Big Challenge Lies, Behind Experience

             Ishanth sharma having being played about 75 ODI internationals and over 68 test matches ,he is yet to make a mark of his own in international Cricket. Having been out of the one day team for some time now, he called up for  Australian  tour.
            The tall right armer played his last one day game back in  9th December 2014 against srilanka, later he lost his place in the side with injuries and inconsistent form. It's always been issue with his consistency in either formats of the game. The selectors have been faithful for a long time because of his ability and his match turning moments at times.
              Again he is back in the team for some consistent bowling in the test series against srilanka and South Africa, but the series against Australia won't be any easy for him. It will test his mental strength in  handling pressure at death overs.
                 A lot will be held on his shoulders as the most experienced bowler in the team and shami being returning from an injury who has been pick of the bowlers in 2014-15 for the team. It won't be easy for him either to lead the bowling.
                 Although Ishanth need to prove his worth of experience in this series by leading the attack. This series hangs as an crunch situation for him for the future limited overs plans and also a head of WT20.
                
            
               

The search for a seam bowling all rounder

          India in search of an all rounder with the tour against Australia. The team selection gives an idea how the management and team are desperate to develop an all rounder in the middle and lower middle order.
          India as struggled with the bat in the middle and lower middle order due insufficient options with the bat in the team ,also the uncertainty form of Raina Dhoni, Rayudu and jadeaja in recent times made the management to look more deep in to the batting that need in the ODI Cricket.
               The squad to the Australian series posses 3 all rounders, who are yet to make their debut for the country in international Cricket. Rishi Dhawan, pandya and gurkeerath mannan made their way in the squad due to their form in domestic Cricket and also due to India's problems in the middle and lower middle order.
               But the question remain to be that whether these players gets a go straight away in the series or not ? With the lites of jadeaja and axar are already settled their place, which makes tough calls for captain cool.
               But the back page says that you need seam bowling all rounders in these  conditions and it's time for MSD to take a new approach to the playing XI to solve the problems they faced earlier. Stuart Binny as been the go to man as a seam bowling all rounder for some time, but he hasn't been able to capitalize on the opportunities given to him.
                The uncapped players are part of the ODI team which makes sense ,they should get their opportunities in the series. If it doesn't happens the selection adds  no meaning to it. But India as to go with them straight away to fix the problems they face in ODI Cricket and especially when they tour outside subcontinent.

Hitting hard on critics ,Not came so good

        The test series against India and south Africa as centred with the Nagpur test and in the news around the cricketing circuits coz of the concerns raised over the pitch. Most of the critics came from the the parts of Australia which led to speculation on each other.
      Most of the critics are concerned about the context between bat and ball and it is not up right in the sporting way. Yes the ball spun square if the wicket, but the demon's on the batsmen head made it too vulnerable to play the spinning ball on the pitch.
        The team Indian director cane hard at the critic's later the match, where he more centred the topic on spin vs pace in foreign conditions and also on the obligations on home advantage. Where he said about the adaptability of the batsmen had changed overs the years and these pitches will test the batsmen ship.
            But on other side of the story came when ICC rated the pitch as poor later the match,which made a significant help for the critics. The official warning been given recently by ICC on the state of Nagpur pitch as raised the question's over the batsmen ship.
           It makes sense from most critics have cane from quarters of the sporting pitches but not it is too spin friendly. You need sporting pitches as Ian chapel says in one of his articles. As test Cricket faces fair amount of downfall in recent times, it's important to maintain sporting pitches around the cricketing circuit. To promote it to another associate nations.
            

Lyon's selection will help Australia's cause

           Nathan Lyon has been sidelined by the fast bowlers with in his team, but he remain an wicket taking option for the captain from past 24 months in the longer format in unhelpful conditions to his bowling. But still he remain an foot away from limited overs call.
          In 2015 he stands an lonely non subcontinental spinner to feature in top ten wicket takers in longer format, with out playing an match in subcontinent this year. He also featured in top ten wicket takers in 2014 with 33 wickets in ninth spot.
           His performances are largely under ratted by the selection panel in limited overs format. The fact that fast bowlers are highlighted in these conditions remain an concern for his limited overs call.
         Now it's time for Australia to take a crucial selection of Lyon in limited overs a head of world T20  going to be held in 2016. India's tour to Australia in January will remain key to make the right selection in the squad for world T20.
         Dothery and Agar are up in the ranks in limited overs, but hadn't made a match wining performance with ball in hand till to date. Lyon's experience will help Australia's cause in Indian conditions where he gets some help from those surfaces.
           The past proven that teams cannot win matches in subcontinent with big contributions from the spinners. Australia had exiled the World t20 in the opening  round and placed fourth in the table, due to lack of quality spinners in the squad. So it's important from Australian point of view to select the right combo if spinners, especially with the experience of Nathan Lyon in side will be interesting.
         
              

The Wicket Keeper Batsmen

           A wicket keeper batsmen is what teams look for than an wicket keeper. It is an art of keeping the wickets i,e protecting the wickets not of the batsmen but for the bowlers. There is also an element of risk involved when it comes to keeping, it is good to see keepers dive around to catch in the air not only of the edges but also for the bowlers misses.
         Do really wicket keeper batsmen get what they deserved ,probably the answer comes straight away to me as no,as the name it self says wicket keeper batsmen. They need to balance between the two to spot a place in the side.
     What happens if an player stays as a keeper for the national side for a decade, there will be too many hanging in there wings for an opportunity , not that they are poor but not good by the options provided by them.
            The others may not be in selection coz they don't provide the same options what already the team had. They may have the different quality of their own and it's so natural that every player as and that cannot be altered.
              They have to stay a long way to make it to the national side as batting stats alter season by season ,but keeping remain the same. Batting what makes a edge to the national side rather that keeping for the most times.
               As a result players make it to the side at the late part of their career and you expect to perform consistently after being played more than hand full first class games. Although the role assigned in the side is quite different that of the domestic side and the unfamiliar one.  Although the performances depend on the standards of the domestic circuit in the country.
         There will be few players who will play their entire career in the domestic circuit without getting a taste of higher level Cricket. The truth remains unseen that most of wicket keeper batsmen don't get what they deserved when compared with the proper batsmen the circuit.
          
            
           
               

Visitors Look To Counter Spin

The freedom series now moves on to the longer format which will be altogether a new challenge for both the  teams. India look to show their skill to the full potential under the passionately aggressive captain, the batting looks more competitive in this format with addition of Vijay, Pujara and Rahul.
    Mean while South Africa has to handle more spin compared with that of Odis, their batting heavily depends on lites of Duplese and Devilers. Amla's form will be crucial for the visitors moving in to the tests as a player and also as a captain to lead from the front.
        Duminy's injury remains a concern for the Proteas as he adds an bowling option to the team in these conditions, not only facing spin but also bowling spin well will determine the result.
          Although pace attack look formidable with Steyn, Morkel and Phillander, Spin will crucial for the tests. The focus will be on Tahir who is inconsistent in the longer format if the game, where spin will come more in to play as day progress in the match.
          With the return of Ashwin to the test side the spin Department looks strong enough to attack the Protea batsmen, absence of ishanth for the first test will make a way for Aron. The pace department where the visitors attack on the hosts both with the  bat and ball.
            Although virat has fine batsmen in the team the squad composition is more challenging to his captaincy , while Amla has to do work with the bat to lift the spirits up of his own and also to keep the team spirit up as the series progress.
          
        

New Look Afghan Face On Zimbabwe Challenge

            This as been a long season for Zimbabwe so far, starting with their tour to Pakistan in may they had played 5 Odi series in a row. They went very close in most of the matches against all the oppositions they have played,the series stats would have been much different if the matches had gone in their favour.
           But against Ireland they made it over the line to clinch the series by fighting hard till to the end. Now they face on the new visitors Afghanistan in a 5 match Odi series, they hope to continue their form against them.
            For the first time in this  season they start as the favourites with the associate's. But things has to be improve from Zimbabwe's perspective they got the chance to win the match. They couldn't capitalised on the good  things, they made a habit of picking wickets early on but later on they couldn't put the opposition in much pressure as possible.
           They also struggled with the bat early in the timings by losing too many wickets up front and made it difficult for the middle order.
             On the other face of the coin Afghanistan played their last Odi against England in the world cup, now they enter in to the series as underdogs which will help them to perform to  most of their abilities.
             They do  have the tendency to surprise the appostiions with their game which is quietly proven in the world cup, although Zimbabwe enter favourites in to the series it's not gonna be easy against fighting Afghan team.
             Inzamam who was appointed as the new head  coach of the team look to take his experience forward to built the Afghan team,they are with now new hope under him to surprise world cricket.
           

Proteas Look To Continue As India Search For Momentum

          The first Odi ended in a thriller for the visitors with the enthusiastic crowd at khanpur but it is the opposite when it comes to Indians. The brilliance of the batting showed by rohit as to poured down in a vain after losing by 5 runs.
           At the beginning of the series the spot light is on msd  and he as to been after the loss with his unconventional way of batting with scoring a single boundary in his 30 delivers. But India have to address a lot of things that they think, moving on to the second ODI. Kohili's poor run streak in Odis continued at khanpur, even though he haven't batted where he used to be , but should have done better by his standards.
          The pace department is the one remained an concern after the end of world cup it hasn't been up to the mark, pacers failed to pick wickets up front which allowed apposition to take  over the game. Shami's  absence surely felt by the Indians at the death where he was instrumental in picking up wickets at the death.
           The another worrying problem for India is Stuart Binny who is yet to make his mark as an all rounder in the team. To add this problems Ashwin's injury made even worse ,who as been the crucial bowler for the team in all the formats.
         With the way south Africans are playing in the series , the question raised where do they really playing in ? south Africa or in India ? . The reason is that they are making the conditions most of it in their favour, all thanks to IPL for making it so interesting for the fans but problematic for the players at the same time.
            Credit has to be given to the south Africans on all the 3 occasion ,but the thing that separated both the teams is the pace department of the Protea who are consistent enough through out the innings.
             Tahir on the other face is yet likely to perform up to his standards, where it will be even more complicates for the Indians. .Batting has been consistent for the proteas till now with few wrinkles here and there with the spin.
             The series 1-0 leading with the visitors where both teams face on Wednesday at Indore where India seems to have a formidable record at this ground, wining all the 3 matches played here. But now they face on a formidable Proteas which would be a new story altogether.
             The conditions suits to the spinners and you normally expect bulk of runs at this venue.
             Haribajan is likely to make a way in place of ashwin in the team, where Gurkeerat Mann is unlikely to wait for his Odi debut. The only area south Africans are struggling is about their fifth bowling option , which  is the only weakness they have to go with.
            So Indians want to make a comeback in the series by not allowing the Proteas to take a 2-0 lead in the series, which will become even harder to fight back.
               

Rebuilding Nations Are Eager To Perform

           Having been lost the previous two test series at home srilanka are desperate to perform well against the tumbling west Indies. The hosts look for refreshing performance after the retirement of sangakara.
          Things that went wrong during the past two series are worrying the islanders, the top order remain a concern for their losses. Herath who used to in at no.2 in test rankings in the beginning of the year dropped significantly to no.9  which added concerns to the team with his injuries and lack of match wining efforts.
        Herath role will be crucial than ever before in this series to take them on a high. There will adequate changes in the batting order after the sanaga's era. The batting now heavily dependent on lites of Mathews, Chandimal and Thirimanne. Kusal Perera showed good intent in his debut test which will boost the batting.
             On the other hand west Indies are building up a test squad, this series in subcontinent with an young team never gone be easy. Holder has been given new responsibilities to take the team forward,with lot of inexperience left in the bowling department.
              Darren Bravo, Samuels and Ramdin have a bulk of batting to do in the series, the challenge lies playing spin in these conditions. After their controversial replacement of coach a head of these series questioned about stability of their team in world cricket.
              Now it's a new beginning for both the teams with chandrapaul being left out for west Indies and kumara sangakara's retirement, srilanka  can't bear any losses under their belt especially at home. They are eager to improve their game under the new coach and  west Indies want to left all of their controversy aside and hope  for a new beginning in test cricket.

Challenge With The Heat For England

            England who are a confidence growing side after wining the ashes,they are now up to face a new challenge under a new batting consultant which they think could be helpful in the conditions that they are not so relevant to.
            Certainly the myth has been changed during this summer with lot of things going on their way. But these conditions in subcontinent will be a new challenge they have to adopt to with some new young talents in the side.
              They toured subcontinent for a test series back in 2012/13 season where they won the series by 2-1 against India,but it is largely with the help of spinners in which Swan and Panesar played a vital role to clinch the series along side with Cock and Peterson match wining innings with the bat.
               Things have been changed a lot for England over the past few years,but now they don't have a front line spinner in the attack. Although Moeen Ali proved to be vital impact in the ashes and also the  against India.
               Where a lot of batsmen had taken chances against him to their cause and  Adil Rashid yet to make his test debut who is likely to make in these series. It  will be a challenge for their in experienced  spin department against the adopted hosts who are formidable in these conditions.
              The addition of shoaib malik to the test squad only had  strengthened their batting unit and also adds lot to the team with his spin and his experience.
              But the selection of the Pakistani side really came as a surprise with only two front line spinners involved in the squad,so malik has a lot of work to do, with Hafeez being suspected for his bowling action. Yasir shah proved to be a young prospect for the team with his performances in  Srilanka. Although england have the experience in the batting to counter the spin. But the series will depend on the Day 4 and 5 wicket where spinners come more in to the play,  will decide the result.
              

Getting Over The Line Hasn't Been Easy

               It has not been easy for the Zimbabwe to get over the line in recent times they fought till to the end but at the end couldn't cross it over. The second international between Pakistan and Zimbabwe at Harare is one of them, it is not easy to get over but eventually made it with some sort of luck on their way after reaching till to the end to many times.
               It was one of the thrilling encounters one has seen,thanks to shoaib who decided to stay alive till to the end. You won't want to see Cricket matches end in that fashion, but nothing can be done with out nature's support and cricketing rules.
               Zimbabwe are doing well with rattling the appostion top order so early many a times but failed to continue from there. Even though Zimbabwe will take that to level the series and look to perform much more effective in the final.
                Pakistan would be disappointed with the things that gone away from their favour even though played till to the end. They haven't bowled well at the death which is unusual with  them.
                 But both teams eager to finish on a high on Monday which us going to be the final of the series. Zimbabwe need to improve their bowling in the middle overs and also at death, top order hasn't been consistent enough through out the monsoon. Pakistan look  to finish on a high before facing on England in UAE.
       

Spot Light Will Be On Spinners

        The ranji season is underway with lot of hopes for emerging players and also for players who look to come back. This time the major focus will be on the spinners ahead of tests against south Africa later this month. India likely to go with 4 spinners and their are few spots to fill in spin department.
            Ashwin and Misra are  all the way in to the squad, Haribajan seems to be left out in the home series depending on the performance of other players in the Ranji Trophy. It's an great time for players to perform well to spot their place in the squad. Axar Patel is one of them likely to be in the ranks after his all-round show in A series. It is not just about this south African series but for the future plans of Indian test team. There are few spinners who will be on spot light players performing well in the shorter format and players who are looking to come back to the national squad.

Crunch Time Heading Towards Old Trafford

               This series is quite exciting so far, both teams should their strengths and weaknesses to make it interesting. England leveled the series by winning at Leeds and both teams turn up to old Trafford for the decider. It's where England got their things their way and else for the Aussie.
                Injuries really hurted the Aussies ,England where able to capitalised on that more, but also play good Cricket in the past 2 ODIS.
              So far in the series pitches played a curical role than the players, they are pretty dry. It's virtually like playing in the subcontinent, lack of seam moment costed problems for the visitor's.
              The entire series revolved around the middle overs so far playing spin is the new challenge for the visitor's and as well as for the hosts.
               Australia look to play with agar in the decider and starc is likely to make in to the side after a match rest which costed them heavily due to their inconsistency in the bowling.
               England likely to stick with the same team, Willey added variety to the attack with his left arm pace. This going to be a huge opportunity for Morgan and his men to win against the world champions.
            Both teams eager to perform well in the decider, Aussie wants to make a statement after their loss in ashes and England hope to continue their prolific form this summer.

Aussie Look To Stay A Head Of The Conditions

               England eye to level the series, they got thighs right at old Trafford by winning against the visitor's by a big margin.  Especially they prepared a pitch which is dry enough to take the visitor's pacemen out of the attack. They might go with the same formula later in the series as well.
            Absence of Warner and Watson proved to be difficult for the Aussie, batting under lights hasn't been that easy in the series so far and both teams will look to bat first in the remaining ODIS. England batted well in the middle overs which was lacking in the first two ODIS.
            Both teams head on to Leeds for the 4th ODI ,it seems that the wicket will remain dry for this match as well.
             Aussies had done too which with the conditions nothing more than else. Smith and his men will look to come back hard at the hosts to seal the series, by putting them under pressure as much as possible. Smith is eager to complete his first assignment as a captain on a positive note by dominating the hosts.
               England still have a lot if work to do to stay in the series, this match won't be any different for them as the previous one.
            Australia haven't played a ODI at Leeds since 2005, England mean while played 27matches at Leeds and won 16 of them. They played their last ODI against India on sept 5th  2014 in which the hosts won by 41 runs.

England Look To Recur

          The third ODI of Royal London cup on Sept 8th at Old Trafford going to be a crunch game for England. Having put down by the visitor's 2-0 in the 5 match ODI series, the hosts look to stay alive by coming back strong enough. Aussie dominated the hosts both with the bat and ball in ODIS.
              But injuries are  concern for the visitor's now they lost experienced Watson and Warner in the batting. Counter Nile also played a crucial role in the bowling had to miss due to hamstring injury. Although they got good back ups, but it's not going to be that easy in the third ODI.
            On the other side of the coin England struggled with their performances, batting had showed good intent in patches, but the bowling hasn't been up to the mark they struggled to pick the wickets in early part of the innings.
         Death bowling is an big concern for England in recent times, they had given too many at the end. Barstow replaces Butler in the squad which will good for them ,he was going through  some form in county Cricket also played crucial knock in the decider against New Zealand.
         Aussie look to  extend their domination by winning this ODI and to seal the series, to continue their wining streak in limited overs.
          At Old Trafford these two teams meet back in 2013 , where Aussie won the match by 88 runs. They are eager to repeat the same this time around , England on the other hand have to fight hard to stay alive in the series.

Pujara Or Rohit In Playing XI

         The debate centres between pujara and Rohit in the playing XI. But what really separates the two players and i can see nothing.
            Both can be match winners on their own, both have different approach to the game with their natural style. It's all about one place where two quality players fighting for. When one goes deep in to any batting line up you need players of both the qualities in the team. Both bring different approach to the game to make the game more interesting. 
             Over the years teams as been successful with the balance in the batting, that different players provide a new approach. Rohit had a lot of criticism for his inconsistency and tendency to throw the wicket away.
          This is what we see but the truth lies beyond it. Rohit is a kind of player who likes to play his shots and that's the  natural instinct to him. At times it can go either way and that's were he likes to play, some say it is risky. But it becomes more risky when he won't play to his natural instinct.
          The abilities he has he can putt the opposition on the back foot up front, every team wants a player of those abilities.
              Virat wasn't any different from a captains point who looks for a player like Rohit in the team, so as all the captains.   
                On the other side of coin you have Pujara who is nothing different from Rohit ,who plays the selfless way. Pujara brings in solidity to the batting line up, he can handle any attack in the world.
             The recurring innings in the final test against Srilanka shows his depth in batting. . May be he had a quite a bad series in past 12 months, but came pretty strong. Some said he don't have the aggression the team is looking for, but he has the ability to put down the oppositions aggression, he literally plays with that.
             A team needs a mixture of players who adds each of  their own dimension to make it perfect. You want both kind of players like Pujara & Rohit in the team, but the problem arises when it comes between them.
    

Struggles Behind 200

          This is quite a story of an fast bowler who went up and  downs in patches through his carrer. He turns in to 27 to day he is the Indian fast bowler who is 6 fit 4 inch tall "Ishanth Sharma".
            No one would have thought a 19 year old fast bowler with an hand full of first class games under his belt would trouble one of the finest test batsmen. He was in the spot light in international Cricket when he was apart of the squad during 2007-08 series in Australia. His spells in Australia to Ricky ponting remains an night mare to the Aussie Skipper. His height helped him to extract bounce to surprise the batsmen. He bowled with some pace beginning of his career and also with some intent. The Aussie Skipper not at all comfortable when playing against Ishanth through out the series.
           He became an young prospect for the Indian team future. He also performed well in limited overs format in the CB series 2008 with some match winning efforts.
         Ishanth is one who depends more on seam movement rather than swing and his height made vulnerable for the batsmen. But it is all back in Australia when he returned home the conditions are different. At home you don't get enough bounce from the pitch were Ishanth strength lies, although he performed well to some extent. But it became more difficult for Ishanth later in his carrer he was not able to perform under consistent basis at home were pitches suits more to spinners.
            Ishanth injuries and lack of form made it more difficult to perform in test and also in limited overs Cricket. But he was well backed by the team management, it took 18 test th matches to complete  his 50 th test wicket. He was not in the squad of 2011 world cup due to injury concerns. Later India toured west Indies were he was impressed with his performance becoming top wicket taker of the series.
           Also he completed his 100 th test wicket during the series in his 33rd test match by picking up the west Indies captain Darren Sammy. He then only has one five wicket haul in an innings.
        although his pace was cut down due to injuries. Ishanth struggled very hard through this period when India toured Australia and England were he became the lonely fast bowler India rely on due to injury concerns to zaheer Khan. He was not at his best this time around in Aussie conditions nor in English conditions.
           It was the ICC champions trophy were Ishanth led the attack, he performed well in the tournament after a long time. The final against England were Ishanth turned the match on his head by picking up two wickets of consecutive deliveries, were Morgan and bopara well set to take England home.
           Later in his carrer it was much darkness spread when he conceded 30 runs in an over against Australia were fauckner took the attack. India finished at the losing end in the match  due that terrible over of the match. Ishanth was dropped for remaining Odi's. It had huge impact on his bowling in ODI Cricket.
         Criticism over Ishanth raised high even during the England tour for his inconsistency.
          In New Zealand he reached 150 th wicket in his 54 th test match ,his performance were cane good in test Cricket but not so in limited overs format. He was not considered to world cup 2015 for the second he held back due to injury concerns. The recent series against srilanka were he looked back in rhythm performing well through out the series and became the 4th Indian pacer to grad 200 test  wickets by picking up the srilankan skipper  Mathews in his 65 th test.
           The last 50 test wickets cane at quite a good rate in 11 test matches his best in carrer so far. He is looking more aggressive in style ever before his last 11 test matches show it all. This would be great for him as well as the Indian team for the future in longer format of  the game,if he would be consistent enough.

10 Team IPL Unlikely In Favour

           The recent allegations that are imposed on the franchises CSK and RR led to new problems in the IPL. The suspension of the both franchises for two years provided void in the IPL. So the working committee suggesting that it us likely to go with 10 team policy from 2018. They will allow two new franchises for these two years and also looking to allow CSK &RR in 2018 to make it 10 team IPL.
            But the real problem arises with 10 team policy to the IPL , the 10 team IPL will not have high impact on fans due to uneven spread of star players over the franchises. It's not good for franchises too. It was quite clearly observed when IPL  went with 10 teams were pune and kochi added to the  teams. Both teams failed to make a impression due inadequate star players in the respective teams. Later pune made the exile due to heavy losses from  IPL 
        Most of the Star players will be retained  by the franchises as they are allowed in every 3 years of auction, most of the star players will be held in their respective franchises about 60% of them in a average. So their will be about 40% of star players in the auction which makes uneven distribution of strengths between the teams.
           Each IPL session have at least one team gets out of form this also makes the tournament less competitive  between the teams. When you go with 10 team tournament it's more more important that you provide much competition which is lacking with this style.
          So it's better to go with 8  team format when you go with 10 team format it makes even less interesting with the amount of matches increasing, this was observed during 10 team format of  IPL. 8 teams provide more flexibility and competition in the tournament. So working committee as look to provide more entertainment and competition in the session.
            So it's no way they can go with 6 team format nor they should go with 10 team format both will hurt the standards of IPL.

SANGA AN IMMORTAL SPRIT

        Why sanga is recognized around the the world ? If you ask this question to an Cricket lover ,the answer will be because he his hunger for scoring  runs for the team never ends. His hunger for to take the team on the winning side never lasts, this would be the obvious answer you get from an ultimate cricket lover.
              Srilankan Cricket may have produced some finest talents in the  game, but sanga is something special that the others. One has to know about his sprit on the field.
               He strive so hard in the practice sessions during the matches. He wants to be in his mark when he gets on to the  field. It doesn't matter were he plays the match what all he needs a Cricket ball to hit at it with us beautiful wrists. If any one could describe sanga better than himself that would be Mahela ,because of their bond that produced historic partnership in the  game.
              Not just on the field but off the field is also smothing to say about both of them. His keeping abilities mostly over shadowed by his prolific run scoring ability all over the  world. But he stands with all time great wicket keepers in the  game.
            He may have retired from international Cricket but his sprit revolve around Cricket to inspire young talent all over the  world. Stats say lot about his ability but what may stats, records ,history say about sanga they all will have only numbers to say. But sanga is more that ,more than What you think, more than what you feel, he is more than a cricketer. All I can say "SANGA AN IMMORTAL SPRIT ".

The Fearless Captain

             Indian team was in a  crisis of match fixing scandal, the moral led down in Indian Cricket. The time as demanded the captain to strive to bring the glory back to Indian  Cricket. It needed courage ,passion and bravery to captain the Indian side. The man who added an another dimension to Indian Cricket with his aggression as stepped as the captain. His name won't be faded in the history of Indian Cricket and also he is one of the prolific run getters in the game.
          He is the immortal captain is Saurav Ganguly He is the fearless captain India as ever seen,he brought a dramatic change in Indian Cricket team with his instincts and insights to the  team. May be  it have not been possible for India to enter into 2003 WC final with out the fearless captain.
        Ganguly was known for encouraging young talent in the teams like lites of yuvraj, Sehwag, zaheer and haribajan. Indian's historic series win at lords was one of the famous victories for India away from home.
          The stats speak to them selves as captaincy record. His contribution was immense to take the team from no. 8 to no .2  in test rankings.
          Ganguly may have left the game with uneven situations created by chapel, but he remains one of the most successful captains of Indian Cricket in home and also away from home.
       

Effects Of Left Arm Pacers

           Now a days in Cricket variety in the bowling unit is much needed. When it comes to limited overs format it is a one of the crucial problem teams are facing. The more the variety in the in the bowling attack the more teams are successful in limited overs format, in recent times.
          The world cup 2015 is clear gate way to show how teams went to the end of the tournament with varitey in the attack. One would say New Zealand and Australia played at their home, but teams like south Africa and India have the quality in the squad but they don't have the varitey like the  host's had.
         This is what happening with out a left arm pacer in the team. The recent concluded India's tour to Bangladesh showed importance of left arm pacer in the  attack. Yes teams have equal strengths when it comes to quality of players but varitey is what holding them back. Left arm pacers have a key role to play in the squad these days.
           Even the Pakistan tour of srilanka showed the importance left arm pacers in the attack. Although both are well matched teams, Pakistan have varitey in the attack. So it's  really important to have a left arm pacer in the squad to have the varitey  going.
            This time around the IPL also showed the importance of left arm pacers, teams with left arm pacers had a good show in the season. Although some teams don't have a great batting line up, but do have the varitey in the squad which they are using as their strength.
            So left arm pacers have a crucial role to play in the team. without a left arm pacer teams are struggling to make it over the line in limited overs format, In recent times left arm pacers dominated the game and will continue further in coming years.

Farewell Week In International Cricket

         This week in international Cricket will be remembered for a long time in Cricket as 3 versatile batsmen's set to retire from international Cricket in the same week. The 3 batsmen's as made their mark of their own in international Cricket, with their classy elegant shots. They showed a lot of character and determination to play the game for a long period.
         The 3 versatile batsmen's are The Australian skipper Michael Clarke, the Srilankan run machine Kumara Sangakara and the  Australian veteran opener Chris Rogers. Both the Aussie team and Lankan team desperate to win their respective test match which is going to be the farewell for the greatest characters of the game.
      All the 3 had exceptional careers, but in the present they have 3 different stories going on. As Micheal Clarke struggled to make a 50 in ongoing Ashes  series, but the Skipper hope to give his best in his final test match to take the team home with a win. Sangakara is in richest of form in last 12 months and he is  hopeful to make a statement in his final test. The veteran opener in some good form in the on  going Ashes and he is set to continue in his final test .
         The 3 batsmen's known for their consistency and reliability to the team. But the 3 versatile batsmen's will end their international career in this week and the 3 look to take their team home with a win. So as to end their careers on a high note.

No.3 Problems For India

No.3 has been a problem for India in recent times in test Cricket. It was Pujara who settled at no.3 after the wall, but after his poor performance in  England, New Zealand and followed by Australia,that resulted in  lossing the place in playing XI, Rohit sharma who batted at no.3 in the australiana series for a couple of matches also under performed by his standards.
        He also not looked in a decent nick in the recent Bangladesh tour were India played only test.But Rohit still got his chance in the ongoing Srilankan tour were he looked very poor in both the innings. Lack of feet movement costed his dismissals, on the both ossacions he was judged lbw.
      
      This was the area of concern for Rohit especially in srilanka, the previous tours to srilanka also resulted a bad memory for him. His stats show he was very poor in srilanka, you got to have one of your best players batting at no.3 in any format but Rohit was not looking so in test match  Cricket. He averages 35.84 in his 12 test matches which was not a good sign for the team to go  forward.
       India now playing with six batsmen have to be more careful with their selection of playing XI. Pujara at no.3 will be a good option he was in some form in the recent A series, also he lies a head of Rohit in terms of average and solidity. His stats in subcontinent was smothing one as to look at. The second test against srilanka will be crucial for team India to go forward in the series. The decision lies a head of team management and captain, whether they continue with Rohit are will make a change ?

New Age Captains With New Instincts

     New age captains are bringing in new instincts and new insights to take the game forward. When it cones to test Cricket they are going with more aggressive intent, which was not observed in the past. These days captains defiantly wants a result no matter what it  takes, if they have a chance to win a test match or to win a series. They don't like to step back they want to be as much as aggressive as possible.  
      Captains with their approach not looking to draw a test match. Players have changed with time so as captaincy, their new instincts are proving to be more entertaining. They want to bring more entertainment to the game and they are doing with a lot of courage to take forward.
       But critic's have their own view, they say test Cricket have been affecting by T20 Cricket. They do have a point, after seeing the game which moving too quick I,e quick fall of wickets and quick scoring if runs in the process.
       But captains wants to provide much more aggressive approach to entertain the  fans. But what is the ultimate test is  all about ,Does draw not a result ? Does test Cricket require more entertainment ?
       The fact is that draw as it's own importance in test cricket. One can say draw is also a result, there are matches were teams are desperate to draw a match. Matches like  India vs Australia at the Eden gardens for example.
        It's about not losing ,it's about patience, it's about not giving up. But it is also require some aggression. Combination of both aggression and Patience will add a another dimension to test Cricket. Yes aggression is needed but too much aggression will fire back, what all needed is controlled aggression to take the game to a another level.
    

World T20 at The Adopted Home

           For a long time England has been the home of Cricket were Cricket was born, but it is now adopted by a new country and it also an another home for Cricket, the home is India.
     The major factor for this change is due to IPL, were all players around the world play a league were they earn money and also develop many technical skills. The real interesting point is about the up coming t20 world cup which is going to be held in India in 2016.
       All players around the cricketing circuit know the conditions lot better, some teams have their majority of players playing in the IPL countries like Australia, south Africa ,west Indies and some players from new Zealand. These players now can adopt sub continental conditions easily. So this time the t20 world cup going to be much interesting than ever. Players who play for the same franchise will face on each other at the same venues.
     If there is a  team that may have problems playing in sub continent Would be England, but now they appointed the Srilankan Artist Mahela Jayawardene as their batting consultant and they are confidence growing side after their Wc15 failure. They haven't showed their back since then. They white washed Pakistan in UAE with pure spirit. The previous two world t20's may have  played in the sub continent only, but this time around it is not going to be any easy for the subcontinental teams like India ,Pakistan and srilanka ,for sure their will be heavy competition between the teams to become the world t20 champion.

The Beginning Of New Era

      The time as just arrived for the Indian test team to begin a new era. By unfolding the past that happened in the test Cricket. New batsmen are set to establish their careers in the team this time around. The 3-match test series against srilanka is going to be the foundation step to spot their position in the team.
    The team will approach with new instincts under virat. It is not only the batsmen but also the fast bowlers have to make a point by preforming under consistent basis. Umesh and varun have the speed to hurry up batsmen but it is about bowling line and length to pick up  wickets. Indian team likely to go with 5 bowlers which already shows good sign's to the team. But srilanka will come hard after their loss to Pakistan in recent times.
      The new look Indian test team yet to answer lot of questions with their performance, their is healthy competition in the team which is good for the future of the team. Wining a test match is all about picking up 20 wickets. So the bowlers have work to do. Indian team suffered a lot due to their bowling concerns, so it's time to rewrite the history. Their is experience in the spin department with haribajan and misra returning  to the side.

End Of The Road For A Great Soul

       Many of in this world will not live with our souls, lot of people live with their body some with their possession and some with their egos. Micheal Clarke the Australian captain lived through his soul he played the sport through his soul ,he is one of the finnest classy batsmen the game has seen. He known for his consistency and reliability. He debut  international career with a ton in Bangalore and also in his debut match in home. He not only known for his performance on the field but he known for his spirit. Clarke on the recent Ashes tour said that "Aussie will play hard but play fair", this is one of the new dimension he added to the team in recent times. But time has been changed over the years he was not in greatest of form in recent times. The team needed to lead from the front but he was not up to the task. His back pain and recent hamstrings made it even difficult to perform in consistent basis.
    His captaincy was something special to the team ,he is the kind of captain who lifts the spirits up of other players with his instincts. One can say he so transparent and wise. Australia definitely miss the services of a great captain, player and a mentor to the young players.

     He is all set to retire from test Cricket (international) after his final test at the oval ,it's going to be something special and sad for him playing his last international match. But he had left so many memories  to cherish for the Aussies as captain and also as a player. His land marks as captain will be the world cup 2015 and also the 5-0 Ashes at home back in 2013 the team would never forget. The way he supported phill huges family after his death was something to say about a great soul. He ended his odi career at wc15 final where he scored 70 odd runs was special to him.

    It's going  to be so emotional for him to leave the game at the oval but team mates and fans around the world would hope a better knock from him at the end of his career.

An Unlucky Batsmen

He is a batsmen from Australia who made his odi debut back in 2008 against the west indies. He would be amongst the leading run scorer in the domestic circuit. He is an class act to the team but had not got enough chances he deserve. He is the left handed batsmen from Australia Shaun Marsh. He was always in and out if the team irrespective of his form due to inadequate roles to play in the team. His performance were overshadowed by other players in the side, he is the batsmen who would have been spended more time on the bench than any other player. He is still fighting for a place both in test Cricket and also in odi Cricket hanging in their for a better tomorrow.

Challenge Awaits For Spirited Captain

The new Indian test captain wants to make his mark as captain in test match cricket. The  first time virat captained the Indian team during the Australia tour where he brought new instinct to captaincy in test match cricket. He was on duties in that series coz of dhonis fitness concerns. It is were the foundation for his captaincy came in to existence he showed  aggressive approach to captaincy. Critics say their was a chance for drawing the test match but India ended on the losing side and virat as his own answers to reply them "I don't mind in losing a match if their is a chance to win it", it was a new dimension that he added to the team by his captaincy. After dhoni's retirement from test cricket it was virat who appointed in the position. India played only test against Bangladesh were rain dominated play to draw the only test. But now it's a bigger challenge for him to captain in srilanka for the 3-match test series. With what instincts he approaches to  the game. These are still early days as a captain for virat  but it is really challenging to see how he INSPIRE's the team to go forward and how he can find the winning ways for India in test cricket.

Age Is Just a Number

We see batsmen début in the age of 30 quite often and they make huge impacts in the game. But one can see a bowler not to often making in to the national side at 30's. When you love the game and when you have a passion, 30 is just a number and it won't define you. Ryan Harris the Aussie fast bowler who made his debut  at the age of 30. No one would have thought that he would perform that well. His performances are more over shadowed by Mitchell Johnson but the team knows what a tough guy Harris is,one would be Shell shocked by his bowling average. He was known for his nagging lengths that he used to bowl a lot. He is a typical nature of a guy who wants to give everything for the team on the field. But his career ended at an un even time due to an injury were he called up his career before the Ashss2015. Australia would definitely would miss the services of Harris but they have a good unit to go forward. On his retirement Harris said that "I played 27 more tests than I ever thought I have relished every single  moment of them." That's what love does to you, when you truly fight for something you will never give up and you will enjoy every moment of it.

A CHANGED FAST BOWLER

This has been a great story of concern in recent times it is about a fast bowler who had held his fire back. The tragedy death of phill Hughes on the field impacted on his bowling and his psychological strength. He was not bowler, he was used to be. It needed moral strength to get through that period. He is the Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Johnson who wrapped up English batsmen in the Ashes and the Protees with his steamy bouncers in respective series, it was used to be his strength of his fire pack.
Later in the series against india it looked like he was more on the defensive side of his bowling. In the world cup he looked good but not up to his best. In the ongoing series against England he is looking quite good and he looks much more confident on his psychological strength. The good thing about his approach to the game is, he wanted to play the sport safe.

Big Challenge Awaits For Bangladesh

It's time for Bangladesh to move on higher path. Once Bangladesh watched cricket from bottom of the mountain and now they are climbing the mountain with ease. The cricketing world now had a clear eye on Bangladesh with their spirited performance against pakistan, India and south africa. Now they are placed at no.7 in icc odi rankings, not far from England at no.6. They now have a good chance of making it to champions trophy 2017. But the real chalenge lies a head to move forward on the higher path. It is about wining abroad is the next challenge they have a good bunch of players to do it, but it is about adapting to different conditions to move forward in the higher path.

What It Is ?

Cricket is a sport were i really found my self. I can't say what that mean to me,but here I found some views about the sport some have their different views to say about a similar  thing there are views from players to commentators. These are some i really wanted to share these views.
Johnty Rhodes said it is passion.
Shoaib akhtar said it is aggression.
sanjay manjrekeer said it is emotion.
Harsha bhogle said it is character.
What it is to you?

Do Cricket Can Make It To Olympics ?

It has been a long time the cricketing sport came in to exisistance but it is still to find a  place in the Olympics. It is largely due to unevenly speard of sport among the countries over the years and lack of interest showed by the cricketing boards as well as the Icc. The recently concluded MCC Cricket committee meeting at the home of Cricket had new ideas to take the sport globally and also to add new markets. It also called for Ttwenty Cricket to become an olympic sport. But on the other hand the ICC  planning to implement an ten team event for the up coming world cup in England and it has been opposed by the associate nations. It won't help them to improve their sport in their country where it is found a way to take the sport forward. The ten team event opposed by many cricketing legends around the world coz it won't help the sport to spread globally. You need to see more associate nations playing at world cup to help their Cricket to grow in their country and also to spread the sport globally. It also doesn't help to take the sport to Olympics. Now the question stands on ICC will it make the world cup a place to play more associate nations ?   Do really Cricket make it to the Olympics ?

Area Of Concern For Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe suffering from few problems to get over the line in limited overs Cricket, their biggest problem lies in the death overs. The recent concluded world cup and their tour to Pakistan as well as in the ongoing series against india they are picking up early wickets to keep the opostion down but they not keeping enough pressure on the batsmen at the dearh. The opening match of the team against south Africa they picked up 4 early wickets including ABD but they lost their way giving too many runs and not picking up wuckets. The same scenario repeated through the world cup against Pakistan, Ireland and with india in their final match league match. It is same when they toured to Pakistan and in ongoing series against india. This is a area of concern were they have to come good in last few years they are performing really well but couldn't get over the line due to this major problem , the results would have been much more different. If they nullify this problem they could challenge any team in international Cricket.

The Team That Bounced Back

It is not that easy for any team being down with the moral and not performing well in pressure situations, to bounce back really hard it need passion it needs to get rid of the past and it needed motivation to truly enjoy the game. England is the team that had suffered a lot of losses in odi Cricket they lost five series in a row both combined at home and away and England dramatically not included cock in the world cup squad being failed to perform as a player and a captain. They ended up Their world cup campaign during league stage. But the turn around was just simply magnificent. One can notice with the approach England are playing now is something special and they never done it before they are playing hard and aggressive Cricket. Especially in the limited overs format they are looking quite special now.

New Field Restrictions Showing Balance

The new field restrictions those came in to effect from July 5th are already showing good signs of Balance between bat and ball. It seems now 300 is a pretty good score with the old field restrictions batsmen who attacked in last 15 overs now tend to slow than usual. It also giving bowlers an extra fielder in last 10 overs working well for the bowlers. The ongoing series between India vs Zimbabwe, Srilanka vs Pakistan and Bangladesh vs South Africa showing good signs their was no more free flow of runs in last 15 overs compared to that of old restrictions. 300 looking quite a challenging total in batting friendly conditions. This is a good prospect from bowlers point of view which now allow them to try out more variations and with adding one more fielder oustide the inner ring in last 10 overs  batsmen now look to find some new solutions to attack bowlers.

The Rise Of Bangladesh In International Cricket

The past 10 months had a significant impact on Bangladesh Cricket. The team is not near to the top 8 teams in the ICC rankings but now they brought significant change to their cricketing world. It all started at the World cup 2015 it was not that easy for teams to enter in to the quarter finals and their came a match as a decider to the quarter finals to both teams Bangladesh and England. It was Bangladesh who held their nerve's calm with a brilliant century from mahamudhula and good piece of bowling from tuskin and they have entered in to the World cup knockout's for the first time in history. Even though they lost to India in the quarter final but Bangladesh have won many hearts around the globe. They were hunger to prove themselves against the Pakistan they won the series 3-0 and twenty20 by 2-0. Later followed the Indian team to lose their first series ever in Bangladesh and the hosts won the odi series by 2-0. The present on going series against the Protees was not so convincing for bangla in t20's and in the opening odi but they bounced back well enough in the crucial match of the series to stay alive and won the secound odi to face on the series decider on Wednesday.

Things That Went Wrong With The Aussies

The Australian team were not up to their best in the 1st test they lost convincingly to England with 169 run margin. They are not to blame anyone but themselves batting has been below par, short selection has caused them dramatically and they are in a hurry in throwing wickets away. They do all have got starts but couldn't convert in to big scores, their is a need of an experienced player taking a job of playing a big knock but no one has stuck in the crease. Shane Watson is  huge concern for the team he is not looking at his best by any means he is struggling with his own form it is better to replace Mitchell Marsh in place of Shane. The bowling looked decent enough but things have to be done much more better than that. Starc recover will be positive sign for the team. The secound test at lords will be challenging and expect that pitch will remain the same to that of  Cardiff. Australia should make much more plans to get rid of the host barsmen.

Aussies Should Lift Their Spirits

The first test of the Ashes was an convincing win for England being the visitors entered favorites into the test. Aussies didn't performed well at their best ,they failed as a group both with the bat and ball, although fought back well in the secound innings with the ball they are not up to their standards. Batting department is a big concern they threwed their wickets at regular intervals. Credit also should given to the England bowlers they bowled attacking lines but Aussie batsmen were not up to their best. Smith should sort out his problems around the off stump as early as possible, Shane Watson disappointed with both bat and ball, Mitchell Marsh should be replaced in place if him.It's not going to be easy for Jhonson bowling in English conditions he might be considered more bowling in full length areas. Joe root played well in both the innings he built a solid partnership with moeen and bell in 1st innings and 2nd innings respectively and moeen Ali picking up wickets which will be huge bonus for England Aussies men should regroup and they have to lift their spirits up if they perform well at their best it is not going to be any easy for England.The English men know that the Aussies will come hard at them in the 2nd test and hope it won't be a one sided game.

Revived Bangladesh Ready To Face Protees Challenge

South Africa sealed the t20 series with 2-0 in a convincing fashion. The Visitors now will face Bangladesh in three match odi series which is likely to start in July 10. Bangladesh have recalled their world cup hero mahamudhula which will strengthen their batting. Bangladesh are on a song in Odis with their recent success against Pakistan and india, but it is not easy to face south Africa with rich batsmen and bowlers they have. It will depend on South Africa with what combination they go with, things will become even harder for them, if they include tahir in playing XI. Bangladesh can't put a foot wrong in any department to win against the protees. Pitch will likely to be on the slower side spinners will have a work to do.

Hosts Determined To perform Well In Limited Overs Format

Srilanka looking more strong on paper with the return to the odi format, with Dillshan, malinga, peerara in the squad. The hosts may have lost the test series but they are a good team in the shortest version of the game. Pakistan recent form in odis also a factor they lost the series in Bangladesh 3-0, their is not much experience in the squad when compared to the test squad and their key bowlers will not available due to injures and match fitness. But the return of Mohamed irfan is a good prospect to the side. Pakistan batting is questioned a lot times about their consistency. But on other hand srilanka have to replace their batting legends Sangakara and Jayawardene in the middle.

High Profile Players In Low Profile Series

India's tour to Zimbabwe is considered as low profile series in Indian calendar, but this time it is not so because of the high profile players those present in the squad. There some players who are doing it well in domestic circuit over the years and they got a chance to represent India at international stage. Also there are players who are making come back after a couple of years and players haven't got a chance in national team due adequate roles to play in the team. They all play in Zimbabwe tour that gives them a chance to prove that they are upto their standards. The interesting thing here is that what roles they play in the series if they play well can they make it to regular side with what roles to play.

Hope Teams Will Play That Way-THE ASHES

The Ashes is always exciting this time around it is even more. It is very glad to hear from Clarke that Aussies will play "hard but fair", teams as to move on from now sledging is not a good part of the sport it definitely hurts the spirit of the sport. Yes it is good to play aggressive Cricket but not at the rate of exchanging words. The Ashes is the place where the cricketing world will focus more, it will be new era that will begin in Cricket if England and Aussies play that way.

SRILANKA MISSDED THE TRICK

Srilanka just missed the trick by dropping herath,bowling secound in the innings you expect the pitch will crack a bit and will help much more the spinners the young lad kushal is not up to his mark on day 4 he has given too many runs.srilanka should bowl extremely well to win this series with misbha and sarfaraz still to bat in the order,it will be interesting if srilanka could pick 2 to 3 wickets in the first hour.