posted Dec 5, 2008

The Aussies are re-building and on that basis I think we should win at home next summer. However, its not going to happen with Moores in charge. We need someone who is a good coach and can command some respect in the dressing room. Its a golden opportunity and we are going to throw it away cos we dont have the right coach in place.

I reckon Moores needs to draw in India. A series loss and he should get the chop, no point wasting any time.

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posted Dec 5, 2008

Goochie for me.Great bat,good captain,excellent technical coach and has the total respect of his peers.

Has the gravitas and humour to deal with the job and doesnt use a computer to select players...he uses his knowledge of what it takes as he has been there and done it rather well...

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posted Dec 5, 2008

Dear kcp1126,
I answer to your comments thus –
“I'm an Indian fan and i don't England to tour if it is not safe for them”
That’s a no-brainer. Nobody wants to tour if it is unsafe. But by saying this you are implying that India is unsafe. It is not. If Mumbai did happen, so did London, Madrid and New York. Nobody talked about not going to London or USA, as if these places are made of gold and provide one with extra security! Events such as Mumbai can happen anywhere, and it is very nigh impossible to stop people who don’t fear their own death from killing others, whether it is in Mumbai or London. Westerners are scared because Terrorists were targeting Britons and Americans, what makes you feel that they won’t do it in places where there are plenty of them to be found? Right now, Mumbai is one of the safest places in the world, as is the case after such an event, I feel horrible to say this, but that’s how it is after an event like this.
2) “Let's not sound ignorant.”
There is nothing ignorant about what I am saying, period. Arrogant yes, Ignorant no! And even if it is arrogant (by any means), so be it!
3) “What do you mean by "Indian peoplw wants English team here”
I mean exactly what I said.
4) “Let's be realistic”
What do you think I am trying to be then? One thing I am definitely not trying to be – lily livered, that’s for sure.
5) “Let's see what happens.”
The worst comment of all! Are you waiting for something to happen? Like another attack, so that you can make your precious decision? At times like this, you don’t wait and watch; you do stuff. England will be provided with enough security cover. And I wonder why it’s only the English team which was in dilemma while no Indian player ever was. If it is unsafe for English players, it is unsafe for Indian players too, may be even more so. Are they not important enough? All Indian players are ready to play, why? Do you think they are idiots? Sachin Tendulkar gets individual death threats from time to time; does he sulk and stop playing? If England plays, it will be a massive show of world solidarity. It will be a real smack in the face of terrorists. And make no mistake, England will be safe. May be not at the hands of Indian Cricket team though!

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posted Dec 5, 2008

Dear kcp1126,
I answer to your comments thus –
“I'm an Indian fan and i don't England to tour if it is not safe for them”
That’s a no-brainer. Nobody wants to tour if it is unsafe. But by saying this you are implying that India is unsafe. It is not. If Mumbai did happen, so did London, Madrid and New York. Nobody talked about not going to London or USA, as if these places are made of gold and provide one with extra security! Events such as Mumbai can happen anywhere, and it is very nigh impossible to stop people who don’t fear their own death from killing others, whether it is in Mumbai or London. Westerners are scared because Terrorists were targeting Britons and Americans, what makes you feel that they won’t do it in places where there are plenty of them to be found? Right now, Mumbai is one of the safest places in the world, as is the case after such an event, I feel horrible to say this, but that’s how it is after an event like this.
2) “Let's not sound ignorant.”
There is nothing ignorant about what I am saying, period. Arrogant yes, Ignorant no! And even if it is arrogant (by any means), so be it!
3) “What do you mean by "Indian peoplw wants English team here”
I mean exactly what I said.
4) “Let's be realistic”
What do you think I am trying to be then? One thing I am definitely not trying to be – lily livered, that’s for sure.
5) “Let's see what happens.”
The worst comment of all! Are you waiting for something to happen? Like another attack, so that you can make your precious decision? At times like this, you don’t wait and watch; you do stuff. England will be provided with enough security cover. And I wonder why it’s only the English team which was in dilemma while no Indian player ever was. If it is unsafe for English players, it is unsafe for Indian players too, may be even more so. Are they not important enough? All Indian players are ready to play, why? Do you think they are hare brained? Sachin Tendulkar gets individual death threats from time to time; does he sulk and stop playing? If England plays, it will be a massive show of world solidarity. It will be a real smack in the face of terrorists. And make no mistake, England will be safe. May be not at the hands of Indian Cricket team though!

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posted Dec 5, 2008

The only thing is - they haven't got to India yet - they're half-way.

Don't hold your breath on this: read the article in today's Guardian about how willing the team is to play in India. It's not fixed by any means.

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posted Dec 6, 2008

Apparently, the real problem in the English set up revolves around Collingwood and his "buddies" - Swann, Broad and Prior. These 4 players dont mind having a drink the night before a game, ignore public criticism for their unprofessional behaviour, and have the arrogance to believe that they can do what they want in spite of poor performances. Moores obviously has no control over the players and these 4 should be shown the door. The only one that can be saved is Broad who is still young enough to change. Unfortunately, whilst Moores is in charge, this isnt going to happen ... so he must go.
The Ashes is lost unless there is a dramatic change, and sooner rather than later.

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posted Dec 6, 2008

How on earth and from where, do these scurrilous comments and rumours emerge?
Whilst I have scant regard for Miller and Moores I cannot imagine for one minute that guys are out on the pi.s at all hours. In any event Broad seems to be chaperoned by his Dad at most times.
I am not doubting that there are not favourite factions in the squad - Bell, Prior, Shah, Harmison, all definitely in the Moores corner. KP seems to have taken on a very independent stance recently. There hardly seems any rapport between him and Moores, after all, they are long term 'enemies', who both only wiped the slate clean publicly when KP was appointed. But we all know in life that it is easy to forgive but not to forget.

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posted Dec 6, 2008

I find it amusing that Moores call Flintoff-Harmison, a star duo - Flintoff is a star, but not Harmison - he has not done much to merit such a status

Indian players are in a state of shock and fear after the Mumbai attacks casued by Pakistan based terrorists last week - many of India's cricketers are yet to come to grips with the tragedy - so it is not England alone that has the nervousness of the situation - excuses are part and parcel of British sports in general - No Indian is surprised that Moores is back to excuses

In fact, England might even win this 2 Test series, since many Indian cricketers have been left shaken by the attacks in Mumbai

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posted Dec 6, 2008

Harmison not keen to play abroad..... Well burger me!! This is a guy who thinks you need a passport if you go South of Middlesbrough. He has hated playing abroad, dislikes flat unresponsive tracks and likes a good moan.

Does this mean that Fred is turning his back on the IPL - Harmy would only be asked to play the part of a fluffer for the batsmen

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posted Dec 6, 2008

Sorry. I reckon that if England decide to go, based on security reports, ALL the players should be made to go if they want to play for England again. It's a job, not a hobby. PS Why have we still got a rubbish keeper. Surely after all this time we should have learned to pick the best gloveman!

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