Saturday, September 29, 2007

Cricket & More ??

Its increasingly becoming difficult to justify the title of this blog what with the "More" posts being completely non-existent and the cricket posts flowing unabashed.

So the hunt is on for a new title. Regular readers encouraged to contribute new titles - will be treated to free publicity on this very blog.

*Wishful thinking on two counts that! Firstly imagining regular readers and then imagining that publicity on this blog is actually a treat*

But then hope is a good thing aint it ? So lets see some new names here!

So Long!

Its probably curtains for Ajit Agarkar in international cricket. However given the fragile nature of all bowlers fast in India (except Kumble - i mean the fast bowlers who dont call themselves spinners. Also not Prasad - i did not mean Slow Bowlers who insist on calling themselves fast) he might yet have another chance to add to the numerous ones he has already had.

Agarkar has easily been the most frustrating of Indian Cricketers in recent time (Sreesanth might be staking a claim to that honour soon though). A player most Indians have loved to hate. A player who might well be forgotten or if remembered only for his profligacy or for his duck scoring streak. This post is dedicated to Agarkar, to remind us of some of the glory moments he was responsible for India, a post asking for him to be regarded in a kinder light than he has been granted during his playing days.

Aged 20 and a few days with a debut against the Australians, Agarkar had taken just three matches to make an impact with a 4 wicket haul against the Australians and then embarked on a brilliant 2o match tour to snare the record of the fastest 50 wickets in ODIs. India had discovered a young wicket taker who was extremely efficient in the field. Stories of his ability with the bat meant that all had hopes of finally getting that successor to Kapil Dev. But the story of Agarkar's career has not been the 5 brilliant balls he bowls in an over but rather that 6th poor balls which disappears to the boundary regularly. His batting never really lived up to his potential but he had his moments. The fastest Indian ODI 50, a test century at Lords (a feat that has eluded even Sachin), an ODI top score of 95 and precious few match winning knocks at the death - Agarkar has always been the "What If he lived up to his potential" man for India.

But even if one decides that all this can be forgotten - that it doesnt really deserve a mention in the long run - no one should really grudge Agarkar his moment of glory in Adelaide. A moment easily on par with winning a World Cup - beating Australia in Australia in a test match. A typical Australian first inning powered by a 242 from Ponting had seen them post 556 in the first inning with the implicit expectation of seeing India fold up and hand over the series lead to Australia. They did not count for Dravid and VVS to play knocks that rivalled the one by Ponting to take India to a improbable 523 conceding a very acceptable and unexpected 33 run lead. One expected a tame draw. But Ajit Agarkar - tiny and frail looking, ears flapping in the wind - generating some good pace - came on and bowled the spell of his life scalping 6 wickets with his bunny Langer, Ponting and Katich amongst them. (Sachin left his tiny signature on the game picking up Martyn and Steve Waugh but more on Sachin later - this post is about the other Mumbaikar Agarkar) and India had bowled out the mighty Australians for 196 leaving India with 230 to win. Easy ? Tough?

Who else but the Wall to take us through. While we will all remember his triumphant tears when he cut the ball for a boundary - lets just keep our thoughts on the man who was with him at the other end - who with his 6 wicket spell had made possible one of the greatest Indian test triumphs.

Agarkar will look back at his career with a mixture of satisfaction and regret. Satisfaction because of his above mentioned achievements. Regret for each and every boundary ball bowled amidst an otherwise good over. Regret for always being evaluated as an allrounder and being pulled down inspite of having bowled really well. Regret for having moved from being the best Indian ODI bowler over the last 2 years to being out of the team in a span of 3 months. Regret for being just another cricketer inspite of having picked up 288 ODI wickets. Regret for what could have been if only he had lived up to his potential.

So long Ajit and thanks for some good times! We will forever wish there could have been more from you!

Monday, September 24, 2007

Thou Shalt Not Pass - 3

Its true. You just cant. Never mind if you have Misbah in your side trying to pull off something unthinkable - when its the World Cup and when you are Pakistan playing India - thou simply shalt not pass.

It aint matter if you bowl full even if you are Umar Gul,
For the king of in swing is RP Singh.

His balls might all be wide to the offside,
But to dig you six feet under - theres' Joginder!

A six here a four there - his shots are a barrage
Put your hands together for Yuvraj

A captain courageous - his thinking cap on,
Dhoni is a winner - he is the mon!

That ends prematurely my feeble attempt at rhyme.
Perhaps I shouldnt even try to capture this match in words. It was easily one of the best.

And yeah Pak - you still cant pass!

For the earlier posts in the Thou Shalt Not Pass series you can find them here
Part 2
Part 1

Saturday, September 22, 2007

A tale of two finalists

17th March 2007 - India was playing Bangladesh in the world cup while at the same time Pakistan was battling Ireland. This was the World Cup and one expected the two rivals to face off at Barbados on 15th April 2007. Instead many hopes were to be dashed. An expected India Pakistan high voltage World Cup clash had turned into a low key Ireland Bangladesh match - while fans in both countries were cursing the irony. There ofcourse was madness in both countries.

India came to the T20 WC having played all of one match in that format before. Pakistan had played 4 but had usual dressing room trouble before the match - Shoaib hits Asif with a bat with Afridi giggling along the way. No chance for either of them - Out of the Super 8s for them for sure.

But both teams specialise in pulling off the unexpected most of the time be it winning or losing. These two teams are the undisputed top 2 when it comes to dashing expectations

So after a cracking match between themselves - they stepped into the super 8s. India lost to New Zealand and looked like the pre tournament ratings were correct. After all they had to play England and South Africa in succession - the teams which had the most T20 exposure. But a team full of new youngsters and old-wanting-to-make-comebackers decided that they had nothing to lose and set out to win two stunning matches - one on the back of yuvraj and the other on the back of RP. India were in the semis of a World Cup - not the one in Windies but they made it for the poor cousin's party

While Pakistan clobbered Lanka and Australia and made their way to the semis pretty much unchallenged. They were looking good.

And then the semis. An option - the more likely one - was a trans Tasmanian final. The other most desired one was the Sub Continental one.

For two teams which left the ODI world cup in disgrace - the tale of the T20 WC has been rewarding. Some outstanding play by both teams has taken them to an unexpected WC final. A dream lineup that one can ever get. For those who travelled all the way to SA on 15th April only to see Ireland play Bangla those coupons get redeemed on 24th September. It may have come 5 months too late but a India Pakistan World Cup final is the stuff dreams are made of.

For a disastrous ODI WC final - this is the best balm to soothe those old wounds

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Thou Shalt not Pass - 2

They first met in 1992 where Pakistan would emerge eventual champions and India would have a disastrous campaign but not before they had their laughs by beating Pakistan in this match. It was a low total propped up only by a late stand between a young lad by the name of Sachin Tendulkar and a veteran all rounder by the name of Kapil Dev. But then a good bowling effort ensured that India would go on to win the match. Two quick wickets followed by a threatening partnership - broken again by that lad (SRT) and India were on their way to run through the rest of the side - thanks to some great bowling by everyone.

The next one was in 1996 in Bangalore - a quarter final which meant that the team that lost would be knocked out of the World Cup. A critical match which saw the captain Akram drop out of the match injured - later to become a controversial decision. But some steady batting by Navjot Singh Sidhu and some explosive batting by Ajay Jadeja - his inning ruined Waqar's brilliant figures as he leaked runs and more runs. India had a competitive total that would challenge Pakistan. But Sohail and Anwar had different ideas as they proceeded to thump Srinath and Prasad to all corners of the ground. And then after carting one Prasad delivery to the fence - Sohail gestured that it was what all Prasad deliveries deserved. "You bowl it there and I will send it there". Next ball - over confidence - bowled. Prasad using some choice expletives and telling Sohail exactly where to go. It was the most aggressive moment demonstrated by Prasad ever since accidentally crushing an ant in his school days. And post that the Indians kept getting wickets and won despite brief Pakistani spells of resurgence. And another WC match was theirs.

The travel to England in 1999 was to prove better for the Pakistanis than the Indians but another WC encounter was to be won by India. Another low scoring encounter and another match where Prasad thumped his presence on the game. 5 wickets for the man turned around the match for India and their record was kept intact.

It was however here in 2003 where Pakistan had their best chance of posting a victory. A super century by Saeed Anwar had taken Pak to 273 - a total which looked tough on the pitch. But they hadnt really bargained for a Sachin special. Never before had a match so emphatically been put out of reach in 5 over. Sachin and Sehwag climbed into Shoaib, Waqar and Akram and in 5 overs - the Pakistanis were deflated. Sachin continued his march till cramps and a Shoaib snorter denied him a well deserved century. And the cool headed finishing from Yuvi and Dravid ensured that it was to be 4/4 for the Indians.

And then it was yesterday - a different kind of a world cup - a shortened game. Some terrific bowling from Asif indicated that a different result was likely in a different game. 141 in 20 overs - perhaps a low total by T20 standards. But for once the conditions suited bowlers. For once the fielders actually fielded - who could say that this was Indian fielding after what one had seen in England. But some really good bowling by practically all the bowlers (Pathan in particular) till that one bad over by Agarkar made it seem that India would pull off another win in the World Cups. But with 12 needed off the last over - it looked like Pak would take it, Misbah ul Haq with two boundaries in the last over was certain to be a hero what with just 1 needed off 2. But the madman Sreesanth kept his cool and we had a run out last ball for a tie. The Indians had ensured they wouldnt lose to Pak in any World Cup of any sort. We did win off the bowl out any way.

And that perhaps was India saying "Thou Shalt not pass" to Pakistan. For come what may - a World Cup match between India and Pakistan is rightfully India's.

Monday, September 10, 2007

A matter of viewpoint

Paul Collingwood had this to say "I think overall the standard of umpiring has been pretty high," he said. "There's been some decisions that probably haven't been correct at times but we all make mistakes."

A classical case of how his experience has shaped his opinion. After all the standard of umpiring helped him get both Sachin and Dada as test scalps. Why would he not be happy? Perhaps the Lords match lost its edge and handed it to England on a platter thanks to the same standard - ofcourse he would be pleased.

On the other hand try convincing Sachin Tendulkar that the standard of umpiring was pretty high. Denied thrice by the umpires - he is not going to be an easy person to convince.

Sunday, September 09, 2007

Bowling

Aleem Dar did bowl a really really good line and length yesterday - after all it takes some excellent bowling to get both Dravid and Sachin (with 25000 ODI runs between them) out in the same spell.

Well Bowled Sir!

Saturday, September 08, 2007

Break time speech

"Gentlemen - this is it! This is your chance. This is the Lords - the Mecca of Cricket. This is your redemption time for the World Cup. Today we fight not just the English but also the Pakistani. Aleem Dar has taken it up with us - and its for us to prove that we can beat them all in one go.

This my friends is the Lords - This is the place where we have pulled off some stunners. Last time we played here - it was the rain. This time its up to us. We had the 1983 final here- we defended 183 against a stronger team. We have a 4 run buffer this time around. Most of us saw it happen - no - not you Piyush.

We can get them. The last time we played a final here - we chased 326 unbelievably. Unfortunately we had to see Dada naked after that - but thats life! Yuvraj - you were there and you did it. This time if we win - I promise you, that you wont see me naked.

Lets do this - for the million times that we were done in by the umps. For the million times that the Englishmen have appeared snooty with us. Lets do them not just with fast balls but also slow ones - slower than ever - let them get bored while waiting for them to reach. Oh Ramesh - wipe that silly grin off your face.

This is it. This is to ensure we come out winning all series on this tour. This is for us"

~ The Wall

Wednesday, September 05, 2007

"End"ulkar

Set of Numbers 1 :- 4,99,93,8,17,99,8,55,71,94
Set of Numbers 2:- 101, 31, 122*, 37, 16, 91, 1, 82, 1

Opinion 1

Opinion 2


Set of Numbers 1 is Sachin in ODIs on this tour. Set of numbers 2 is Sachin in tests this year. The two opinions are the ones saying Endulkar and Chappel asking Sachin to look up a mirror and retire seeing his reflection there. There were also opinions by Kapil asking Sachin to quit and stop playing selfishly. Anyone who has seen Sachin this series or even before - would attest to one fact - his love for the game remains undiminished. His commitment is beyond question. And for those who thought his talent was gone - kindly refer set of numbers1 and 2. Those in the Mumbai crowd who dared boo him - please cover your faces with some black shit.

For Sachin doesnt need to hear some Mishra to tell him that he is over the hill. For a player of his unquestionable class - he goes on his own terms. As he pleases. Where he pleases

Till then the critics can mull overSachins bat presumably saying "Up Yours" to opinions expressed above and ones similar to these.

We WON !!!!

I tuned into the match just before the 50th over in the England inning. Dot. Catch sliding for 6. 6. 6. 6. 6. WHOA - why the hell was Yuvi bowling the last with Powar having one left? Damn - this is going to cost us was the clear signal then

Sachin and Saurav over the last few months have heard the phrase "Turning the clock back" over a million times. They would be forgiven for thinking to wonder if the clock had ever stopped. True - they went out of form for some time - Dada even out of the team (deservedly then). But then they stay true to the cliche - "Form temporary, Class permanent".

They started off firmly - running the singles with purpose and hitting the boundary till that over when Sachin climbed in to get 3 consecutive boundaries. And that was game on. Dada at the other end played as well as ever - hoicking Broad for a huge six after a verbal showdown. Did we mention game on ?

Sachin was Sachin. Drive - Cut - Pull - he did it all with flair and composure known only to Sachin. It was a charge reminiscent of the WC Pakistan match and unfortunately so was the end. But he had done his job - set up a brilliant run chase in vintage manner - most of the times an inning better than his 1998 form

So what has the man supposedly over the hill done this Summer in ODIs? 4,99,93,8,17,99,8,55,71,94

Not bad for an over the hill 34 yr old eh ?

Gambhir slow off the blocks but stayed on to contribute to the chase with some big shots. Yuvi and Dravid out in quick succession and it was back to the brink. Memories of 146-5 anyone?

This time Dhoni and Uthappa - Dhoni showing his intelligent cricket again - scrappy but effective - keeping India in the game. Uthappa swaying his bat - sometimes classy sometimes lucky but the runs kept coming. 12 off the last over and Uthappa had made himself a hero. If he were to do nothing more - he will be remembered for this one - just like Kanitkar is.

But it was superb watching the match. Sachin? Man of the match. This is one super over the hill tour.


Acknowledgments: Brat for saving me the trouble of hunting statsguru on this one