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.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
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
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
To beat India in India bigger than winning the Ashes
Having won back to back Ashes series, Andrew Strauss , as England captain, should have every right to claim and say that he has reached the peak of international cricket, but no, he wants to beat India in India.Why? Because he thinks it is bigger than winning the Ashes.
According to the Daily Mail, Strauss regards taking India on in his and their backyard is the next level of development for measuring England's progress as a cricketing nation.
"Although, we will always value the Ashes, it is important to look beyond, at India and South Africa , to look to defeat these guys consistently, too, home and away," says Strauss.
Andrew Strauss"I've never beaten India in a Test series and, if we want to be the best side in the world, we've got to start by doing that. I'd say to win in India would be bigger than winning the Ashes in Australia because the conditions are even more foreign," he adds.
"Winning out there seemed a very difficult thing to do because we had all grown up with England being demolished in Australia, but there are plenty of other challenges. We can't just dwell on that one. It's over," Strauss says.
Strauss was speaking ahead of the release of his book -- Winning The Ashes Down Under: The Captain's Story -- on May 26.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Meet the one-man armies
Cricket is a team sport, they say.
However, there are instances galore when an individual has stood tall with a towering effort -- either with the ball or bat (or both) and taken his team home.
This edition of the Twenty20 extravaganza is no different.
It is fact that the four teams that have progressed to the play-offs have done so because of the collective effort of the 11 players involved.
However, there were a few matches in the competition when an individual effort outshone a team's. The reference here is to significant solo performances by a player that took the team through against all odds.
With the league phase meaning 70 out 74 matches over, we take a look at a few individual efforts that stood out, the one-man shows that handed the opposition a big blow.
Malinga's fiver skittled Delhi out for a paltry 95
Lasith Malinga (Mumbai Indians)
It is irony that the first significant individual effort in what is largely a batsman-friendly format came from a bowler.
Lasith Malinga was one of the few players to be retained by their franchisees and he expressed his gratitude with a brilliant effort early on in the tournament against Delhi Daredevils at the Feroz Shah Kotla.
Also read: 'I didn't know how to bowl a yorker'
The Sri Lankan quick took five for 13 to rip through the Delhi batting order and help his team dismiss their hosts for a paltry 95 (in 17.4 overs).
Mumbai Indians eased home by eight wickets.
Malinga has since led the bowler's standings and will certainly end the tournament as the highest wicket-taker, with the 'Purple Cap' on his head.
However, if there was one performance from him that stood out, it is the one mentioned above.
Two of Valthaty's efforts stood out
Paul Valthaty (Kings XI Punjab)
Paul Valthaty, playing his first season for Kings XI Punjab, was one of the biggest surprises in the tournament with 463 runs.
And it wasn't one but two of his efforts that stood out.
The first came against defending champions Chennai Super Kings, when he displayed tremendous resolve to score a spectacular 120, his 63-ball innings inclusive of 19 hits to the fence and two over it.
During the course of the innings he put on 61 runs for the opening wicket with his captain Adam Gilchrist (19) and an unbeaten 57 runs for the fifth wicket with Dinesh Karthik (21) as Punjab, chasing an improbable 189, romped home with five balls to spare in Mohali.
Valthaty followed it up with an equally impressive effort against former champions Deccan Chargers in Uppal.
The 27-year-old first took four for 29 to help Punjab restrict Deccan to 165 and then completed an all-round show by scoring a 47-ball 75, a knock that was inclusive of eight boundaries and five maximums.
En route to his match-winning knock, he put on a significant 136 runs (in just 14 overs) for the opening wicket with captain Gilchrist (61) as Punjab won by eight wickets with a whopping 14 balls to spare.
McCullum's knock upstaged Tendulkar's maiden IPL ton
Brendon McCullum (Kochi Tuskers Kerala)
His master class 158 not out for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Chinnaswamy stadium in the first ever Indian Premier League match is still afresh in the memory of the quintessential cricket fan.
Having moved to debutants Kochi Tuskers Kerala this season, the New Zealander didn't exactly set the stage on fire. Nonetheless, there were glimpses of his abilities during the tournament.
His most significant effort with the blade, a spectacular 81 against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede, helped his side score a seemingly improbable away win.
When Mumbai put on 182 batting first, few would have put their money on the Kochi outfit, down in the dumps after successive opening losses and playing away from home, making a match out of it, let alone win.
However, McCullum exploded that day, his 60-ball knock inclusive of 10 boundaries and two maximums. He put on 128 runs, in just 83 balls, with captain Mahela Jayawardene (56) to lay the foundation for the upset win.
McCullum's knock upstaged Sachin Tendulkar's maiden IPL ton (100) earlier in the day. Another rarity this!
Has single-handedly turned Bangalore's fortunes
Chris Gayle (Royal Challengers Bangalore)
The West Indies player has single-handedly turned the fortunes of Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Left unsold in the auctions in January, Chris Gayle came in as a replacement for Dirk Nannes when RCB was in a precarious state, having lost three of their opening five matches and a fourth being a wash-out.
And when Kolkata Knight Riders scored 171, batting first in Eden Gardens, RCB seemed destined for a fourth defeat.
It was at this stage that a 'Gayle storm' hit Eden. The former Windies captain, playing his first game this season and against his former team, hit a whirlwind 55-ball 102 not out, a knock that was inclusive of 10 hits to the fence and seven over it.
During the course of his innings he also featured in two vital partnerships, of 123 runs (in just 73 balls) with Tillekeratne Dilshan (38) for the first wicket and another 52 runs with Virat Kohli (30 not out) for the second wicket as Bangalore won with 11 balls to spare.
Gayle followed it up with a 49-ball 107 against Kings XI Punjab, a knock that included 10 boundaries and nine maximums and helped RCB notch 205 for six in their stipulated 20 overs.
The 31-year-old completed an all-round effort, with figures of three for 21, that helped restrict Punjab to a paltry 120 for nine, thereby ensuring an 85-run win.
His 44-ball 70 not out against Rajasthan in Jaipur -- that helped RCB chase 147 in 17 overs and his 12-ball 38 vs KKR in a rain-curtailed game in Bangalore were also significant efforts.
So was his unbeaten 75 against Chennai Super Kings that helped Bangalore seal top spot in the league.
Ishant's spell reduced Kochi to 11 for six
Ishant Sharma (Deccan Chargers)
Another bowling effort makes its way into this list; on this occasion, an unusual, albeit significant one.
Ishant Sharma hasn't been exactly impressive in this edition and certainly not among the wickets, save one match.
Deccan Chargers seemed down and out when they were restricted to 129 by Kochi Tuskers Kerala at the Nehru stadium (Kochi).
Also read: Of Ishant Sharma...and his many no-balls
However, Dale Steyn gave them hope by accounting for the dangerous Brendon McCullum (0) in the first over. And then Ishant took over.
In his first over, the second of the innings, the 22-year-old accounted for Parthiv Patel (0) and Raiphi Gomez (0) in successive balls and Brad Hodge (0) two balls later.
Kedar Jadhav (0) was accounted for in the first ball of his second over and the last ball of the same over witnessed the dismissal of Kochi captain Mahela Jayawardene (4).
Kochi had been reduced to 11 for six at the end of the fourth over in their own backyard.
Nobody would have expected them to recover thereafter. And they didn't, getting all out for 74.
As regards Ishant, his figures made for an impressive reading (3-0-12-5). Had it not been for those five wickets, the Delhi player wouldn't have reached double figures in the final tally he finished with 11 wickets in the tournament
Delhi's few wins were courtesy their captain
Virender Sehwag (Delhi Daredevils)
Delhi Daredevils ended up with the wooden spoon in this edition and were the most disappointing outfit, to say the least.
The few games they did manage to win were courtesy their skipper, Virender Sehwag.
Also read: Sehwag dares to drive the Devils
The most significant of Sehwag's innings came in an away match against Deccan Chargers.
When the Chargers put up a formidable score (175) and reduced Delhi to 25 for three in the fourth over, few expected the latter to recover.
Sehwag though had other ideas.
He scored 119 and was involved in two significant partnerships - 61 runs (in only 28 balls) for the fourth wicket with Travis Birt (4) and another 67 runs (in just 36 balls) for the fifth wicket with Irfan Pathan (12).
Sehwag's 56-ball knock, that was inclusive of 13 hits to the fence and six over it, ensured his team a comfortable four-wicket win with an over to spare.
The 32-year-old's 47-ball 80, with eight boundaries and five maximums, was another impressive effort, helping Delhi score a 38-run win over Kochi in an away tie.
The Gilly juggernaut rolled on
Adam Gilchrist (Kings XI Punjab)
Adam Gilchrist was consistent in the tournament, without being spectacular.
However, his new team, Kings XI Punjab, grossly underperformed. So much so that after nine matches, they were in a must-win situation needing to win all their five games to stand a chance of qualifying for the play-offs.
It was time for Gilchrist to step up. The 40-year-old's astute captaincy ensured his team wins in their next three matches.
However, in their penultimate game, they faced Royal Challengers Bangalore, a team that had not lost in its last seven games.
A Gilchrist master class was long overdue and it happened that day in Dharamsala, the Australian scoring a magnificent 55-ball 106 inclusive of eight boundaries and nine maximums to help Punjab to 232 for two, the highest total in this edition thus far.
En route was a record 206-run second wicket stand with Shaun Marsh (79 not out). In the process, he became only the second player (after Chris Gayle) to have scored two IPL hundreds. The Gilly juggernaut didn't stop there.
A spectacular catch off the ninth ball off Ryan Harris helped dismiss the in-form Chris Gayle (0) and derail the Bangalore chase right at the start. The visitors were 121 all out in 17 overs and Punjab won by a huge margin (111 runs).
The team from Mohali may have failed to cross the final hurdle losing their final game against Deccan Chargers but Gilchrist (383 runs in 14 matches) did enough to ensure his team owners want him back for another season.
Watson ensured Warne a memorable farewell
Shane Watson (Rajasthan Royals)
He came into the tournament with increased expectations, having scored a mammoth 185 not out in an ODI against Bangladesh.
Shane Watson though flattered to deceive, scoring just 241 runs in his first 10 innings for Rajasthan Royals.
Also read: Am surprised at how well I bowled
However, the 29-year-old reserved his best for last.
The occasion was momentous it was captain Shane Warne's last IPL match and Watson ensured his compatriot's farewell was a memorable one.
The Australian first took three for 19 in his four overs to help restrict Mumbai Indians to a modest 133 for five.
Watson then shone with the bat with a spectacular 47-ball 89 not out, a knock that was inclusive of nine hits to the fence and six over it. And his unbeaten opening stand of 134 (in just 79 balls) with Rahul Dravid (43 not out) ensured Rajasthan a comprehensive 10-wicket win at the Wankhede.
Warne later admitted that Watson had apologized to him three or four times for not being able to do the same earlier.
Source: Rediff.com
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Don't put the blame entirely on Akmal
The coach denied the possibility of another stumper taking charge from Kamran.
"We can think of making any changes only after the World Cup," reasoned Waqar.
"Right now we are in the middle of the tournament and I don't think it is possible to make any changes at this stage," he added.
However, the coach offered a solution as well.
"We have five days before our next game, so efforts will be made to iron out at least some of his flaws, for it is impossible to correct everything that is wrong with his wicket-keeping in such span. But we will make sure he won't the same mistakes again," Waqar said.
The Pakistan coach also admitted his team had failed as a unit.
"Giving a chance to a player like Ross Taylor was obviously the turning point," said Waqar.
"He is one of their best batsmen and we gave him two chances in three balls.
"That definitely cost us the game," he added.
However, Waqar didn't buy the argument that Kamran was to be solely blamed for the blunder.
"We bowled poorly in the end also. Shoaib (Akhtar) and (Abdul) Razzaq gave away 50-60 runs in two overs," explained Waqar.
"So don't put the blame only on Akmal," he stated.
The Pakistan coach also admitted his team had failed as a unit.
"Giving a chance to a player like Ross Taylor was obviously the turning point," said Waqar.
"He is one of their best batsmen and we gave him two chances in three balls.
"That definitely cost us the game," he added.
However, Waqar didn't buy the argument that Kamran was to be solely blamed for the blunder.
"We bowled poorly in the end also. Shoaib (Akhtar) and (Abdul) Razzaq gave away 50-60 runs in two overs," explained Waqar.
"So don't put the blame only on Akmal," he stated.
"We can think of making any changes only after the World Cup," reasoned Waqar.
"Right now we are in the middle of the tournament and I don't think it is possible to make any changes at this stage," he added.
However, the coach offered a solution as well.
"We have five days before our next game, so efforts will be made to iron out at least some of his flaws, for it is impossible to correct everything that is wrong with his wicket-keeping in such span. But we will make sure he won't the same mistakes again," Waqar said.
The Pakistan coach also admitted his team had failed as a unit.
"Giving a chance to a player like Ross Taylor was obviously the turning point," said Waqar.
"He is one of their best batsmen and we gave him two chances in three balls.
"That definitely cost us the game," he added.
However, Waqar didn't buy the argument that Kamran was to be solely blamed for the blunder.
"We bowled poorly in the end also. Shoaib (Akhtar) and (Abdul) Razzaq gave away 50-60 runs in two overs," explained Waqar.
"So don't put the blame only on Akmal," he stated.
The Pakistan coach also admitted his team had failed as a unit.
"Giving a chance to a player like Ross Taylor was obviously the turning point," said Waqar.
"He is one of their best batsmen and we gave him two chances in three balls.
"That definitely cost us the game," he added.
However, Waqar didn't buy the argument that Kamran was to be solely blamed for the blunder.
"We bowled poorly in the end also. Shoaib (Akhtar) and (Abdul) Razzaq gave away 50-60 runs in two overs," explained Waqar.
"So don't put the blame only on Akmal," he stated.
Pak media puts Akmal in the firing line
There's something that is common between the Indian and the Pakistan media as regards their coverage.
The fourth estate in both the countries goes overboard praising a player after his success and over-critical of a player after his blemishes.
On Tuesday, Kamran Akmal was in the firing line yet again.
Having come under the net over the spot-fixing controversy in recent times, the Pakistani stumper was again ripped apart by his country's media for putting down two straightforward chances.
And the beneficiary of the benevolence, Ross Taylor, went on to make a spectacular hundred to help New Zealand thrash Pakistan by 110 runs.
Akmal first failed to hold to an edge (induced off Shoaib Akhtar's bowling) -- when Taylor was yet to open his account. And two balls later, he went to drop a regulation chance when Taylor had made four.
Taylor, who turned 27 on Tuesday, used his fortune to good effect scoring a massive 131 not out.
No wonder Kamran was vilified by the media. His blemishes in the controversial Sydney Test are still afresh in the mind.
"You can put the blame on anyone now that we have lost the match," admitted Waqar Younis. "But I don't think it is right to blame anyone," he added in defence of Akmal.
The Pakistan coach further went on to defend his player.
"Agreed our wicket-keeper left a lot to be desired and the chances that were dropped were sitters -- he dropped a few catches that really cost us the game -- fair enough, it was a bad day for him. But in cricket that happens," explained Waqar.
The fourth estate in both the countries goes overboard praising a player after his success and over-critical of a player after his blemishes.
On Tuesday, Kamran Akmal was in the firing line yet again.
Having come under the net over the spot-fixing controversy in recent times, the Pakistani stumper was again ripped apart by his country's media for putting down two straightforward chances.
And the beneficiary of the benevolence, Ross Taylor, went on to make a spectacular hundred to help New Zealand thrash Pakistan by 110 runs.
Akmal first failed to hold to an edge (induced off Shoaib Akhtar's bowling) -- when Taylor was yet to open his account. And two balls later, he went to drop a regulation chance when Taylor had made four.
Taylor, who turned 27 on Tuesday, used his fortune to good effect scoring a massive 131 not out.
No wonder Kamran was vilified by the media. His blemishes in the controversial Sydney Test are still afresh in the mind.
"You can put the blame on anyone now that we have lost the match," admitted Waqar Younis. "But I don't think it is right to blame anyone," he added in defence of Akmal.
The Pakistan coach further went on to defend his player.
"Agreed our wicket-keeper left a lot to be desired and the chances that were dropped were sitters -- he dropped a few catches that really cost us the game -- fair enough, it was a bad day for him. But in cricket that happens," explained Waqar.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Fans seeking tickets lathicharged in Nagpur
Fans clamouring to buy tickets for the India-South Africa match on Saturday, March 12, were lathicharged outside the Vidarbha Cricket Association in Nagpur on Tuesday morning. (Watch)
There had been a huge crowd outside the stadium since the ticket counters opened at 9am. Many people had even been waiting in line since last night.
Reports said the police had to resort to a mild lathicharge several times since morning to control crowds at the ticket sale counter which has been closed for now.
The Nagpur stadium’s capacity is 45,000, of which 26,000 seats are open for the general public and the tickets are being sold for Rs. 300, 600 and 1000.
There is heavy police deployment at the site.
Late last month, police had lathicharged thousands of fans at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore as they waited to buy tickets for the India-England match.
There had been a huge crowd outside the stadium since the ticket counters opened at 9am. Many people had even been waiting in line since last night.
Reports said the police had to resort to a mild lathicharge several times since morning to control crowds at the ticket sale counter which has been closed for now.
The Nagpur stadium’s capacity is 45,000, of which 26,000 seats are open for the general public and the tickets are being sold for Rs. 300, 600 and 1000.
There is heavy police deployment at the site.
Late last month, police had lathicharged thousands of fans at the Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore as they waited to buy tickets for the India-England match.
All-round Yuvraj demolishes Irish confidence
Yuvraj Singh saved the blushes for India, allowing them to hide the ordinary effort from other spinners, by picking his maiden five-for to restrict Ireland to 207 before he hit an unbeaten fifty to settle India's nerves in a hard-fought win in Bangalore. Ireland enhanced their reputation by defending the target with disciplined bowling and excellent fielding and made India huff and puff to the victory line.
On a dry pitch, where the ball came on slowly, the Indian batsmen preferred to play within themselves and tried to play risk-free cricket but kept losing wickets at regular intervals to keep Ireland interested in the chase. India were 24 for 2 in the sixth over, reached 100 for four at the fall of Virat Kohli in the 24th over, and recovered to 167 for 5 when MS Dhoni exited in the 41st over before Yusuf Pathan flexed his muscles to hasten the end.
Scorecard | Ireland batsman given out despite 2.5m rule
Ireland could have done far better had they not stumbled against Yuvraj's bowling. They were eyeing a 250-plus target after a 113-run third-wicket stand between William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien but a run out opened a window for Yuvraj to trigger a collapse. The most significant moment of the innings came in the 27th over, with Ireland sitting pretty on 122 for 2, when a set Niall O'Brien couldn't make it in time to beat the throw from Virat Kohli in the covers. Dhoni did well to collect the slightly wayward throw and flick it onto the stumps. It was the beginning of the end.
As ever, Yuvraj ambled in like a Sunday-park bowler and as always proved to be street-smart. His art is very simple: he turns the ball slightly but his USP is the variation in pace, using a scrambled seam. He is usually slow and slower but surprises the batsmen with a quicker one. Today, too, he struck to his regular staple diet of slower ones; some were delivered with a round arm, some from higher straighter arm, and some with a crouched bent-knee release to get the ball to skid on.
If you just catch the highlights of his wickets, most would seem like soft dismissals. To an extent they were, but that's the illusion of nothingness he provides the batsmen, who then make seemingly silly mistakes. Andrew White was sucked into edging a flighted delivery to slip, Kevin O'Brien tapped one softly back, Porterfield swatted a short ball straight to cover and John Mooney and Alex Cusack were trapped by skidders that came in with the arm. When White fell in the 30th over, Ireland were 129 for 4 and by the time Yuvraj got Cusack, Ireland had slid to 184 in the 44th over.
Until then, India were looking really ragged in the field. Only Zaheer Khan bowled well to take two early wickets and William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien played risk-free cricket to lay a good platform. Their case was helped by some ordinary bowling from the spinners. Harbhajan Singh looked off-key, straying on to the pads once too often, Yusuf Pathan erred on length, often dragging them short, and Piyush Chawla hit the wrong lines.
None of that profligacy was seen in Ireland's bowling effort. Trent Johnston, who is the top wicket taker for Ireland, hit two vital blows early, that included the wickets of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, to ensure India's wouldn't waltz to an easy win. Almost immediately, Porterfield brought in the teenaged left-arm spinner George Dockrell, who turned in a pleasing opening spell that read 4-0-14-0. He rarely gave anything to cut, always bowled slow through the air and was never afraid to flight. He had Kohli mistiming a few shots and made Tendulkar bat cautiously. Success came in his second spell, when he struck in his first delivery of the 21st over, trapping Tendulkar with a delivery that went past the attempted sweep. He could have got the wicket of Kohli, too, in his next over but Niall O'Brien, the keeper, couldn't hold on to an edge. Later, he trapped MS Dhoni lbw with a delivery that straightened on the middle and leg to give a window of hope for Ireland but Yusuf Pathan shut it very quickly with two monstrous sixes in the same over.
On a dry pitch, where the ball came on slowly, the Indian batsmen preferred to play within themselves and tried to play risk-free cricket but kept losing wickets at regular intervals to keep Ireland interested in the chase. India were 24 for 2 in the sixth over, reached 100 for four at the fall of Virat Kohli in the 24th over, and recovered to 167 for 5 when MS Dhoni exited in the 41st over before Yusuf Pathan flexed his muscles to hasten the end.
Scorecard | Ireland batsman given out despite 2.5m rule
Ireland could have done far better had they not stumbled against Yuvraj's bowling. They were eyeing a 250-plus target after a 113-run third-wicket stand between William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien but a run out opened a window for Yuvraj to trigger a collapse. The most significant moment of the innings came in the 27th over, with Ireland sitting pretty on 122 for 2, when a set Niall O'Brien couldn't make it in time to beat the throw from Virat Kohli in the covers. Dhoni did well to collect the slightly wayward throw and flick it onto the stumps. It was the beginning of the end.
As ever, Yuvraj ambled in like a Sunday-park bowler and as always proved to be street-smart. His art is very simple: he turns the ball slightly but his USP is the variation in pace, using a scrambled seam. He is usually slow and slower but surprises the batsmen with a quicker one. Today, too, he struck to his regular staple diet of slower ones; some were delivered with a round arm, some from higher straighter arm, and some with a crouched bent-knee release to get the ball to skid on.
If you just catch the highlights of his wickets, most would seem like soft dismissals. To an extent they were, but that's the illusion of nothingness he provides the batsmen, who then make seemingly silly mistakes. Andrew White was sucked into edging a flighted delivery to slip, Kevin O'Brien tapped one softly back, Porterfield swatted a short ball straight to cover and John Mooney and Alex Cusack were trapped by skidders that came in with the arm. When White fell in the 30th over, Ireland were 129 for 4 and by the time Yuvraj got Cusack, Ireland had slid to 184 in the 44th over.
Until then, India were looking really ragged in the field. Only Zaheer Khan bowled well to take two early wickets and William Porterfield and Niall O'Brien played risk-free cricket to lay a good platform. Their case was helped by some ordinary bowling from the spinners. Harbhajan Singh looked off-key, straying on to the pads once too often, Yusuf Pathan erred on length, often dragging them short, and Piyush Chawla hit the wrong lines.
None of that profligacy was seen in Ireland's bowling effort. Trent Johnston, who is the top wicket taker for Ireland, hit two vital blows early, that included the wickets of Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir, to ensure India's wouldn't waltz to an easy win. Almost immediately, Porterfield brought in the teenaged left-arm spinner George Dockrell, who turned in a pleasing opening spell that read 4-0-14-0. He rarely gave anything to cut, always bowled slow through the air and was never afraid to flight. He had Kohli mistiming a few shots and made Tendulkar bat cautiously. Success came in his second spell, when he struck in his first delivery of the 21st over, trapping Tendulkar with a delivery that went past the attempted sweep. He could have got the wicket of Kohli, too, in his next over but Niall O'Brien, the keeper, couldn't hold on to an edge. Later, he trapped MS Dhoni lbw with a delivery that straightened on the middle and leg to give a window of hope for Ireland but Yusuf Pathan shut it very quickly with two monstrous sixes in the same over.
England's bowlers hit form to beat South Africa
What a World Cup England are producing. From a thrilling tie against India to the shock of losing to Ireland they produced a stunning fightback to beat South Africa by six runs in a gripping contest on tough pitch in Chennai. Scorecard
They took all ten wickets for 102 through a combination of spin, reverse swing, perseverance and the never-say-die attitude which is such a trait of this team, with Stuart Broad sealing the victory with two wickets in four balls after Dale Steyn's 31-ball 20 had taken his team close to the winning line.
It showed you don't need 600 runs to produce an epic one-day international and the celebrations when Morne Morkel was caught behind showed how important it was for England spirits. Without it they would have faced the real possibility of heading home early, but can now approach the clashes against Bangladesh and West Indies with much greater heart.
What will please Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower was that it was the much-maligned attack that won the match - after the batting struggled to post 171 - as Broad took 4 for 15, Anderson produced a devastating burst of reverse swing shortly before the 34-over ball change and Swann bowled with guile and craft to set up the prospect of victory.
Despite the tricky pitch, South Africa had broken the back of the run-chase after an opening stand of 63 between Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla.
However, they suffered two slumps; the first as three wickets fell for 19 - with Broad claiming the vital scalps of Amla and Jacques Kallis - then the more significant slide from 124 for 3 to 165 all out as Anderson produced some wonderful reverse swing, Ian Bell pulled off a fine piece of fielding at short leg to run out Faf du Plessis, and Broad cleaned up the tail.
Swann could have dismissed Smith almost half a dozen times with spiting, turning deliveries until one finally bounced and brushed the thumb although it needed the DRS to overturn Asoke de Silva's on-field not out decision.
Amla had moved along serenely despite the testing surface until he became a little lazy against Broad and chopped into his stumps. Kallis then edged a drive and, in a rare sight, accepted Prior's word on whether it had carried without asking for the umpires to check.
AB de Villiers, who began the tournament with back-to-back hundreds, and Francois du Plessis are normally free-flowing batsman decided to consolidate rather than attack during their 42-run stand.
It wasn't a major problem for South Africa at the time with the asking rate remaining comfortable, but it conceded the momentum and when the breakthroughs came there were a few runs to play with.
Anderson produced his finest spell of reverse swing since the Ashes as he trimmed de Villiers' bails and then clattered JP Duminy's stumps two balls after he'd been reprieved by the DRS having been given caught down the leg side. It was a controversial moment because there didn't seem enough evidence to overrule but Anderson soon made it irrelevant.
In between those two wickets, Bell showed brilliant alertness at short leg as he stopped du Plessis's shot and flicked it to Prior in time to complete the run out.
England were buzzing having taken 3 for 0 and the scoring remained at a standstill for the next three overs as Morne van Wyk and Robin Peterson struggled against spin. Michael Yardy, the weak link in the attack, then had Peterson caught behind trying to cut but the ball change at 34 overs meant the threat of reverse swing was momentarily removed.
Andrew Strauss opted to keep Swann back for one over and used Yardy and Kevin Pietersen in tandem. Both were given one over too many as Steyn took advantage, driving Yardy through the covers and lofting Pietersen straight down the ground. Slowly but surely he and van Wyk chipped out 33 tension-filled runs.
However, because of the extensive use of the spinners Strauss was able to return to his quicks and with 12 needed Tim Bresnan found van Wyk's inside edge which crashed into the stumps. Then it was over to Broad who trapped Steyn lbw with his first ball and Morkel had clearly decided to try and finish the game quickly when he got the final edge.
The match could not have been a greater contrast to the two thrilling run-fests England were involved in Bangalore. It became abundantly clear this wouldn't be a 300 match when Peterson stunned everyone by removing both openers in his first over. The value of South Africa's rounded attack was again on show as the frontline spinners took seven wickets and were backed up by Morkel and Steyn with England losing their top three for 15 and last six for 37, but their failure to cross the line will raise old concerns.
Smith isn't known for out-of-the-box captaincy but it was clever to hand Peterson the new ball. Strauss tried to take an attacking approach by using his feet, but could only pick out de Villiers, who took a fine running catch at deep midwicket. If that was a bonus for South Africa they could barely believe what happened three balls later when Pietersen pushed forward and got a regulation edge low to first slip. Bell soon became Peterson's third as he pushed a return catch back to the bowler after being beaten in the flight.
Ravi Bopara, back in the side at the expense of Paul Collingwood, set about the recovery with Jonathan Trott who was saved by the DRS after being given lbw against Imran Tahir on 20. Bopara nearly ran himself out on 26 - it wouldn't have been the first time - but a dive just saved him then he broke a run of singles with a handsome straight drive for six before Trott reached fifty from 87 balls.
Having used up considerable time he needed to up the tempo but Tahir pulled off a fine return catch after deceiving his former Warwickshire team-mate in the flight. Prior had the chance to build an innings after previously needing to hit-out from the start but was undone by Morkel.
Bopara's 60, his first ODI fifty since November 2008, remained the top score and will have given him huge confidence for the rest of the tournament as he showed he could adapt to conditions. The lower order couldn't build momentum against Tahir and failing to use up 26 deliveries looked like being costly. However, once again England dug deep when all seemed lost and gave the World Cup another memorable finish.
They took all ten wickets for 102 through a combination of spin, reverse swing, perseverance and the never-say-die attitude which is such a trait of this team, with Stuart Broad sealing the victory with two wickets in four balls after Dale Steyn's 31-ball 20 had taken his team close to the winning line.
It showed you don't need 600 runs to produce an epic one-day international and the celebrations when Morne Morkel was caught behind showed how important it was for England spirits. Without it they would have faced the real possibility of heading home early, but can now approach the clashes against Bangladesh and West Indies with much greater heart.
What will please Andrew Strauss and Andy Flower was that it was the much-maligned attack that won the match - after the batting struggled to post 171 - as Broad took 4 for 15, Anderson produced a devastating burst of reverse swing shortly before the 34-over ball change and Swann bowled with guile and craft to set up the prospect of victory.
Despite the tricky pitch, South Africa had broken the back of the run-chase after an opening stand of 63 between Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla.
However, they suffered two slumps; the first as three wickets fell for 19 - with Broad claiming the vital scalps of Amla and Jacques Kallis - then the more significant slide from 124 for 3 to 165 all out as Anderson produced some wonderful reverse swing, Ian Bell pulled off a fine piece of fielding at short leg to run out Faf du Plessis, and Broad cleaned up the tail.
Swann could have dismissed Smith almost half a dozen times with spiting, turning deliveries until one finally bounced and brushed the thumb although it needed the DRS to overturn Asoke de Silva's on-field not out decision.
Amla had moved along serenely despite the testing surface until he became a little lazy against Broad and chopped into his stumps. Kallis then edged a drive and, in a rare sight, accepted Prior's word on whether it had carried without asking for the umpires to check.
AB de Villiers, who began the tournament with back-to-back hundreds, and Francois du Plessis are normally free-flowing batsman decided to consolidate rather than attack during their 42-run stand.
It wasn't a major problem for South Africa at the time with the asking rate remaining comfortable, but it conceded the momentum and when the breakthroughs came there were a few runs to play with.
Anderson produced his finest spell of reverse swing since the Ashes as he trimmed de Villiers' bails and then clattered JP Duminy's stumps two balls after he'd been reprieved by the DRS having been given caught down the leg side. It was a controversial moment because there didn't seem enough evidence to overrule but Anderson soon made it irrelevant.
In between those two wickets, Bell showed brilliant alertness at short leg as he stopped du Plessis's shot and flicked it to Prior in time to complete the run out.
England were buzzing having taken 3 for 0 and the scoring remained at a standstill for the next three overs as Morne van Wyk and Robin Peterson struggled against spin. Michael Yardy, the weak link in the attack, then had Peterson caught behind trying to cut but the ball change at 34 overs meant the threat of reverse swing was momentarily removed.
Andrew Strauss opted to keep Swann back for one over and used Yardy and Kevin Pietersen in tandem. Both were given one over too many as Steyn took advantage, driving Yardy through the covers and lofting Pietersen straight down the ground. Slowly but surely he and van Wyk chipped out 33 tension-filled runs.
However, because of the extensive use of the spinners Strauss was able to return to his quicks and with 12 needed Tim Bresnan found van Wyk's inside edge which crashed into the stumps. Then it was over to Broad who trapped Steyn lbw with his first ball and Morkel had clearly decided to try and finish the game quickly when he got the final edge.
The match could not have been a greater contrast to the two thrilling run-fests England were involved in Bangalore. It became abundantly clear this wouldn't be a 300 match when Peterson stunned everyone by removing both openers in his first over. The value of South Africa's rounded attack was again on show as the frontline spinners took seven wickets and were backed up by Morkel and Steyn with England losing their top three for 15 and last six for 37, but their failure to cross the line will raise old concerns.
Smith isn't known for out-of-the-box captaincy but it was clever to hand Peterson the new ball. Strauss tried to take an attacking approach by using his feet, but could only pick out de Villiers, who took a fine running catch at deep midwicket. If that was a bonus for South Africa they could barely believe what happened three balls later when Pietersen pushed forward and got a regulation edge low to first slip. Bell soon became Peterson's third as he pushed a return catch back to the bowler after being beaten in the flight.
Ravi Bopara, back in the side at the expense of Paul Collingwood, set about the recovery with Jonathan Trott who was saved by the DRS after being given lbw against Imran Tahir on 20. Bopara nearly ran himself out on 26 - it wouldn't have been the first time - but a dive just saved him then he broke a run of singles with a handsome straight drive for six before Trott reached fifty from 87 balls.
Having used up considerable time he needed to up the tempo but Tahir pulled off a fine return catch after deceiving his former Warwickshire team-mate in the flight. Prior had the chance to build an innings after previously needing to hit-out from the start but was undone by Morkel.
Bopara's 60, his first ODI fifty since November 2008, remained the top score and will have given him huge confidence for the rest of the tournament as he showed he could adapt to conditions. The lower order couldn't build momentum against Tahir and failing to use up 26 deliveries looked like being costly. However, once again England dug deep when all seemed lost and gave the World Cup another memorable finish.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
One step at a time, says buoyant Sammy
The West Indies are one step closer to the World Cup quarter-finals after their awesome demolition of Bangladesh, but captain Darren Sammy is not getting carried away.
"We are taking it step by step," Sammy said after his team bowled out Bangladesh for their lowest one-day total of 58 to win the crunch group B match by nine wickets in Dhaka on Friday.
With only their second win in their past 11 one-day internationals, the West Indies have four points from three matches, the same as group leaders South Africa, who have played one match fewer.
One more win in their remaining group matches against Ireland, India or England will almost certainly ensure Sammy's men a place in the knockout rounds.
But the captain stressed it was important for the West Indies to focus on their next match against Ireland in Mohali on March 11 rather than dream of the quarter-finals or the remaining group matches.
"We have got to focus on each game," said Sammy. "We are focusing only on Ireland, not the quarter-finals, not India, not England. We will gradually move forward after each performance."
Sammy, 27, who replaced Chris Gayle as captain in October last year, led from the front with three wickets as lanky spinner Sulieman Benn grabbed 4-18 and fast bowler Kemar Roach took three.
Bangladesh were dismissed in 18.5 overs and the West Indies surpassed the low target in their 13th over even before the lights could be switched on for the day-night game at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
"We did not expect it to be so easy," said Sammy. "We expected Bangladesh to come out and play hard. That's how they play. But it shows that if all the guys execute their plans properly, anything is possible."
Sammy paid tribute to his predecessor Gayle, who hit an unbeaten 37 off 36 balls to end the match in quick time despite being ill for two days.
"It shows how committed he is to the World Cup cause and to West Indies cricket, the captain said."He wasn't feeling too well over the past few days but he opted to play.
"Before he went out, he gave us a pep talk, telling us not to underestimate Bangladesh. He is the kind of player the guys respond to. It was very good of him to step up and let the guys know that we have a job to do out there.
"Chris has been an inspiration for us, and we went out there confidently and got the job done."
Sammy said the West Indies, who won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and also ruled Test cricket for two decades, were on the right track to regain old glories.
"We are aware of the history and legacy the West Indies have," the captain said. "We have taken innovative steps to move forward. As a leader I want my team to improve. It is a process.
"People back in the Caribbean needed this performance. We look to move forward from here as a team and be as consistent as we can."
The West Indies were drubbed by seven wickets by South Africa in their opening game, before bouncing back to trounce the Netherlands by 215 runs a few days later.
Roach, who grabbed a hat-trick in his 6-27 against the Dutch, already has 10 wickets in this tournament, second behind Shahid Afridi's haul of 14.
"We are taking it step by step," Sammy said after his team bowled out Bangladesh for their lowest one-day total of 58 to win the crunch group B match by nine wickets in Dhaka on Friday.
With only their second win in their past 11 one-day internationals, the West Indies have four points from three matches, the same as group leaders South Africa, who have played one match fewer.
One more win in their remaining group matches against Ireland, India or England will almost certainly ensure Sammy's men a place in the knockout rounds.
But the captain stressed it was important for the West Indies to focus on their next match against Ireland in Mohali on March 11 rather than dream of the quarter-finals or the remaining group matches.
"We have got to focus on each game," said Sammy. "We are focusing only on Ireland, not the quarter-finals, not India, not England. We will gradually move forward after each performance."
Sammy, 27, who replaced Chris Gayle as captain in October last year, led from the front with three wickets as lanky spinner Sulieman Benn grabbed 4-18 and fast bowler Kemar Roach took three.
Bangladesh were dismissed in 18.5 overs and the West Indies surpassed the low target in their 13th over even before the lights could be switched on for the day-night game at the Sher-e-Bangla stadium.
"We did not expect it to be so easy," said Sammy. "We expected Bangladesh to come out and play hard. That's how they play. But it shows that if all the guys execute their plans properly, anything is possible."
Sammy paid tribute to his predecessor Gayle, who hit an unbeaten 37 off 36 balls to end the match in quick time despite being ill for two days.
"It shows how committed he is to the World Cup cause and to West Indies cricket, the captain said."He wasn't feeling too well over the past few days but he opted to play.
"Before he went out, he gave us a pep talk, telling us not to underestimate Bangladesh. He is the kind of player the guys respond to. It was very good of him to step up and let the guys know that we have a job to do out there.
"Chris has been an inspiration for us, and we went out there confidently and got the job done."
Sammy said the West Indies, who won the first two editions of the World Cup in 1975 and 1979 and also ruled Test cricket for two decades, were on the right track to regain old glories.
"We are aware of the history and legacy the West Indies have," the captain said. "We have taken innovative steps to move forward. As a leader I want my team to improve. It is a process.
"People back in the Caribbean needed this performance. We look to move forward from here as a team and be as consistent as we can."
The West Indies were drubbed by seven wickets by South Africa in their opening game, before bouncing back to trounce the Netherlands by 215 runs a few days later.
Roach, who grabbed a hat-trick in his 6-27 against the Dutch, already has 10 wickets in this tournament, second behind Shahid Afridi's haul of 14.
Afridi speaks up for UDRS
The use of technology to enable teams to challenge decisions by umpires at the World Cup is proving controversial, but Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi wants reviews to be doubled. The Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) is being used for the first time at a World Cup, with some backing its use and others raising serious doubts.But one player who does not need to be convinced is Afridi.
"I think UDRS is good," said Afridi after Pakistan's win over Canada on Thursday, when Pakistan picked up three dismissals with the use of the system after umpires Daryl Harper and Nigel Llong gave batsmen not out. "I think one decision can change the whole match, so I think UDRS should be there. It should be raised to four from two, because two are proving less for us and in bigger matches this would be beneficial," said Afridi.
Two unsuccessful appeals mean you lose the right to any further challenges during an innings.
"I think UDRS is good," said Afridi after Pakistan's win over Canada on Thursday, when Pakistan picked up three dismissals with the use of the system after umpires Daryl Harper and Nigel Llong gave batsmen not out. "I think one decision can change the whole match, so I think UDRS should be there. It should be raised to four from two, because two are proving less for us and in bigger matches this would be beneficial," said Afridi.
Two unsuccessful appeals mean you lose the right to any further challenges during an innings.
Gears of Dhoni, Gambhir auctioned to raise fund for disabled
Ahead of their group B match against giant-killers Ireland on Sunday, the Indian cricket team did their bit of charity when the gears of captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Gautam Gambhir were auctioned here on Friday to raise funds for the disabled.
The auction was organised by a charitable institution Mathru Foundation and was attended by Dhoni and Gambhir, along with Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla and pacer Praveen Kumar, who was ruled out of the World Cup squad in the last minute due to an injury.
Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad and Ashwini Nachappa were also involved with the foundation.
The auction was organised by a charitable institution Mathru Foundation and was attended by Dhoni and Gambhir, along with Munaf Patel, Piyush Chawla and pacer Praveen Kumar, who was ruled out of the World Cup squad in the last minute due to an injury.
Former India fast bowler Venkatesh Prasad and Ashwini Nachappa were also involved with the foundation.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
England's hopes now hanging by a thread
The result more than matched another famous cricketing World Cup victory for the Irish in the last edition in 2007 in the Caribbean when they ousted the 1992 winners Pakistan in a huge shock in Jamaica.
Within hours of that result, the Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room and pronounced dead later in a Kingston hospital, an event that cast a pall over the entire competition.
On Wednesday, Strauss, meanwhile, looked stunned with his team's World Cup hopes now hanging by a thread after a tied result against India and a close win over Netherlands.
They had made a more than respectable 327-8 with Jonathan Trott top-scoring with 92 off as many balls but that innings was long forgotten as O'Brien set to work.
'It was a great performance from Ireland'
Kevin O'Brien came in and chanced his arm and he played very, very well and hit some great shots," said Strauss.
"It was a great performance from Ireland. I'm not going to take anything away from them. They thoroughly deserved their victory. We've got to go away, lick our wounds and make sure we come back and play better."
His opposite number, meanwhile, Williams Porterfield, planned to celebrate with a "few quiet beers" a victory he described as the greatest in Irish cricket.
Most bars in Bangalore close around 2300 IST so they would not have much time to slake their thirst.
But Porterfield was probably correctly assuming that his countrymen in Dublin -- especially in the vicinity of the Railway Club in Sandymount -- would be celebrating long into a memorable sporting night for Ireland.
Source: rediff.com
Within hours of that result, the Pakistan coach Bob Woolmer was found unconscious in his hotel room and pronounced dead later in a Kingston hospital, an event that cast a pall over the entire competition.
On Wednesday, Strauss, meanwhile, looked stunned with his team's World Cup hopes now hanging by a thread after a tied result against India and a close win over Netherlands.
They had made a more than respectable 327-8 with Jonathan Trott top-scoring with 92 off as many balls but that innings was long forgotten as O'Brien set to work.
'It was a great performance from Ireland'
Kevin O'Brien came in and chanced his arm and he played very, very well and hit some great shots," said Strauss.
"It was a great performance from Ireland. I'm not going to take anything away from them. They thoroughly deserved their victory. We've got to go away, lick our wounds and make sure we come back and play better."
His opposite number, meanwhile, Williams Porterfield, planned to celebrate with a "few quiet beers" a victory he described as the greatest in Irish cricket.
Most bars in Bangalore close around 2300 IST so they would not have much time to slake their thirst.
But Porterfield was probably correctly assuming that his countrymen in Dublin -- especially in the vicinity of the Railway Club in Sandymount -- would be celebrating long into a memorable sporting night for Ireland.
Source: rediff.com
Start slogging
As he explained later, at 111-5 and still a distant 217 runs from their target with almost half their 50 overs used up, there was only one thing for it for this brawny mid-order batsman and that was to start slogging.
So he did, to all parts of the ground with none of the English bowlers, who had so recently frightened the daylights out of Australia in Ashes, spared from the onslaught.
He brought up his century with no less than six sixes including one 102-metre smite over long on and 13 fours.
He needed 16 fewer balls than the previous swiftest, Australian Matthew Hayden, to complete his century and left a string of other cricketing master blasters from the past in his wake in the record books too including Indian Kapil Dev (72) and Adam Gilchrist (72).
Afterwards, O'Brien was still trying to make sense of it after John Mooney's winning blow for four in the final over off Jimmy Anderson.
"When you are 111-5 I just said to myself, we could just potter around and get 220 off 50 overs for eight or nine and the game would have been pretty boring to watch and it wouldn't have been anything to watch on TV," a grinning O'Brien said clutching his man-of-the-match trophy.
"I just chanced my arm and said I'm going to be as positive as I can and I got a few away and didn't look back really," he added.
Source: rediff.com
So he did, to all parts of the ground with none of the English bowlers, who had so recently frightened the daylights out of Australia in Ashes, spared from the onslaught.
He brought up his century with no less than six sixes including one 102-metre smite over long on and 13 fours.
He needed 16 fewer balls than the previous swiftest, Australian Matthew Hayden, to complete his century and left a string of other cricketing master blasters from the past in his wake in the record books too including Indian Kapil Dev (72) and Adam Gilchrist (72).
Afterwards, O'Brien was still trying to make sense of it after John Mooney's winning blow for four in the final over off Jimmy Anderson.
"When you are 111-5 I just said to myself, we could just potter around and get 220 off 50 overs for eight or nine and the game would have been pretty boring to watch and it wouldn't have been anything to watch on TV," a grinning O'Brien said clutching his man-of-the-match trophy.
"I just chanced my arm and said I'm going to be as positive as I can and I got a few away and didn't look back really," he added.
Source: rediff.com
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