Australia in Bangladesh

The first series after the WC has just got underway, Australia under a new captain in Michael Clarke clash against Bangla Boys.

Mashrafe Mortaza is back and has cleaned up Brad Haddin early on, AUS at the moment 150/4 in 32.1 overs. Important series this for both the teams, AUS next assignment will be in August against SLN so they would like to have a good start here before the break while for BAN it is time to shrug off that minnows tag and start performing big time.

For how long will BD continue to be a struggling side? This is really disturbing - they never tried to chase the total down - and they just seem happy enough to play out 50 overs. Their batting needs a real overhaul.

Ireland robbed of chance  to grow. In my book Ireland is much better side than BAN on all pitches across the world.There is no lack of ability with BAN but they just don't perform, they simply haven't learnt the art of 50 over game or tests.

I mean shutting the door to next world cup is like a dampner. Shut them out of next world cup and expect them to improve. I somehow didn't like that decesion. 

Edited by MalhotraRaj84 - 10 April 2011 at 4:59am

I am very disappointed on Ireland's omission from WC 2015 but it should not come at the expense of BAN or ZIM, in all fairless both BAN and ZIM have beaten IRE on various occasions in bi lateral series and one off games. ZIM are on the right track and I can definitely see them progress significantly in the next 4 years, similarly BAN are much better than any of those associate nations or even ZIM, their problem is lack of self belief and their attitude is extremely poor, in 4 years time however, I see BAN in the top 6 ODI nations in the world, surely.

ICC should have looked at the option of 12 teams and 2 groups, at the moment the format is expected to be similar to that of 1992 where every team plays against the other once, it is the fairest possible format but it very harsh on associate nations like IRE and NET  and also not to forget the extraordinary progress that AFG have shown over the last few years.

Some were talking about 2 groups of 5 teams each and then having a super 6 and then the SF's, that it meaningless because it kills the entire purpose of reducing the number of teams and making the format interesting, it also kills the main purpose of the ICC of making more money (which is why they excluded IRE and NET) because the more the number of games the more money the ICC will make, so that won't happen. it will be similar to 1992 format, fair enough but as I said earlier, very harsh on associate nations.

Holy Cow!! Somebody stop Watson he's gone completely berserk. Would've easily crossed 200 had Bangladesh scored a little more. New world record of most sixes (15 !!! ) in a match by any player.   Absolutely ridiculous!! Stop it please...

Sad we dint see a lot of this in the WC where he was hardly a shade of himself.

Shane Warne and RR fans will be smiling.

Amazing!!! 15 sixes and 15 fours. Can you believe it?
185* off LESS than 100 balls. Would have made 300 had Australia batted first!
Stunning innings, pure carnage. He's been Australia's best player for about 2 years now, today he proved that this mini leadership roles (vice captaincy) has been great for him and his cricket. Super innings. Also got a wicket and took a beautiful catch at slip.

Originally posted by vote4peace Sad we dint see a lot of this in the WC where he was hardly a shade of himself. Shane Warne and RR fans will be smiling.

Originally posted by MalhotraRaj84 most of IPL teams have atleast decent local bowlers

Local bowlers? Decent? You hardly have them at the international stage mate - the local bowling unit is crap - unlike the batting

Shane Watson, what a player!!!

A world record 15 sixes, ahd the target been 20-25 runs more Tendulkar's 200 would have been easily broken today!

Shane Watson ... hats off mate!

Ross Taylor maybe.

Agree with Smith being a waster and Ferguson the right choice.

Originally posted by Raj Watto will play some fine innings , but don't expect this kind of innings, most of IPL teams have good international or atleast decent local bowlers.

I think if you look at the numbers you'll find it's either the retired internationals, international or test-class Indian bowlers taking the wickets. The young Indian players haven't done much with the ball. Certainly someone like Kumble has been marvellous, but he's an Indian test legend.