that they have been creating by saying this and that. It was only today when I sat and just when through the two teams and I said WOAH!!! Who expects England to retain the ashes? The only advantage they have right now is that they hold the trophy so a drawn series or a won series gets them home DRY. But to draw a series either you draw ALL MATCHES or win at least one. How does anybody expect they'll win one match leave a series?

Sorry for the pessimism, but I dont see one good thing for them this year. There is no M. Vaughn and his innovative leadership. Taking nothing away from Flintoff he has yet to prove his captaincy characteristics. But with no Trescothick you have new untested opening pair and then you have missing Simon Jones, the difference in the last series. He was the dark horse who took reverse swinging crucial wickets. There is no such dark horse here other than a mediocre Panesar. People may rate him high but those people compare him with mediocrity of Giles. So I dont agree.

On the other hand, you have a peaking Australian side with all the morale on their side. Plus the charged up visions of losing the ashes last time. At home, I must add. This is going to be nasty, bad and dont be surprised if you see Englishmen crying in Australia.

Well so much for spoiling the hype, but when I write, its the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth....

ENJOY the Battering, ENGLAND.

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Pakis win despite Lara's fight

2006-11-14T16:24:00.000+05:00

A great spirited effort from the Pakis showed they still have it to win test matches. Frankly, I hadn’t lost hope. Great bowling performances from the two pacers Umar Gul and Shahid Nazir who bowled with discipline. With Yousuf’s masterful performance with the bat, the West Indies might just feel they didn’t have enough sting in their bowling. However on the same topic, I think West Indies are on track to become a good unit overall.

Lara displayed a bit of class in his fight but a clever bowling change of Hafeez showed innovativeness from Inzi and it did the trick to get him. Thats why if Hafeez can prove himself at the opener's spot he has a great future with the team in both forms of the game.

Important things to learn from the match from the Paki Point of View is that you definitely need a better opener than Imran Farhat. Don’t be surprised if Yasir Hameed gets the nod in the next match. Moreover, its tough to take a person like Razzak out of the team but I think his bowling doesn’t have the sting to be the 4^th bowler in test matches. He may be a block bowler as a 5^th option but not the 4^th. We definitely need another pacer in the side and Niazi should get his due chance to play. Malik has proved his worth. He is become more of a consistent performer with the bat which is great news for Pakistan.

Lots to look forward to. I would go for 2 changes for the next match. Niazi for Razzaq and Yasir for Imran Farhat.

Well done PAKIS !!!

PK vs WI - Tough one to Call

2006-11-08T12:36:00.000+05:00

The series which could have easily been labeled as a preparation for the World Cup for Pakistan is much more now of TOUGH CALL. With the exclusion of the SPEARHEADs of the Paki Bowling attack and the Performance of Windies at the Champions Trophy I think we are better off playing safe on the preview if not giving Windies a bit of an edge here.

The Windies are a different team when it comes to Test Matches, I think they are also a confidence team and they are no where short on confidence at the moment. The players dont change much from both formats hence the current confidence carries to the Test matches as well. The likes of Gayle, Chanderpaul and Lara, being lefties, should easily handle the only proven threat of the Paki Leggie Kaneria at this moment. Their only concern could be their bowling and lack of wicket takers but I would look forward to seeing the growth of Jerome Taylor and consistency of Fidel Edwards.

For the Pakis they need at least one of their backup pace bowlers to come up big otherwise there could be long days in the field for them. Umar Gul will lead the attack with two unturned stones. I am expecting calls for Samiullah Niazi & Shahid Nazir to accompany Umar and Kaneria. Pakistan's strength is their batting and all the big guns need to fire.

Its an age old fact that Bowlers win you test matches and I dont think Pakistan has the bowling this series to take those 20 wickets unless of course one of the dark horses come to life. Its going to be a long series for Pakistan, I think but hopefully a learning one for everyone.

As for batting, we shouldnt expect much changes from the One Day lineup from Windies other than players playing their own positions now. Pakis however should play the recalled Hameed instead of Imran Farhat with Hafeez. Being a die-hard Pakistani fan I ll just post my preferred lineup for Pakistan which is:

Openers: M. Hafeez & Yasir Hameed
Middle Order: Younis Khan, Inzimam, M.Yousuf,
Lower Middle Order: K. Akmal, A. Razzaq
Lower Order: Shahid Nazir, Umar Gul, Samiullah Niazi, Kaneria

NOTE: Shoaib Malik goes missing it seems but he might replace Razzaq to give another spin option rather than replacing a genuine pacer in Nazir/Niazi which usually is what we are inclined to. He should not replace Yasir Hameed. We need to establish a genuine opening pair and Hameed should play.

The attitude of the selection team should be THINK WORLD CUP. We need openers and fast bowlers. The attitude of the players has to be PLAY TO YOUR BEST.

Series Starts SATURDAY, 11th November.

HAIR Banned...

2006-11-07T15:20:00.000+05:00

Lovely news for HAIR haters...Darrell Hair has been banned from international umpiring....finally justice is served. The bad guy is out of the building and the good guys can take over. Darrell Hair was not only a bad thing for the game but also a bad influence on fellow umpires.

Asian teams can take a sigh of relief for a lot of reasons and in fact it was their vote that took the voting to 7-3 in favour of HAIR banned. Only Australia, New Zealand and England favoured HAIR.

Anyway, life goes on, cricket moves on and I am sure not much would be missed. Cricket can get back to a game of less controversy from now on.

Windies Lose, Aussies Win...Finally....!!!

2006-11-06T12:24:00.000+05:00

Windies were going on so well in the tournament that they were my favourites for the final victory as well and with pressure on Australia to win their only deprived trophy they should have had an edge. Not to be...Aussies came on a mission....didnt get to see they match but heard the scores 8 overs 70! and 138 all out ....only a Windies team can do that or maybe a Paki one too...

Inexperience and playing on the big stage played their part but the big guns needed to come to the party if Windies needed a win. With a team of basically young players...Gayle needed another one of those crackers and chanderpaul, sarwan and lara needed important roles...well not to be...Aussies blew them away after the opening partnership...

Full credit to Aussies though who have finally found a few young spearheads who can replace the aging McGrath in Bracken and M. Johnson. Both have been impressive and there is heaps to look forward to in the upcoming ASHES. Aussies finally take home the MINI WORLD CUP...congrats to them....

What an Innings...

2006-11-03T10:22:00.000+05:00

If anybody missed out on the Gayle butchery yesterday, he missed out on one of the most dominant performances ever seen...

With 259 to chase, West Indies needed a good start to have any chance of reaching the Final and they were provided exactly that....a 154 run opening stand and that to broken by Chanderpaul Cramps. Both openers did the job and in a quick fashion too going well over 6 runs and over most of the time....but Gayle led from the front. I dont remember a single chance he gave to the fielding side. None of the sixes were a mishit and it was an exquisite innings consisting of 3 sixes and 17 fours. He eventually came back NOT OUT at 133 of 135 balls. It spelled class all over against the likes of Pollock, Ntini and Nel considered one of the best combination of fast bowlers in world cricket.

A dominating performance in the heat and humidity, it was an honour to watch a classy West Indian knock after quite some time. Its all well set up now. West Indies and Australia. Australia dominant and have only lost to the Caribbean side in this tournament. West Indies are in great form all around. I always like to favour the underdogs and I wont take my hands off West Indies this time either.

GO GO WINDIES!!!

Akhtar & Asif, Banned

2006-11-02T10:13:00.000+05:00

The tribunal has come up with a decision...and I cant help appreciate the GUTS. The board has finally shown some backbone and come up with a strong decision which will have great results for the future....

Shoaib Akhtar banned for 2 years and Muhammad Asif for 1 year. No matter what people say...Akhtar hasnt been my pick for the Paki cricket team ever. Its not only talent that should make you part of a team. Representing your country means much more than that which I dont think he ever realized. He should ve rather gone for a Individual Sport such as tennis, golf or something. A team game like cricket requires a team attitude which he never had.

I am very very happy on the Shoaib decision. With the limited cricket he has already played in 10 years, 2 years from his life might as well end his career...and am glad. We can do without Shoaib controversies for sure. Bowling action problems, ball tampering, indiscipline and now drugs?? Please let us be Mr. Shoaib.

Just barging into the team and claiming a spot without playing much domestic cricket, not proving himself after an injury for example, he has not only destroyed the image of our team but also wasted so much talent that should have got more chance in the team. All is not lost however and a lot of young talent will gain big time confidence from this. The next two years should be golden years to actually find great replacements for Wasim & Waqar a bit more seriously.

Speaking of great replacements, there is Muhammad Asif. I would definitely call this unfortunate that he had to come under the limelight of Shoaib and he picked up the wrong guidance here. A victim of circumstances. Anyway, it should be a lesson well learnt and at only 23 he has a long way to go. He has to stay focused for the next year, keep training and improving. Hopefully we dont see a gain in weight in the next year. The team and management needs to help him with that even though he wont play any cricket. He is the future. This next year should make him a better person and hopefully we wont lose our version of McGrath in the making.

It might sound all glum at the moment with the world cup around the corner but I never believed that Shoaib could bring us the CUP anyway. Asif is a loss but cricket is a team game. This decision is in good enough time to prepare for the world cup in 4 months time. 2 Good series coming up with West Indies and South Africa for experimenting. Dont be surprised if at least 2 new fast bowlers are tested out during the two series. A name I am looking forward to is Samiullah Niazi. Never watched him bowl but have heard big things about him. Lets see.

With Woolmer as coach another all rounder might be in the making as well. Maybe a well known name, the South African Nemesis, Azhar Mahmood. You never know. He would be a welcome addition from my perspective. Lots of work for the Coach up ahead.

Pakistan's OPENERs Dilemma

2006-10-31T16:01:00.000+05:00

I didnt know for sure but I heard Imran Khan talk about using 17 openers since Saeed Anwar and Aamir Sohail. Still we arent really settled....Before writing further...lemme remember some names of openers explored after the GREAT two ones mentioned above...

Shahid Afridi, Kamran Akmal, Taufeeq Umar, Salman Butt, Mohammad Hafeez, Imran Nazir, Imran Farhat, Yasir Hameed, Ali Naqvi, Shadab Kabir, Zahoor Elahi...

Cant remember more but Imran might just be right...sigh...

Its a wonder really...how we have not been able to find a consistent opening pair...its one of the more distinguised role I guess...but we have been under the shadow of too much experimentation...

Lets try and identify the future of Pakistan Cricket Openers ...

From my Point of View openers should have to have the following characteristics for both One Dayers and Test Matched. They should have excellent technique and should be well coached. They should be able to handle the new 'MOVING' ball...should be Mentally Strong...

The job description of openers should be...KEEP YOUR WICKET....take care of the new ball...rather than score runs...your best players should have the most overs...in a match...

In this regard...the current opener...Imran farhat does not qualify no matter how many fifties he scores...i dont remember him getting out by a quality ball ever...all glimpses that come to the mind show him as playing a stupid rash shot...to get out...

M. Hafeez may not be the one with the best technique but he does hold a spot in the one day side being an all rounder...and is ok in the opening spot although they could always replace afridi from the team...and get a genuine batsman....

Arright so who do we have then to consider....I have never scouted the domestic scene so I would be recommending discarded openes...Taufiq Umar and Yasir Hameed...an inconsistent patch got them out of the team...but they deserve their places...Taufiq Umar should be an automatic choice...he has great technique...a few flaws here and there....can be fixed...by the coach...the best part he is mentally strong...i saw him as a potential captain when he played....with experience...he could become that as well...reminds one of Majid Khan at times with that gritty look on his face while batting...

I would want to recall a great player...Muhammad Wasim...he was in the perfect mould of Rahul Dravid at similiar timings as well....but dunno why was he left out...a little bad patch shouldnt affect a career...he could make a good opener too...even though he played 1 down most of the time...

Anyway, not most people usually agree with me so...BIG DEAL...i ve got my blog to say what I want...feel free to leave a comment though...heheh....

Formally Published at SPORTINGO.COM

The One-Day "Openers" problem...

2006-10-30T14:22:00.000+05:00

The two guys who come out to face the music first are the OPENERS of any batting side. With the ball new and conditions usually helping swing bowling, these two batsmen need to be the most technically sound and mentally strong in the lineup. The job at hand...'Take care of the new ball' and 'keep wickets in hand'. Well it used to be that anyway. This is an old fashioned explanation of the role of the openers.

The new definition with addition of power play overs and fielding restrictions is a person who could score big runs at the top...take advantage of the fielding restrictions...clear the infield. Bottom LINE...RISK....which is absolutely opposite to the old fashioned explanation...

It all started when Sri Lanka came in with the success of Jayasuriya and Kaluwitharana and smacked 7-8 runs per over in the first 15. Then everybody built up on that getting either big scores while batting first or easy chases...they won the world cup in 1996 on pure batting wickets...

Frankly, the world was taken by surprise in 1996 but the bowlers all adjusted to the situation and its a different story now...with videos and full portfolios of batsmen including their weaknesses is on laptops its much more disciplined and planned than before when individual skill was the basic element....

In that situation you see players like Jayasuriya, Gilchrist, Gayle, Sehwag and other explosive openers have changed strategy and dont go ablaze immediately. They rather settle and wait for the bad balls early and when it gets easier use their talent to do the same...as they did a few years back...I must add here that all the successful openers of the world do know how to DEFEND as well when required...and thats why they succeed as well depending on the situation, wicket, conditions and bowling attacks...

So we are in an era where openers have found a mix & match of old and new fashioned techniques and found success....however team strategy has a big role in that as well...

Teams have also realized that we need our best players to have the most overs to face and hence we see players like Fleming, G.Smith, Tendulkar come at top of the order as well...with an attitude to stay there...talent prevails and they score runs at will when settled without any risks...their job is to play sheet anchor...while players play around them...

I ll end this by preparing for my next blog...where Pakistan is one of the most struggling team when it comes to opening partners....more in the next blog...

Younis Khan - A Potential Great Captain

2006-10-30T14:21:00.000+05:00

DATED: Wednesday, October 18, 2006

Yesterday's win against Sri Lanka went on to say a lot about the leadership we have been lacking all these years. Inzimam has done a great job inteh recent past about bringing the team together and keeping them there. The religious influence and all has changed the whole outlook of the team and through all the controversies and pressure, its the 'TEAM' that has come out well 'TOGETHER'.

Now, its time to move on to a real decision making captain. No offence to INZI but he is very mellow in his approach just like he is as a batsmen. He is a slow conqueror oozing with confidence when it comes to batting but captaincy is a different ballgame. We need a person who can take quick decisions rather than sit-and-wait. Younis brings that to the table.

Its time we realize that INZI can be a better resource as a pure batsman and Younis can take over the captaincy. He has proved it time and again. Talking about yesterday, the toughest spot for a team to loose their new ball bowlers one day before the match. Already without their current captain and with so much going on board level, it was to just give in. The team needed a leader who could inspire...a win was unlikely...I was expecting just a good fight to at least show we are here to play, superstars or not. We ended up winning, just shows the atmosphere that Younis brings to the dressing room.

He reminds me of Imran and the team of the 1992 world cup. Not many stars, a severe shock of losing Waqar weeks before the tournament brought a dent to the bowling attack. The team relatively new and undiscovered players. Imran led the team. He wasnt in his best years but he brought out the best in everyone and thats the job of the captain. He may not be the best performer but he is the best manager and leader.

I think we should be thinking about promoting Younis to the captaincy and estabilishing INZI at one down position. He is definitely the best batsman in the lineup. By best I am underlining DOMINANT. Teams fear him until he gets out. The best player should play at No.3 so that he could be the sheet anchor. I think INZI needs that kind of a responsibility with younis and yousuf playing 4-5 as required. That should be a solid change and a good one to take to the upcoming world cup.

Great going PAKI team, keep it going....

Formally published at SPORTINGO.com

Ball Tampering...Whats the big deal anyway?

2006-10-30T14:19:00.000+05:00

DATED: Wednesday, August 23, 2006

Following the Oval debacle...a new sense of interest has been generated all over the world and why shouldn’t it be this way? In the 129 year history of the gentleman's game, it was the FIRST time that a test match was forfeited in this nature...this is a hit on the whole Pakistan team's pride and Pakistan a country which is crazy about cricket...some people rate it as religion....being virtually labeled as cheats is a direct hit on the PRIDE of the Nation....that’s why this is a HUGE ISSUE...

I somehow have a feeling that everything will calm down very soon and the same norms would be followed...Inzi penalized in whatever way possible and Darrell Hair, once again getting away with murder...of the Paki Pride...there wouldn’t be any proof available cos if there was the briefest hint of anything...SKYSPORT's 26 cameras would have caught it and being an independent body than the ICC, PCB or ECB it would have taken it out on the media and generated huge revenue out of it...there is not a single proof to show that Pakistan tampered with the ball....so its a 'my word against yours' issue...and in this case it is a big allegation and to come out of it wearing a dignified umpire's WHITE coat...and getting away with defaming the whole nation...I DONT THINK SO!!!

There are lots of things to consider when we talk about a case...Darrell Hair can only provide the scuffed up ball...and his thoughts on why its ball tampering...no CRUDE EVIDENCE...while Inzi and the PCB can take this whole match from day 1....first innings...Pakistan bowling...beautifully taking wickets with the new ball...and same with the old ball...no issues...England getting hit around with the new ball blowing the lower middle order and tail with the old ball...NO ISSUES? Why, when Cook got out, a similar situation where the ball had been roughed up with play over 50 overs.....its bound to get scuffed up and start to reverse....obviously...a fear of being bowled over ENGLAND...had something to do with it...I wont go into saying anything about speculation...if we start that so can....Darrell Hair...

Sometimes I wonder....if England can win the ASHES...with Simon Jones' reverse swing...it is then the ART of Reverse Swing....and when all the bowling greats like....Imran Khan, Sarfaraz Nawaz, Wasim, Waqar bring it on....its CHEATING?? By the way the ART of reverse swing was invented by Pakistanis. We had the perfect conditions in our country, dry, hard and dusty wickets. The ball can naturally get scuffed up. To add to that we had the most talented FAST bowlers of those times. Why couldn’t INDIA who had similar conditions work on that as well? I think their attack has always been spin dependent. Other than the great Kapil Dev, they can't really mention another great FAST bowler of their history...and KAPIL did reverse the ball...

Its just a question of hitting the NATION's PRIDE....you just can't get away with accusing someone for that matter a whole team of ball tampering....WITHOUT ANY PROOF....and get away with it? This is definitely a BIG BIG DEAL!!!

The Oval Debacle...Racist, Biased & Darrell 'HAIRY' Umpiring...

2006-10-30T14:16:00.000+05:00

DATED: Monday, August 21, 2006

Ball tampering...Oh NO!! Again?? Yes, Pakistan has been caught tampering with the ball yet again...by none other than Mr. Darrell 'Famous PIG-Headed NO' Hair...heheh no that’s not my creativity...I picked it from an English Columnist...

Amazingly....this time Mr. Darrell 'NO' Hair is planning to get away with not having any proof as well...WOW?? How does this happen? Are the umpires in such a position to accuse anybody of cheating and with no proof as well??

A 55 over old scuffed-up ball...none different than the first two innings when the ball started to reverse swing...for both teams as well...and this time the ball was tampered with???...At 2:14pm (English Time) Alistair Cook got out with a beauty from Umar Gul in the 50th or 51st over...the umpires have to have checked the ball then...as its their duty...every over they get a hand on the ball and have it checked. Then at 2:30pm they took action without even warning or discussing with the captain on the field...BALL TAMPERING!!! Change of Ball!!! Five run Penalty!! And all this after Kevin Pietersen had hit the balls to the fence a number of times...nothing different than an ORDINARY thing now to have a scuffed ball with the advertisement boards all around...and to add to that...NO VIDEO PROOF out of 26 AVAILABLE CAMERAS???? Isn’t it visible as to what is going on??

Just cos the Umpire thinks so he can take an action without any proof? I don’t think so...what followed next well I wouldn’t comment negatively on that as it was well by the book and no complaints...the match awarded to England cos Pakistan delayed their entry showing a protest after tea....no issues there...

Now we come to what happens next?? My question is...doesn’t the ICC have an UMPIRING PANEL? Aren’t Umpires Evaluated?? Darrell Hair has been under scrutiny for controversies for ages now and yet he is part of the ELITE PANEL....Its not about favoring Australian Umpires its about the CHARM of the GAME...these umpires are bringing a bad name to the game...its evident that at the end of the all the drama a lot of people were deprived of a good day and a quarter of a good test match....isn’t that what matters in the end?

And why doesn’t Darrell Hair have had any issues ever with an Australian, English, South African ...hey for that matter even West Indies?? Whenever there is a controversy involving Mr. 'NO' Hair...there is always a SOUTH ASIAN involved as well...Paki, Indian or Sri Lankan...DOESNT THAT RING A BELL???

I have no idea what action is going to be taken...all I know is that respect for a Paki is the utmost thing in his life and someone abusing that and without any proof too...is just not only unfair but...rather crooked too....

Saying all that INZI played the perfect role at that time of taking care of his temper...he played on until TEA made sure that nothing has happened...he must have watched and got info from Television people that there was nothing on tape as well as no other proof....it was just a scuffed up ball and Mr. Hair’s THOUGHT PROCESS? That’s when a protest was raised during tea...another captain might have walked off like Ranatunga did to protect Murali against Australia...a few years back....

I think if Darrell Hair made a mistake and accepts and apologizes then maybe things should go on otherwise the PCB should bring the team back home....and stage a serious complaint for FIRING of Mr. 'NO' HAIR....India and Sri Lanka would definitely support in this as well....

Thinking about that even if Darrell Hair accepts his mistake...we should recall a Paki Umpire who was termed as CHEATING when he made a mistake....so that should be brought into the picture as well...a mistake by a Paki umpire is cheating while a mistake by an Australian...a MISTAKE??

It’s high time some action is taken against this BULLY RACIST....and he is taught a good lesson...

People think that the cricketing administration is ruled by Australians and English...and South Asian countries don’t have a say....I don’t think that’s true any more...With the big-time commercialization of the game and so much money generated a boycott by The Sub Continent including Sharjah is a BIG LOSS...so if this is not taken seriously....ICC will be answerable for a lot more than RACISM and BIASEDNESS...they will have to find a way to generate some money as well....I am hoping for a good decision by the ICC as there is no evidence at all...none whatsoever...in this regard anything less than an APOLOGY and FIRING of Mr. Darrell Hair would be unacceptable....

Its all clear as water this time...Mr. Hair...YOU HAVE MADE A BIG BOO BOO....this time....

First Cricket Blog

2006-10-30T14:13:00.000+05:00

I have quickly realized how much I want to write about cricket and hence have decided to get a seperate blog dedicated for Cricket. No more cricket on the personal blog.

I will be writing my views on the cricket world and news as they come. Once again its a tough job to blog religiously but I ll give it my best shot. Keep checking....

For now, I would copy paste my cricket blogs from my personal blog to here...to keep them in one place...