posted Apr 29, 2007

'so thanks to all the regulars and semi-regulars for cheering me up during this endless bloody tournament.'

I second those sentiments, OR.

For my own part, I began this tournament a mere spectator, heavily moderated and restricted to commenting at the periphery. But with a firm resolve and having demonstrated more than a few glimpses of talent, I was called up to join the squad at the end of the group stage (as a replacement for kiss_my_bat66, as it turned out.)

From there I never looked back: progressing rapidly from number 11 - to nightwatchman - to becoming a consistent middle order postman. But it was during the semi-finals that I really began to send some first class post and my prospects as a future regular became clear. Indeed - and you may not believe this - I was originally asked to open for the final! At the last minute, however, the selectors decided not to 'upset the old guard' and I can't really argue with their wisdom.

So, what's next? Who the heydos knows! No doubt I will pop up somewhere on the Windies tour starting next month but you may also be surprised to find me at or around Milan v United (02/may) The French Open (27/may - 10/jun) Wimbledon (25/jun - 08/jul) and the Athletics WC (21/aug-02/sep)... variety is, afterall, the spice of life.

Until then, it's been crazy, scary and at times simply surreal.

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posted Apr 29, 2007

Well, like Mahela said they had to take a decision when seeing the clouds approaching. It was either right or wrong to go for it (in response to Ponting's smart bowling change), as you said.
It was proven to be wrong.
Surely you agree with me that if Sanath was still hanging around after the match delay, and one more wicket intact, there would have been a better chance.

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posted Apr 29, 2007

hi to australlia cricket team well done u hv done very good jobe n proved that u hv done relay a good job god bless u with more sucess our prayes r with u

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posted Apr 29, 2007

My full congratulations to the Caribbean weather, you played a great final and thoroughly deserved your victory.

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posted Apr 29, 2007

shocking final, really awful

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posted Apr 29, 2007

Overall,I enjoyed the competition but a final group of 8 teams as opposed to 6 in previous tournaments made for a rather protracted and unneceassary format.
My own structure would involve 18 teams playing in 3 groups of 6 with the top two going forward to the final group of 6.
I said before the final that Adam Gilchrist was due a big score;one of the world's great all rounders playing for a competitive team whose mere attitude towards the game makes them winners.England lacked the flair and hunger to go anywhere in this World Cup.Vaughn and Flintoff are overrated and the sooner we can pick a team that starts to compete in one day cricket,we will always be ranked below Australia.

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posted Apr 29, 2007

It has to be asked that if a county game at The Oval can put up temporary floodlights, then why on earth can they not do the same for a marginally more important game such as the World Cup Final??

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posted Apr 29, 2007

again the so called bottlers ie s africa and new zealand bottled it again and nobody could stop the aussies again,no warne and end of mcgraths career but they still looked far better then any other team.who will stop them? lets hope its the england,yeh right.

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posted May 2, 2007

Gilchrist was hiding a squash ball (rubber ball) inside his glove. He threw the bat once and continuosly showed the glove after the century. This is cheating and SL should be declared winner.

Please start writing to ICC.

http://www.indiaenews.com/sports/20070501/49743.htm

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posted May 2, 2007

I followed that link and whilst it’s quite a good article, it is factually flawed when it refers to law 42 and permitted items. Law 42 makes no reference at all to permitted items. It is concerned with other aspects of the game (see below). crifan’s comment makes a more determined grab at a bigger straw, but is no different for that. I don’t think the ICC need to be sent on a wild goose chase.

Law 42 (Fair and unfair play) is sub-divided under the following headings:-

1. Fair and unfair play - responsibility of captains
2. Fair and unfair play - responsibility of umpires
3. The match ball - changing its condition
4. Deliberate attempt to distract striker
5. Deliberate distraction or obstruction of batsman
6. Dangerous and unfair bowling
7. Dangerous and unfair bowling - action by the umpire
8. Deliberate bowling of high full pitched balls
9. Time wasting by the fielding side
10. Batsman wasting time
11. Damaging the pitch - area to be protected
12. Bowler running on the protected area after delivering the ball
13. Fielder damaging the pitch
14. Batsman damaging the pitch
15. Bowler attempting to run out non-striker before delivery
16. Batsmen stealing a run
17. Penalty runs
18. Players' conduct

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