The 22-year-old middle-order batsman said youngsters in the team have had enough time to prepare for the One-day series and they will try and give their best in the rest of the tour.
"There are fresh faces with the mindset to do well and have had time to prepare. We would hopefully try and win it," said Kohli, who has scored 2153 runs from 59 matches at an average of 43.94.
"We need to be tight and have strong bonding and leave out everything else. That's how we did well in World Cup. Just be together and not worry about anything else. I can feel in Indian dressing room that bonding is still there," he added.
The Delhi batsman believes it would be important for his side's batsmen to take up the responsibility and try and win matches single-handedly.
"The challenge is tough. They are really a good side. We have to take the responsibility in the middle order. Most of us would like to bat through 20-25 overs.
"We would all like to take up responsibility. You need to have the belief you can win the game single handedly. If we go with that mindset, we would put up strong challenge and compete," Kohli said.
If I am asked to bowl 4-5 overs, I am up for it'
Kohli, who joined the squad as a replacement for Yuvraj Singh, said he prefers preparing for a contest mentally.
"I'd rather make myself mentally prepared -- take sometime off the game, not to bat at the nets at all, or might be batting regularly for a week. I need to do whatever makes me comfortable mentally," he said.
India is struggling to fill up the 10 overs of the fifth bowler, and Kohli, who got Kevin Pietersen stumped off his bowling at Old Trafford, said he is ready for the job.
"It wasn't planned. I tried to bowl a straight ball and it ended up being wide and he was stumped. I like bowling. I believe in myself that I wouldn't get smashed for 8-9 runs in an over. If I am asked to bowl 4-5 overs, I am up for it," he said.
Friday, September 2, 2011
England alone don't bowl short
Most international teams now look to pepper India's young batsmen with bouncers, but Kohli doesn't see any problem with short-pitched bowling.
"England alone don't bowl short. South Africans do as well. West Indians do. As an international cricketer, you can't expect not to get short bowling. If you try to run away you could end up somewhere else. If you are positive, you can handle short stuff from any kind of bowler. As far as I am concerned, I am up for it. I have no problem," he said.
Kohli said there was no let-up in their game and India had put up a tough fight in the last one-off Twenty20 match but, unfortunately, they could not stop the English cricketers from winning the tie.
"We fought really well in the last game. There wasn't any sign of letting the game go at any point of time. There was an odd mistake here and a bad decision here and there and it can cost you a game. We did really well to fight back but unfortunately we couldn't win the game," he said.
"England alone don't bowl short. South Africans do as well. West Indians do. As an international cricketer, you can't expect not to get short bowling. If you try to run away you could end up somewhere else. If you are positive, you can handle short stuff from any kind of bowler. As far as I am concerned, I am up for it. I have no problem," he said.
Kohli said there was no let-up in their game and India had put up a tough fight in the last one-off Twenty20 match but, unfortunately, they could not stop the English cricketers from winning the tie.
"We fought really well in the last game. There wasn't any sign of letting the game go at any point of time. There was an odd mistake here and a bad decision here and there and it can cost you a game. We did really well to fight back but unfortunately we couldn't win the game," he said.
Dhoni rues lack of partnerships after T20 defeat
Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni blamed his side's six-wicket loss to England in their one-off Twenty20 International on the batsmen's failure to build partnerships.
Partnership is key, doesn't matter what format it is. Once you lose quick wickets, like we did after 12 overs, it doesn't help. You want to have at least five or six wickets in the slog overs," remarked Dhoni after his side lost nine wickets.
India were 104 for one in the 13th over before being bowled out for 165, with three balls remaining.
Dhoni said one of the reasons for his side losing quick wickets was because they wanted to press on for 15-20 runs extra to make up for the lack of a fifth bowler.
"Since we don't have the fifth bowler, we wanted to push a bit hard. We wanted to get those extra 15-20 runs and in the process we lost quick wickets.
"Once you lose quick wickets it becomes difficult. Virat (Kohli) hasn't bowled much in Twenty20 format and there were two part-time off-spinners," he said.
Partnership is key, doesn't matter what format it is. Once you lose quick wickets, like we did after 12 overs, it doesn't help. You want to have at least five or six wickets in the slog overs," remarked Dhoni after his side lost nine wickets.
India were 104 for one in the 13th over before being bowled out for 165, with three balls remaining.
Dhoni said one of the reasons for his side losing quick wickets was because they wanted to press on for 15-20 runs extra to make up for the lack of a fifth bowler.
"Since we don't have the fifth bowler, we wanted to push a bit hard. We wanted to get those extra 15-20 runs and in the process we lost quick wickets.
"Once you lose quick wickets it becomes difficult. Virat (Kohli) hasn't bowled much in Twenty20 format and there were two part-time off-spinners," he said.
Problem of fifth bowler persists
Even though India struggled to get through the quota of fifth bowler between Kohli and Rohit Sharma, the four overs cost the visitors 48 runs and Dhoni doesn't see the possibility of the team going with six batters and five bowlers in the forthcoming one-day series.
"In the last two years, we haven't played with five bowlers. I don't see it happening now. We don't want to play with a batter light (less)."
"In the last two years, we haven't played with five bowlers. I don't see it happening now. We don't want to play with a batter light (less)."
'Rahane expressed himself'
Two bright aspects for India were the batting of young opener Ajinkya Rahane who made 61 and Rahul Dravid who slammed three sixes in his knock of 31 runs.
"Rahane expressed himself. He didn't worry too much about the occasion. Whenever the ball was in his area, he scored most off them. He got over 50 runs which was critical for us.
"As for Dravid, he tends to take the leg to the ball in longer formats of the game but here he needed to take the leg out of the line of the ball. That's what you sometimes need to do in international cricket," he added.
"Rahane expressed himself. He didn't worry too much about the occasion. Whenever the ball was in his area, he scored most off them. He got over 50 runs which was critical for us.
"As for Dravid, he tends to take the leg to the ball in longer formats of the game but here he needed to take the leg out of the line of the ball. That's what you sometimes need to do in international cricket," he added.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Same old story as India struggle at The Oval
For a team low on confidence, it is imperative to get off to a good start. It can lift the spirit.
Team India's case was different.
Going into the opening day of the fourth and final Test against England , the visitors had lost their best bowler, Praveen Kumar , to a thumb injury. His replacement, RP Singh , hadn't played a Test match in 28 months, and to expect instant results from him seemed a tad too far-fetched.
There was a surprise in store at the toss as well. Andrew Strauss , having called correctly, opted to have a bat first -- a somewhat surprising decision considering the conditions at The Oval were overcast, as expected.
Andrew StraussHowever, England's captain had confidence in his batsmen. The same couldn't be said for his Indian counterpart though.
MS Dhoni's bowlers were a tired lot. No wonder he had expressed his desire to bat first and put up a good total on board on the eve of the Test. True to form, the Indian bowlers did precious little in the first hour.
Ishant, Sreesanth and RP had neither speed nor direction. Strauss and Cook were never really tested. The duo started on a cautious note before slowly freeing their arms. There was a free flow of runs thereafter and the 50-run partnership was achieved in the 16th over -- a record 31st 50-plus stand for the pair, 27 of those having come for the first wicket.
When lunch was called, the home team had scored 75 without loss off 26 overs. Strauss was batting on 38 and Cook on 34.
The Indian think tank has a lot of work to do during the breather to prevent the home team running away with the match.
Team India's case was different.
Going into the opening day of the fourth and final Test against England , the visitors had lost their best bowler, Praveen Kumar , to a thumb injury. His replacement, RP Singh , hadn't played a Test match in 28 months, and to expect instant results from him seemed a tad too far-fetched.
There was a surprise in store at the toss as well. Andrew Strauss , having called correctly, opted to have a bat first -- a somewhat surprising decision considering the conditions at The Oval were overcast, as expected.
Andrew StraussHowever, England's captain had confidence in his batsmen. The same couldn't be said for his Indian counterpart though.
MS Dhoni's bowlers were a tired lot. No wonder he had expressed his desire to bat first and put up a good total on board on the eve of the Test. True to form, the Indian bowlers did precious little in the first hour.
Ishant, Sreesanth and RP had neither speed nor direction. Strauss and Cook were never really tested. The duo started on a cautious note before slowly freeing their arms. There was a free flow of runs thereafter and the 50-run partnership was achieved in the 16th over -- a record 31st 50-plus stand for the pair, 27 of those having come for the first wicket.
When lunch was called, the home team had scored 75 without loss off 26 overs. Strauss was batting on 38 and Cook on 34.
The Indian think tank has a lot of work to do during the breather to prevent the home team running away with the match.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
India played too much cricket
Former captain Kapil Dev has lashed out at Team India for lacking team spirit in the ongoing Test series against England, and also criticized senior cricketers, including captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Sachin Tendulkar, for not motivating the youngsters in the squad.
The former all-rounder, who led India to its maiden World Cup title in 1983, slammed Dhoni's men for "going through the motion(s) more than their love for the game" in the ongoing four-match series, which England have already pocketed with an unassailable 3-0 lead.
"Indian players did not play as a team. I am not trying to blame anybody, but I think they played too much cricket. Within four days of winning the World Cup you play IPL. They then travel to West Indies for a tour and then from there to England. I think our players were going through the motion(s) more than their love for the game," Kapil told Press Trust of India.
Asked whether there are any other reasons for the humiliating defeat against England, which dislodged India from the No 1 position, Kapil said the seniors have not guided the youngsters during the tour.
"No cricketer walked up to young bowlers to advise them on what line to bowl. Dhoni could go up to Ishant (Sharma) and tell this. Media termed him as 'Captain Cool'. He says everybody should know their job.
"In Indian sports, we have not reached that level where all the players know what they should do. We still look up to the captain and senior players. We need somebody with aggression. All the senior players have become so senior that they do not want to be aggressive," he said.
The former all-rounder, who led India to its maiden World Cup title in 1983, slammed Dhoni's men for "going through the motion(s) more than their love for the game" in the ongoing four-match series, which England have already pocketed with an unassailable 3-0 lead.
"Indian players did not play as a team. I am not trying to blame anybody, but I think they played too much cricket. Within four days of winning the World Cup you play IPL. They then travel to West Indies for a tour and then from there to England. I think our players were going through the motion(s) more than their love for the game," Kapil told Press Trust of India.
Asked whether there are any other reasons for the humiliating defeat against England, which dislodged India from the No 1 position, Kapil said the seniors have not guided the youngsters during the tour.
"No cricketer walked up to young bowlers to advise them on what line to bowl. Dhoni could go up to Ishant (Sharma) and tell this. Media termed him as 'Captain Cool'. He says everybody should know their job.
"In Indian sports, we have not reached that level where all the players know what they should do. We still look up to the captain and senior players. We need somebody with aggression. All the senior players have become so senior that they do not want to be aggressive," he said.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Is a defensive Fletcher costing Team India?
Well, people might agree or disagree, but Duncan Fletcher doesn't seem to be the right man to coach Team India. The biggest challenge Fletcher faces is taking forward the legacy that India'a World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten left behind.
His record was phenomenal. He not only helped India lift the World Cup but also won five out of the nine ODI tournaments India contested under him. Then in Tests, of the eight series he coached India in, the team won three, drew four and lost just one.
Comparing him to Fletcher, the Zimbabwean has already faltered at his first real challenge against former wards England, after winning against the lowly Caribbeans.
First Test series that India played under him was against West Indies, where the team just about managed to beat a struggling West Indies 1-0. But what that tour will be remembered for is India's surrender in the third Test, where the team needed just 86 runs to win off the last 15 overs with seven wickets in hand. But MS Dhoni chose to shake hands for a draw. Maybe that reflected the defensive mindset of the new India coach.
Kirsten's replacement was hired to maintain the winning momentum. But Fletcher seems to have brought a defensiveness to a team that was fast becoming know for its aggressiveness under MS Dhoni.
Under Kirsten, not once we saw India losing without a fight. You never saw players keeping with hands in the pocket and lost on the field with no idea of what's going around.
India needed a coach who could groom young players and take it from where Kirsten left, but considering how things have started for Fletcher, it doesn't look too promising, though it may be too early to call.
Maybe the new coach will have to take a stand with the BCCI, whose callous scheduling is hurting India as much as Fletcher's defensive tactics. Players, at times, need the coach to take their case forward and tell the board what's the best way forward - especially schedule wise.
Fletcher came into BCCI's frame as a planner who outwits and outplans oppositions but it seems exactly the opposite has transpired against England, where India stares at the possibility of a 4-0 whitewash. There just seems to be no gameplan against the English batsmen and that's where Fletcher has been a big disappointment. He should have been familiar with his former wards' strengths and weaknesses but that didn't happen.
Hope things change in the future series, and the tour of Australia later this year will surely help us better gauge how long can a 'defensive' Fletcher stay in the Indian dressing room.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/
His record was phenomenal. He not only helped India lift the World Cup but also won five out of the nine ODI tournaments India contested under him. Then in Tests, of the eight series he coached India in, the team won three, drew four and lost just one.
Comparing him to Fletcher, the Zimbabwean has already faltered at his first real challenge against former wards England, after winning against the lowly Caribbeans.
First Test series that India played under him was against West Indies, where the team just about managed to beat a struggling West Indies 1-0. But what that tour will be remembered for is India's surrender in the third Test, where the team needed just 86 runs to win off the last 15 overs with seven wickets in hand. But MS Dhoni chose to shake hands for a draw. Maybe that reflected the defensive mindset of the new India coach.
Kirsten's replacement was hired to maintain the winning momentum. But Fletcher seems to have brought a defensiveness to a team that was fast becoming know for its aggressiveness under MS Dhoni.
Under Kirsten, not once we saw India losing without a fight. You never saw players keeping with hands in the pocket and lost on the field with no idea of what's going around.
India needed a coach who could groom young players and take it from where Kirsten left, but considering how things have started for Fletcher, it doesn't look too promising, though it may be too early to call.
Maybe the new coach will have to take a stand with the BCCI, whose callous scheduling is hurting India as much as Fletcher's defensive tactics. Players, at times, need the coach to take their case forward and tell the board what's the best way forward - especially schedule wise.
Fletcher came into BCCI's frame as a planner who outwits and outplans oppositions but it seems exactly the opposite has transpired against England, where India stares at the possibility of a 4-0 whitewash. There just seems to be no gameplan against the English batsmen and that's where Fletcher has been a big disappointment. He should have been familiar with his former wards' strengths and weaknesses but that didn't happen.
Hope things change in the future series, and the tour of Australia later this year will surely help us better gauge how long can a 'defensive' Fletcher stay in the Indian dressing room.
Source: http://cricketnext.in.com/
BCCI accepts Kumble's suggestion: report
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is said to have accepted the suggestion made by former Indian captain and current president of the Karnataka Cricket Association (KCA), Anil Kumble, to include three warm-up games in their series against Australia later this year.
Kumble's proposal to include two more first class games to the one already scheduled ahead of the opening Boxing Day (Dec 26) Test at Melbourne came at the Board's working committee meeting here on Monday.
"Kumble said that if only one first-class game is fixed only 11 players will be able to play in it and he wanted all 16 touring members to have a competitive game before the start of the Test series by having more games. His suggestion has been accepted," sources told PTI.
The Indian squad, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, played a lone first class game against Somerset during the ongoing tour of England before sliding to massive defeats in the first three Tests to also lose its No. 1 Test ranking which it had held on to for more than a year-and-a-half.
The sources also conceded it will be a tricky task for the Board to try and add more first-class games in the tune-up to the tour as there was hardly any time gap between the conclusion of the home ODI series against the West Indies and the departure of the team to Australia.
The BCCI has also written to Cricket Australia that the first-class game that is already scheduled should not be reduced to a club-level affair as it clashed with the commencement of the country's "Big Bash" T20 tournament.
"The Board has already written (to Cricket Australia) that it should not be reduced to club-level cricket with the top players not playing," the sources said.
The lone warm-up game is to be played against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI from December 18-21 at Manuka Oval in Canberra, before the opening contest of the four-match Test series.
India play the four Tests back-to-back from December 26, 2011 to January 28, 2012 at Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
India are then set to play two T20 Internationals on February 1 and 3 at Sydney and Melbourne before taking part in a triangular ODI series also featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka between February 5 and March 8.
Kumble's proposal to include two more first class games to the one already scheduled ahead of the opening Boxing Day (Dec 26) Test at Melbourne came at the Board's working committee meeting here on Monday.
"Kumble said that if only one first-class game is fixed only 11 players will be able to play in it and he wanted all 16 touring members to have a competitive game before the start of the Test series by having more games. His suggestion has been accepted," sources told PTI.
The Indian squad, led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni, played a lone first class game against Somerset during the ongoing tour of England before sliding to massive defeats in the first three Tests to also lose its No. 1 Test ranking which it had held on to for more than a year-and-a-half.
The sources also conceded it will be a tricky task for the Board to try and add more first-class games in the tune-up to the tour as there was hardly any time gap between the conclusion of the home ODI series against the West Indies and the departure of the team to Australia.
The BCCI has also written to Cricket Australia that the first-class game that is already scheduled should not be reduced to a club-level affair as it clashed with the commencement of the country's "Big Bash" T20 tournament.
"The Board has already written (to Cricket Australia) that it should not be reduced to club-level cricket with the top players not playing," the sources said.
The lone warm-up game is to be played against Cricket Australia Chairman's XI from December 18-21 at Manuka Oval in Canberra, before the opening contest of the four-match Test series.
India play the four Tests back-to-back from December 26, 2011 to January 28, 2012 at Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Adelaide.
India are then set to play two T20 Internationals on February 1 and 3 at Sydney and Melbourne before taking part in a triangular ODI series also featuring the hosts and Sri Lanka between February 5 and March 8.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Gavaskar takes a dig at England team
Former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar believes England's cricketers would have "hit the panic button" and talked of leaving the series midway if similar riots had happened in India.
Click here!
England and India face off in the third cricket Test in Edgbaston amid growing riots in the UK after a youth was allegedly killed in police firing.
Sunil GavaskarGavaskar said a situation like this in India would have evoked reactions of wanting to leave by English cricketers.
"No question about it, they would have been pressing the panic button. They would have been talking in terms of the team returning home. That is a given," Gavaskar told the Sun newspaper.
England, under Kevin Pietersen , did leave a tour of India midway after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 but came back to complete the series after a while.
Current Test captain Andrew Strauss has, meanwhile, insisted that the tensions on the street have not affected his team's preparation for the third Test, a win in which would give England an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series and the World No 1 tag.
"When you watch scenes on TV, it is horrific and far from England's proudest moment. But, in terms of our preparation, it has not affected us. We intend going out and playing the game as we would any other.
"A few of the guys went out early on Monday evening but the advice from our security manager was to come back as there were some disturbances. This is an opportunity for cricket to put out a feel-good factor," he said.
Source:- http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-england-gavaskar-takes-a-dig-at-england-team-london-riots/20110810.htm
Click here!
England and India face off in the third cricket Test in Edgbaston amid growing riots in the UK after a youth was allegedly killed in police firing.
Sunil GavaskarGavaskar said a situation like this in India would have evoked reactions of wanting to leave by English cricketers.
"No question about it, they would have been pressing the panic button. They would have been talking in terms of the team returning home. That is a given," Gavaskar told the Sun newspaper.
England, under Kevin Pietersen , did leave a tour of India midway after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008 but came back to complete the series after a while.
Current Test captain Andrew Strauss has, meanwhile, insisted that the tensions on the street have not affected his team's preparation for the third Test, a win in which would give England an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the series and the World No 1 tag.
"When you watch scenes on TV, it is horrific and far from England's proudest moment. But, in terms of our preparation, it has not affected us. We intend going out and playing the game as we would any other.
"A few of the guys went out early on Monday evening but the advice from our security manager was to come back as there were some disturbances. This is an opportunity for cricket to put out a feel-good factor," he said.
Source:- http://www.rediff.com/cricket/report/india-england-gavaskar-takes-a-dig-at-england-team-london-riots/20110810.htm
I've been very lucky in my Test career: Bresnan
Edgbaston, Aug 9 (IANS) England all-rounder Tim Bresnan revels in the glory of being a steady bowler who can 'bat a bit' and 'never lets anyone down'.
Bresnan's solid performance with both bat and ball in Trent Bridge has assured him of a place in the Edgbaston Test. He scored 90 in England's second innings and then secured his first five-wicket haul as England won by 319 runs with a day to spare.
It's just one of those things. I've been very lucky in my Test career and I felt ecstatic after we won in Nottingham,' Bresnan was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Despite his sterling performance in Trent Bridge, Bresnan insists he has not been given any assurances.
'There's not been a bit of that. When the team finally gets announced it's going to be as interesting for me as everyone else. The selectors have got a nice headache - at least it's nice for them. I'm glad it's not me making the decision although I also hope it's not me who is disappointed. It would be hard for me personally, but it's terrific for English cricket,' he said.
Asked if the uncertainty has taken some pleasure away, Bresnan said: 'No, not at all. I've just been enjoying how well I played and I've also been trying to move house this last week. That's helped take my mind off this next Test, which is probably healthy.
'But we have such strength in depth. Look at Stevie Finn. He's got the highest strike rate of anyone playing at the minute and he's the youngest bowler to have reached 50 Test wickets. But he can't get into the team right now.'
If Bresnan plays the third Test and India are beaten then England would become the world's No.1 Test side. It could be Bresnan's ninth consecutive Test victory.
'It would be nice to get to 10 Test wins by the end of this series. If we go to Edgbaston and produce the same performance, it's going to be hard for India. But we know how strong they are and there is absolutely no reason for us to get complacent. We've just got to keep doing the basics well - and producing to hold on to our places,' he said.
Source:- http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.indiaabroad.com/ive-been-very-lucky-my-test-career-bresnan-20110809/
Bresnan's solid performance with both bat and ball in Trent Bridge has assured him of a place in the Edgbaston Test. He scored 90 in England's second innings and then secured his first five-wicket haul as England won by 319 runs with a day to spare.
It's just one of those things. I've been very lucky in my Test career and I felt ecstatic after we won in Nottingham,' Bresnan was quoted as saying by The Guardian.
Despite his sterling performance in Trent Bridge, Bresnan insists he has not been given any assurances.
'There's not been a bit of that. When the team finally gets announced it's going to be as interesting for me as everyone else. The selectors have got a nice headache - at least it's nice for them. I'm glad it's not me making the decision although I also hope it's not me who is disappointed. It would be hard for me personally, but it's terrific for English cricket,' he said.
Asked if the uncertainty has taken some pleasure away, Bresnan said: 'No, not at all. I've just been enjoying how well I played and I've also been trying to move house this last week. That's helped take my mind off this next Test, which is probably healthy.
'But we have such strength in depth. Look at Stevie Finn. He's got the highest strike rate of anyone playing at the minute and he's the youngest bowler to have reached 50 Test wickets. But he can't get into the team right now.'
If Bresnan plays the third Test and India are beaten then England would become the world's No.1 Test side. It could be Bresnan's ninth consecutive Test victory.
'It would be nice to get to 10 Test wins by the end of this series. If we go to Edgbaston and produce the same performance, it's going to be hard for India. But we know how strong they are and there is absolutely no reason for us to get complacent. We've just got to keep doing the basics well - and producing to hold on to our places,' he said.
Source:- http://cricket.yahoo.com/cricket/news/article?id=item/2.0/-/story/cricket.indiaabroad.com/ive-been-very-lucky-my-test-career-bresnan-20110809/
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Dravid announces retirement from ODI and T20 cricket
Less than 12 hours after earning a shock recall to India’s ODI squad, Rahul Dravid announced his retirement from one-day and T20 cricket at the end of the England tour.
Dravid made the announcement after India’s practice game against Northamptonshire.
“I am honoured and privileged to be selected for the one-day team,” Dravid said.
“Since I had not been picked for one-day cricket for the last two years, I was obviously a little surprised and to be honest, because I had not been picked, I had not informed the selectors or the board of my desire to solely focus on Test cricket.”
“At the end of this one-day series, I would like to announce my retirement from one-day and Twenty20 cricket and concentrate only on Test cricket. I am committed, as always to give my best to India in this one-day series and obviously the Test series that follows.”
"In the short term I am committed because now I have been picked for the series, but in the long term I think it is best for me and Indian cricket that I focus on Test cricket."
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Yuvraj successfully crosses Trent Bridge
It was not his defining innings. Yet it carried a lot of meaning - for him and for India. Yuvraj Singh was returning to Test cricket after a year-long hiatus in his fitful eight-year career in the longer form of the game. As the Man of the 2011 World Cup, and India's heartbeat in the tournament, walked into a sunny Trent Bridge arena, the English fans, led by the boisterous Barmy Army parked inside the Fox Road stand, started jeering. Used to taunts from much larger crowds in India, Yuvraj walked onto the field languidly. From afar, his body language suggested he would rather be sitting and sipping English tea in the beautiful dressing-room balcony.
Andrew Strauss crowded Yuvraj with four slips, a gully, point and a short leg. Immediately, James Anderson piped out two absolute jaffas that beat Yuvraj and had him jumping and rolling his eyes. "Welcome back to Test cricket," Anderson and Co. might have jibed. Off his fifth delivery, against Stuart Broad, he played softly into the hands of Kevin Pietersen at gully. Luckily the man who had labelled Yuvraj as a "pie chucker" let the easiest offering of the day slip through.
Tim Bresnan replaced Anderson, and he and Broad tried hurrying up Yuvraj with seam movement and surprise bounce. But as the minutes passed, Yuvraj settled down.
For a man coming out of the cold, Yuvraj showed an amazing ability to time the ball whenever he thought he could hit it. This was his first international match after the World Cup; he missed out on the Caribbean trip because of a lung infection he picked up during the IPL.
His position in the squad had raised a few eyebrows especially since he has never been an automatic selection in Tests over the years. He has made eight comebacks in as many years, destined to do the 12th-man duties whenever he returned. But as witnessed during the World Cup, there is a certain calmness to Yuvraj these days. Viewed wrongly, it could be judged as being aloof. But in fact he has worked hard to understand his game and his shortcomings. He has probably started accepting them and that has allowed him to move on.
Today he did not let those early hurdles stop him. With the sun out and the ball old, he understood Graeme Swann, who had not bowled till the second session, would be given the ball. England might have been confident considering the world's No.1 spinner has a terrific record against left-handers. That and Yuvraj's well-recorded troubles facing spin gave hope to the hosts.
It was also a critical time for India. After the quick departures of Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina, Rahul Dravid needed a man who could stand his ground and not get drawn into erroneous strokes. An angry Dravid had charged over to Yuvraj after Pietersen's spill and advised him.
Swann's entry only eased Yuvraj's nerves as he played with freedom both on the back foot as well as on the up. His timing was perfect as he unleashed a wide array of strokes - the sweep, the powerful cut, the flowing cover drive through silly mid-off and cover. A pull over midwicket for four off Swann took Yuvraj to a brisk fifty. Dravid, this time, joined the crowd in their applause and congratulated Yuvraj, showing how much confidence he had derived from, and had in, Yuvraj.
"After we lost Sachin there was some pressure, and then we lost Suresh. I thought Yuvraj played really well and that partnership was really good," Dravid said at the end of the day. "We knew that 60-80 over period before the new ball was crucial and there was not much help for the spinners. So we needed to cash in and Yuvraj played some shots and got to a good score."
Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding felt England had missed a trick by not persisting with the fast men against Yuvraj. His reasoning was that Yuvraj had shown he was suspect against the moving ball and at times against the fast, short delivery. Yuvraj, though, did not panic as Raina had during his brief stint at the crease. In fact, after the early jitters, Yuvraj became more assured about which balls to leave and when to go for his shots. With Dravid at the other end, he understood how to construct an innings and not throw away a start.
Yuvraj's 128-run partnership with Dravid seemed to have put India on course for a total of 400, a score that would have put England under the cosh. That did not happen. But in those 132 minutes, Yuvraj showed he belonged. He showed he could adapt and learn quickly from his mistakes. It was a partnership that has kept India in the game and given them a slight edge.
If India go on to level the series, Yuvraj will definitely provide a headache for the team management. But they won't mind it.
Andrew Strauss crowded Yuvraj with four slips, a gully, point and a short leg. Immediately, James Anderson piped out two absolute jaffas that beat Yuvraj and had him jumping and rolling his eyes. "Welcome back to Test cricket," Anderson and Co. might have jibed. Off his fifth delivery, against Stuart Broad, he played softly into the hands of Kevin Pietersen at gully. Luckily the man who had labelled Yuvraj as a "pie chucker" let the easiest offering of the day slip through.
Tim Bresnan replaced Anderson, and he and Broad tried hurrying up Yuvraj with seam movement and surprise bounce. But as the minutes passed, Yuvraj settled down.
For a man coming out of the cold, Yuvraj showed an amazing ability to time the ball whenever he thought he could hit it. This was his first international match after the World Cup; he missed out on the Caribbean trip because of a lung infection he picked up during the IPL.
His position in the squad had raised a few eyebrows especially since he has never been an automatic selection in Tests over the years. He has made eight comebacks in as many years, destined to do the 12th-man duties whenever he returned. But as witnessed during the World Cup, there is a certain calmness to Yuvraj these days. Viewed wrongly, it could be judged as being aloof. But in fact he has worked hard to understand his game and his shortcomings. He has probably started accepting them and that has allowed him to move on.
Today he did not let those early hurdles stop him. With the sun out and the ball old, he understood Graeme Swann, who had not bowled till the second session, would be given the ball. England might have been confident considering the world's No.1 spinner has a terrific record against left-handers. That and Yuvraj's well-recorded troubles facing spin gave hope to the hosts.
It was also a critical time for India. After the quick departures of Sachin Tendulkar and Suresh Raina, Rahul Dravid needed a man who could stand his ground and not get drawn into erroneous strokes. An angry Dravid had charged over to Yuvraj after Pietersen's spill and advised him.
Swann's entry only eased Yuvraj's nerves as he played with freedom both on the back foot as well as on the up. His timing was perfect as he unleashed a wide array of strokes - the sweep, the powerful cut, the flowing cover drive through silly mid-off and cover. A pull over midwicket for four off Swann took Yuvraj to a brisk fifty. Dravid, this time, joined the crowd in their applause and congratulated Yuvraj, showing how much confidence he had derived from, and had in, Yuvraj.
"After we lost Sachin there was some pressure, and then we lost Suresh. I thought Yuvraj played really well and that partnership was really good," Dravid said at the end of the day. "We knew that 60-80 over period before the new ball was crucial and there was not much help for the spinners. So we needed to cash in and Yuvraj played some shots and got to a good score."
Former West Indies fast bowler Michael Holding felt England had missed a trick by not persisting with the fast men against Yuvraj. His reasoning was that Yuvraj had shown he was suspect against the moving ball and at times against the fast, short delivery. Yuvraj, though, did not panic as Raina had during his brief stint at the crease. In fact, after the early jitters, Yuvraj became more assured about which balls to leave and when to go for his shots. With Dravid at the other end, he understood how to construct an innings and not throw away a start.
Yuvraj's 128-run partnership with Dravid seemed to have put India on course for a total of 400, a score that would have put England under the cosh. That did not happen. But in those 132 minutes, Yuvraj showed he belonged. He showed he could adapt and learn quickly from his mistakes. It was a partnership that has kept India in the game and given them a slight edge.
If India go on to level the series, Yuvraj will definitely provide a headache for the team management. But they won't mind it.
India can bounce back against England: Kirsten
Even as India reel under the pressure of a 0-1 deficit after the loss at Lord's in the opening Test to England, they have some words of solace from their World Cup-winning coach Gary Kirsten, who believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni & Co are more than capable of making a comeback in the four-Test series.
MiD DAY spoke to the former opening batsman, and now coach of the South African team, here in his hometown.
Excerpts
Do you think England can snatch the World No 1 tag from India?
India have a lot of pride at stake here. They've become the No 1 team in the world after putting in a lot of hard work. I must admit that I'm not following the series closely, but I won't be surprised if India bounce back in the next Test and stage a comeback in the series. This Indian team is more than capable of doing that, after all they are the best team in the world.
From a foreign set-up (in India) you now head into a more familiar South African set-up with former teammate Allan Donald to assist you in coaching duties. You think you will be more comfortable and as successful here?
Firstly, I never applied for this job (SA coach). It just happened. So there was obviously no planning involved. Secondly, for me, it's never been about the coaching staff. It's always been about the players. It's the players, who make the assignment what it is. And it's been a privilege and honour for me to share the dressing room with some high-performance players like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and others. South Africa too is a high-performance team, so I'm sure it will be a great experience with them too.
Speaking of the Indian team dressing room, what's the atmosphere like, with the likes of the Tendulkars and the Dravids sharing space with a host of youngsters?
It's one of the calmest places to be. The senior players know exactly what they need to do both on and off the field. On field, players like VVS, Sachin and Dravid work the hardest and hit the maximum number of balls and that sure is an inspiration to any younger player. Without the senior lot, this Indian team would never have been what it is.
How would you sum up your India coaching stint?
I spent most of my time forming a relationship with players, bonding with them and trying to understand them. I only helped them with one or two things they needed. I think that's how a coach should go about his job.
Your style of coaching is that of being a very behind-the-scenes person. Is that the way you are in personal life too and has that been the secret to your success?
I believe a coach has to be behind the scenes. He forms a relationship with the players and only helps when needed. He need not be the one shouting on the top of his voice and going atop podiums to assert his presence. That's for players to do because it is they who soak in all the pressure when they go in to bat in front of millions of fans. The success is theirs for the taking. I've never liked to be the one taking any publicity. I always prefer to stay away from the spotlight and that has worked for me.
Could you recall the World Cup campaign?
The build-up (to the WC) for us was in trying to get individual players to rise from their individual performances and perform for the team in times of crises. In fact, besides winning the World Cup, we set ourselves the target of becoming the No 1 team in the world. And for this, we needed individuals to fight for a team cause. We worked towards getting individuals to making game-changing contributions to the team. VVS (Laxman) is one great example of this. He has been one of the greatest teammen I've ever come across.
What would be your most memorable non-cricketing experience in India?
I've had a lot of exciting experiences during my two-year stay in India, but I think the most exciting should be the time when I went skiing up north in the Himalayas. That was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
The Indian Premier League is an exciting place to be. When do we see you there?
It sure is, but I won't be there for the next two years at least, because I'm contracted with cricket South Africa for that period.
There have been talks of the BCCI being the all-powerful and influential body when it comes to key decision-making in world cricket and until now you've been on their side with Team India. Henceforth you will be in opposite camps. What's your take on that?
I don't really look at it that way. For me, if the game is run in a fair and exciting way at the global level, that's all what matters. I think the BCCI realises that too.
MiD DAY spoke to the former opening batsman, and now coach of the South African team, here in his hometown.
Excerpts
Do you think England can snatch the World No 1 tag from India?
India have a lot of pride at stake here. They've become the No 1 team in the world after putting in a lot of hard work. I must admit that I'm not following the series closely, but I won't be surprised if India bounce back in the next Test and stage a comeback in the series. This Indian team is more than capable of doing that, after all they are the best team in the world.
From a foreign set-up (in India) you now head into a more familiar South African set-up with former teammate Allan Donald to assist you in coaching duties. You think you will be more comfortable and as successful here?
Firstly, I never applied for this job (SA coach). It just happened. So there was obviously no planning involved. Secondly, for me, it's never been about the coaching staff. It's always been about the players. It's the players, who make the assignment what it is. And it's been a privilege and honour for me to share the dressing room with some high-performance players like Sachin Tendulkar, VVS Laxman, Rahul Dravid, MS Dhoni, and others. South Africa too is a high-performance team, so I'm sure it will be a great experience with them too.
Speaking of the Indian team dressing room, what's the atmosphere like, with the likes of the Tendulkars and the Dravids sharing space with a host of youngsters?
It's one of the calmest places to be. The senior players know exactly what they need to do both on and off the field. On field, players like VVS, Sachin and Dravid work the hardest and hit the maximum number of balls and that sure is an inspiration to any younger player. Without the senior lot, this Indian team would never have been what it is.
How would you sum up your India coaching stint?
I spent most of my time forming a relationship with players, bonding with them and trying to understand them. I only helped them with one or two things they needed. I think that's how a coach should go about his job.
Your style of coaching is that of being a very behind-the-scenes person. Is that the way you are in personal life too and has that been the secret to your success?
I believe a coach has to be behind the scenes. He forms a relationship with the players and only helps when needed. He need not be the one shouting on the top of his voice and going atop podiums to assert his presence. That's for players to do because it is they who soak in all the pressure when they go in to bat in front of millions of fans. The success is theirs for the taking. I've never liked to be the one taking any publicity. I always prefer to stay away from the spotlight and that has worked for me.
Could you recall the World Cup campaign?
The build-up (to the WC) for us was in trying to get individual players to rise from their individual performances and perform for the team in times of crises. In fact, besides winning the World Cup, we set ourselves the target of becoming the No 1 team in the world. And for this, we needed individuals to fight for a team cause. We worked towards getting individuals to making game-changing contributions to the team. VVS (Laxman) is one great example of this. He has been one of the greatest teammen I've ever come across.
What would be your most memorable non-cricketing experience in India?
I've had a lot of exciting experiences during my two-year stay in India, but I think the most exciting should be the time when I went skiing up north in the Himalayas. That was one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life.
The Indian Premier League is an exciting place to be. When do we see you there?
It sure is, but I won't be there for the next two years at least, because I'm contracted with cricket South Africa for that period.
There have been talks of the BCCI being the all-powerful and influential body when it comes to key decision-making in world cricket and until now you've been on their side with Team India. Henceforth you will be in opposite camps. What's your take on that?
I don't really look at it that way. For me, if the game is run in a fair and exciting way at the global level, that's all what matters. I think the BCCI realises that too.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
The turning points at Lord's
How did India lose the first Test?
Bikash Mohapatra, who watched the Lord's Test, identifies the turning points in the game
Bikash Mohapatra, who watched the Lord's Test, identifies the turning points in the game.
It has to be Zaheer Khan's going off the field in the 40th over. When he left the ground, his figures were impressive: 13.3 overs, 8 maidens, a mere 18 runs and 2 wickets.
In the last ball of his sixth over, he trapped Alastair Cook -- the English star during the Ashes tour in Australia -- plumb in front.
Then, in the fourth over after lunch, he had his bunny, Andrew Strauss, caught by Ishant Sharma at fine-leg. It was the sixth time that Zaheer had accounted for the England captain.
M S Dhoni brought back Zaheer for his third spell in the 38th over. It was the first time in the match that Zaheer had bowled from the Pavilion End, having bowled his earlier spells from the Nursery End.
Zak would have had Jonathan Trott (then on 32) too, but an edge flew between Dhoni and Rahul Dravid to the fence. The boundary was the first runs in 34 balls off Zaheer's bowling.
Zak could bowl only three balls in his next over before leaving the field with a pulled hamstring. That allowed England to claw back into the game.
Day 2: Pietersen's double put England in command
Kevin Pietersen's spectacular, unbeaten, double hundred helped England post a formidable 474 for eight.
The 326-ball 202*, inclusive of 21 hits to the fence and one over it, was the 31-year-old's first double century against India (his third overall).
KP was involved in four substantial partnerships that helped the English cause -- the 98-run third-wicket stand with Jonathan Trott (70); the 110-run fourth wicket stand with Ian Bell (45); the 120 runs for the sixth wicket with Matt Prior (74); the quickfire 61 in partnership with Graeme Swann (24) for the eighth.
KP's final 50 runs came off just 25 balls, underlining his dominance of the Indian bowling attack.
Day 3: Dravid to India's rescue, yet again
Rahul Dravid's classic century ensured that England bat a second time.
With the top Indian batsmen -- Sachin Tendulkar included -- failing to make runs on a classic Lord's wicket, The Wall rescued India, yet again.
His 103 not out highlighted the patience and resilience that has come to mark his illustrious career. The 220-ball elegant knock had 15 hits to the fence.
Fifteen years ago, in his debut Test, Dravid had fallen five short of a century at Lord's. He made up this time, perhaps the last time Lord's will see the great man in a Test.
It was Dravid's 33rd Test hundred, his seventh against England, the most he has scored against any nation.
When he was on 50, Dravid became the second highest scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Ricky Ponting (12,363 runs). Only Tendulkar has scored more Test runs (14,726).
Day 4: Prior's ton boosts England
When was the last time two batsman scored a numerically identical unbeaten Test ton?
Matt Prior's 103 not out was equal to Rahul Dravid's similar century not only numerically, but also in the way it rescued his side.
When the English wicket-keeper came into bat, England were on the ropes, tottering after a magnificent Ishant Sharma spell.
When Prior hit a boundary to reach his hundred, England were way ahead, having declared their second innings at 269 for six, setting India an improbable 458 to win.
The 29-year-old's 120-ball ton, with five fours and one six, was his sixth Test hundred, his first against India.
Joining Prior at 107 for 6, Stuart Broad -- the leading wicket-taker (four wickets) in the Indian first innings -- scored an attacking 74 not out, boosting his already impressive record at Lord's, where he scored a century against Pakistan last year.
The 25-year-old's seventh Test half century was made in 90 balls with nine boundaries.
Prior and Broad's 162-run partnership also set up England's highest seventh wicket stand against India.
Day 5: Jimmy Anderson's triumph
The final day's morning session sent India off on the road to defeat.
Three batsmen, who could have saved the game, returned to the hut, disappointing their billion fans.
A momentary lapse of concentration saw Rahul Dravid fishing at a wide delivery from James Anderson; Matt Prior made no mistake.
'Jammy' Dravid's reaction was instant -- he slammed his bat to the ground, his frustration evident.
Dravid's dismissal brought to an end his 75-run partnership for the second wicket with V V S Laxman.
Anderson replaced Stuart Broad in the 48th over and struck first ball; Laxman meekly holing out to Ian Bell at midwicket. What a poor stroke from the man who has fought back from the cusp of defeat time and time again!
In the very next over, Graham Swann had Gautam Gambhir, the architect of India's great fightback against New Zealand at Napier two years ago, leg before.
The visitors were 142 for four at lunch. And though they had Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni still, the battle was lost.
Source: rediff
Bikash Mohapatra, who watched the Lord's Test, identifies the turning points in the game
Bikash Mohapatra, who watched the Lord's Test, identifies the turning points in the game.
It has to be Zaheer Khan's going off the field in the 40th over. When he left the ground, his figures were impressive: 13.3 overs, 8 maidens, a mere 18 runs and 2 wickets.
In the last ball of his sixth over, he trapped Alastair Cook -- the English star during the Ashes tour in Australia -- plumb in front.
Then, in the fourth over after lunch, he had his bunny, Andrew Strauss, caught by Ishant Sharma at fine-leg. It was the sixth time that Zaheer had accounted for the England captain.
M S Dhoni brought back Zaheer for his third spell in the 38th over. It was the first time in the match that Zaheer had bowled from the Pavilion End, having bowled his earlier spells from the Nursery End.
Zak would have had Jonathan Trott (then on 32) too, but an edge flew between Dhoni and Rahul Dravid to the fence. The boundary was the first runs in 34 balls off Zaheer's bowling.
Zak could bowl only three balls in his next over before leaving the field with a pulled hamstring. That allowed England to claw back into the game.
Day 2: Pietersen's double put England in command
Kevin Pietersen's spectacular, unbeaten, double hundred helped England post a formidable 474 for eight.
The 326-ball 202*, inclusive of 21 hits to the fence and one over it, was the 31-year-old's first double century against India (his third overall).
KP was involved in four substantial partnerships that helped the English cause -- the 98-run third-wicket stand with Jonathan Trott (70); the 110-run fourth wicket stand with Ian Bell (45); the 120 runs for the sixth wicket with Matt Prior (74); the quickfire 61 in partnership with Graeme Swann (24) for the eighth.
KP's final 50 runs came off just 25 balls, underlining his dominance of the Indian bowling attack.
Day 3: Dravid to India's rescue, yet again
Rahul Dravid's classic century ensured that England bat a second time.
With the top Indian batsmen -- Sachin Tendulkar included -- failing to make runs on a classic Lord's wicket, The Wall rescued India, yet again.
His 103 not out highlighted the patience and resilience that has come to mark his illustrious career. The 220-ball elegant knock had 15 hits to the fence.
Fifteen years ago, in his debut Test, Dravid had fallen five short of a century at Lord's. He made up this time, perhaps the last time Lord's will see the great man in a Test.
It was Dravid's 33rd Test hundred, his seventh against England, the most he has scored against any nation.
When he was on 50, Dravid became the second highest scorer in Test cricket, surpassing Ricky Ponting (12,363 runs). Only Tendulkar has scored more Test runs (14,726).
Day 4: Prior's ton boosts England
When was the last time two batsman scored a numerically identical unbeaten Test ton?
Matt Prior's 103 not out was equal to Rahul Dravid's similar century not only numerically, but also in the way it rescued his side.
When the English wicket-keeper came into bat, England were on the ropes, tottering after a magnificent Ishant Sharma spell.
When Prior hit a boundary to reach his hundred, England were way ahead, having declared their second innings at 269 for six, setting India an improbable 458 to win.
The 29-year-old's 120-ball ton, with five fours and one six, was his sixth Test hundred, his first against India.
Joining Prior at 107 for 6, Stuart Broad -- the leading wicket-taker (four wickets) in the Indian first innings -- scored an attacking 74 not out, boosting his already impressive record at Lord's, where he scored a century against Pakistan last year.
The 25-year-old's seventh Test half century was made in 90 balls with nine boundaries.
Prior and Broad's 162-run partnership also set up England's highest seventh wicket stand against India.
Day 5: Jimmy Anderson's triumph
The final day's morning session sent India off on the road to defeat.
Three batsmen, who could have saved the game, returned to the hut, disappointing their billion fans.
A momentary lapse of concentration saw Rahul Dravid fishing at a wide delivery from James Anderson; Matt Prior made no mistake.
'Jammy' Dravid's reaction was instant -- he slammed his bat to the ground, his frustration evident.
Dravid's dismissal brought to an end his 75-run partnership for the second wicket with V V S Laxman.
Anderson replaced Stuart Broad in the 48th over and struck first ball; Laxman meekly holing out to Ian Bell at midwicket. What a poor stroke from the man who has fought back from the cusp of defeat time and time again!
In the very next over, Graham Swann had Gautam Gambhir, the architect of India's great fightback against New Zealand at Napier two years ago, leg before.
The visitors were 142 for four at lunch. And though they had Sachin Tendulkar and Mahendra Singh Dhoni still, the battle was lost.
Source: rediff
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