posted Nov 10, 2008

That surely is end of an era

Well done INDIA !!!

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posted Nov 10, 2008

One lesson Australia (CA) has to take from this episode is to not listen to Greg Chappel. Under his coaching, Indian team had one of its darkest moments (for e.g. early world cup exit).

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posted Nov 10, 2008

Australia have two massive problems right now.

1. They don't have a decent spinner. Don't call Cameron White or Jason Kreja a Test standard cricketer. Kreja doesn't get any flight, dip or turn and has no variation. Club spinners could do a better job if they bowled 90 overs in a test. Cameron White should never play Test cricket again.

2. Wicketkeeper. Brad Haddin had the impossible task of filling Gilchrist's boots. A bit like Larry Holmes fighting in Muhammad Ali's legacy. Trouble is, Holmes was class. Haddin, however, is absolute tripe. His keeping is so so and his batting is nowhere near Test level. Get rid of him now.

Solutions? Well, in the spin bowling department, Australia have no option but to choose Bryce McGain, the old man leg spinner from Victoria.

The keeping position is up for grabs. Luke Ronchi is limited. Chris Hartley is still proving to cut it at State level but is a better long term prospect than Haddin. Haddin too long in the tooth and peaked 6 years ago.

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posted Nov 10, 2008

Rick Ponting's reign as captain is over! It is hard to see the selectors sticking with him in light of his disastrous performance in the recently concluded Test-series in India.

When you have had the luxury of the greats who recently departed international cricket, it makes your job a whole lot easier to captain, with very little critical analysis...success shrouds red flags and impending troubles.

Now, the selectors must call the shots and it does not bode well for Ricky!

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posted Nov 11, 2008

I have been discussing and telling people for ages now that Ausies will go through a long bad patch because it was clear and predictable 1-2 year ago that after retirement of players like Gilchrist, McGrath, warne its not going to keep same level of performance because ausie didnt seem to me gave an good attempt to build secondary good team which we call as 'BENCH'. and they still dont have good upcoming players so like recession in economy ausie team is going through same slump !. ausie guys comeon atleast now accept you have got to point where u are no more worldchamps !! especially india has finished off them now in all sorts of game pattern. Thank to indian selector and especially sourav ganguly always tried their best to bring in new young lads to generate very strong bench which we all can see., I hope India will never face problem after retirment of Sachin and dravid and laxman which ausie facing now.

cheers

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posted Nov 11, 2008

This is no time for us to fight and to argue, Australia are a great team no doubt, but they were outplayed on the day and in the series. I am mighty proud to be an Indian today. Lets just toast our victory, and congratulate both teams on an enthralling series. We however need to stay focused and try to win top spot and hopefully eventually be world champions again. Without a doubt, Australia will bounce back as they always do, they are still a great side; I just hope we give them a run for their money and beat them to top spot in the rankings - fair and square.

But the main thing I want to write about is that we should take some time out from bickering and the like to celebrate the careers of two legends who would have given their lives for the cause.

Firstly, the legend that was Sourav Chandidas Ganguly. Rarely do we come across such a gem of a strokeplaying left-hander. Sure, he was erratic outside the off-stump, but so often it did come off and didnt he produce some of the best sixes on the off-side that you have ever seen? When I think of Sourav, first my mind always goes back to the NatWest Series Final of 2002 (Legendary series between Ind, Eng, SL; http://www.cricinfo.com/database/ARCHIVE/2002/OD_TOURNEYS/NWS/SCORECARDS/ENG_IND_NWS_ODI-FINAL_13JUL2002.html ). Kaif and Yuvraj took us home and everyone focused on their knocks which albeit brilliant would have not won us the game had Ganguly not set it all up with a quickfire 60 off 43 balls. Next I think of his comeback (obviously): Anyone else who was thrown out and disrespected so blatantly despite being such a great servant of their country would have washed their hands of cricket, he definitely didnt need the money anymore. But he was so bound to the cause that the best captain ever just kept chomping away at the bit until he got another chance, and he, sure enough, seized it with both hands. Dada, God Bless You, We Love You, All the best. Today I say a teary-eyed farewell to the Greatest Captain we have ever had. That was not what you deserved. You were worth it. You deserved more. I am sorry for the state of our cricket administration today and it makes me ashamed.
Rahul Dravid once said: "On the off-side, first there is God, then there is Ganguly." I have never seen, and I doubt I will ever see the ball come so sweetly off the willow as I have seen it come off Sourav's bat. All Hail our hero, the Prince of Kolkata. http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/28779.html . Need I say more?
Go comment: http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/606/A41878975

And next, Anil Kumble. Have we ever seen someone who tried so hard? Despite not being overtly talented, he always gave his heart, he gave his all for our country. And he turned out to be a brilliant captain when called upon. He never shied away from what needed to be done. Someone said on 606 a few days ago, "He was the Steve Waugh of bowling." I apologize for not remembering who you are, but if you read this, stand up and take credit because you are so right. God Bless you Jumbo you loyal servant. We will always remember you taking Wasim Akram's wicket to seal that unforgettable day, and cement your place in the record books alongside the great Jim Laker, only you are even greater, you legend. God Bless You:
http://content-www.cricinfo.com/india/content/player/30176.html

Farewell to The Men, The Myths, The Legends. We Will Never Forget.

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posted Nov 11, 2008

>> I apologize for not remembering who you are, but if you read this, stand up and take credit because you are so right.

Thanks Keane ... that was me

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posted Nov 11, 2008

kudos nm2878

everyone: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3471412105570621556

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posted Nov 11, 2008

Ganguly was also also an arse, jumped up with his own self importance.

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posted Nov 11, 2008

It was wonderful when Dhoni asked Ganguly to lead the team during the final overs. Remarkable send-off!

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