Australia in the West Indies
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Topic: Australia in the West Indies
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Subject: Australia in the West Indies
Date Posted: 16 March 2012 at 12:20pm
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Australia tour WI for 5 ODIs, 2 T20Is and 3 Tests. With still no Chris Gayle in the set-up and Rampaul out, it's very hard to see anything but complete dominance from the Aussies. WI have a few young talents, e.g. Darren Bravo on the batting front and Narine on the bowling front, but it will be very admirable and surprising if the whole team can rally and pose AUS some serious problems. 4-1 AUS in the ODIs, 1-1 T20Is and 3-0 Tests. |
Replies:
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 17 March 2012 at 9:03am
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after restricting AUS to just 204, WI go down tamely, from 97/3 they got reduced to some 104/9 just goes to show how vulnerable this team has become. I hope they pull off at least a couple of wins this series. They are surely capable of doing it, badly missing Rampaul though, I rate Ravi Rampaul very highly as a bowler. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 17 March 2012 at 11:46am
| WI were very good with the ball but the batting effort was just dismal. AUS didn't even bowl that brilliantly, it was just a really poor showing. You can't go forward like this with a bunch of all-rounders from number 4 onwards. Samuels, Dwayne Bravo, Pollard, Sammy and Russell. That's 5 all-rounders in your middle order, you need to develop proper specialist batsmen. Also, it's an absolute must that Chris Gayle returns. He is so important to this side and WI need good starts with the bat. You're not going to get that with the likes of Johnson Charles just flaying at everything. If Gayle returns, I actually see WI having a more than decent chance in the T20I WC. Specialist bowlers like Rampaul, Narine and Mathurin, big-hitters in Gayle, Pollard and Russell - they will be in with a shout. But Gayle must return. You just can't go on like this with your best batsman playing T20 cricket around the world whilst your country loses 6 wickets for 7 runs. It's just silly. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 3:45am
Down Australia goes, and with that, we get a public holiday on Tuesday for the next game. Regardless, I was going to be at the game. Was so great being part of a packed stadium and making loads of noise coming to the end, I even dished out a few boos to the Aussies.  Stands went crazy when Baugh hit the winning runs.Windies do have a very good bowling attack, and Kemar Roach is bowling at his best as far as his ODI career goes. Hardly giving anything away at the moment. Australia not liking the slow decks. During the first ODI when Warner was batting, from the stands, you could see he was frustrated by the slowness of the deck, as between deliveries/overs, he was swinging his bat in disgust. Sunil Narine gets his off breaks to grip sharply, they're not going to find it easy against him, especially as he bowls such a nagging line and length. Had windies had any decent batters, they'd easily cause a lot more problems to this current Aussie outfit. It's the weakest Aussie team to tour here in ah long long time. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 7:35am
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Yes SW , it's not a great Aussie side by any means. Good win for the home side though and hopefully it'll give them the confidence to go on and win the series.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 12:01pm
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Australia's batting order is so wrong Wade at 7 is wasted and why play M.hussey at 4 when all his life he has done well at 6/7 so keep him there. My lineup - Warner,Wade,Watson,Bailey,M.Hussey,D.Hussey,Christian,Lee,McKay,Doherty,Lyon ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 12:33pm
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All of Watson's success has been opening. I don't know why every Australian fan is obsessed with moving Watson from where he has all his success just to accomodate another player. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 19 March 2012 at 4:00pm
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Wonderful to see WI beat AUS after a period of 5 long years, Kieron Pollard leading the way with the bat and Narine with the ball. Better news still for WI is that Gayle is likely to end his dispute with the WICB... boy if Gayle and Rampaul play for WI at the WT20, along with Pollard, Russel and Samuels, then I dare say they'll be THE team to watch out for at the tournament.
------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 4:06am
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This tied match would have brought some bad memories back for Allan Donald... looked pretty similar at the end . Windies have done well here, the wickets have been really slow and the Aussie batsmen have struggled to post anything decent. What about Narine's bowling action though?
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Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 8:29am
| I managed to catch the end of this match on TV last night and couldn't quite believe that run out, such a brain fade |
Posted By: kahmad
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 11:25am
| yes of course. every bowler who does well against australia, his action must be checked. |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 12:01pm
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So that means Indian bowlers action will never go through checking ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 1:12pm
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Narine's action aint look as bad as many who have been cleared and currently playing. It's time enough West Indies started chucking out some teams too. I say play both Shillingford and Narine in the tests!
Nonetheless, due to a lot of people's hate for Sammy, they are blaming the run out on him, saying had he run for his life, he would have made it. The fact is, cricketing basics teach you that was never a run, ball went straight to the fielder, and there was 2 deliveries left to go. Brain fade indeed!! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 2:19pm
| The Australia of old would have just run through the Windies after getting them 5/6 down. Great fighting effort from the WI lower order though before that horrible run-out. Also, why don't WI play an extra spinner? Narine and Samuels are really causing trouble, Bishoo should really get a game. Unfortunately, that would mean dropping Sammy, which they can't do and I can't see them dropping Russell. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 3:54pm
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Next game is in St. Lucia, that won't turn as much, that pitch there will have a lot more life than Arnos Vale. Only change is Barath will be coming in for Powell I think. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 21 March 2012 at 5:31pm
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Despite the run out I think it's a good result for the WI, at one point of time they were almost done and dusted, I saw a bit of this game but certainly didn't saw the end as I was happily sleeping. Certainly with 2 more balls to go there shouldn't have been a need for any risky or non existent single. WI have shown great character so far, and what's more they have ensured this series will stay alive right till the last ODI, something they failed to do last year, twice. Well done WI!  The slow surfaces aren't suiting the Australian style of play and they are badly missing their best player of Spin, Michael Clarke, hell I say, they are even missing the legendary Ricky Ponting, this is where he could have been very handy... Australia though don't look back.------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 22 March 2012 at 8:19am
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That run out was plain stupid - why didn't they have a chat before the ball was bowled ? The only people happy with this result would have been the bookies........................... now wait a minute.............. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 22 March 2012 at 3:33pm
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Anything's possible Sledge! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 23 March 2012 at 5:16pm
| I managed to tune in just in time to watch the carnage at the end of the WI innings - 145 off the last 12 overs. A lot of ordinary bowling but some serious hitting too. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 24 March 2012 at 7:40am
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I saw the last 8 overs and that was some BRUTAL hitting from pollard and towards the end by Sammy, WI go 2-1 up and cannot lose the series now. This is quite an excellent performance by the Windies. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 9:16am
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3-1 will be sweet. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 9:30am
| Some seriously good hitting from Pollard and co, and some very ordinary bowling. The Aussies look a little lethargic, can't believe they're playing even more cricket - certainly the big travel time doesn't help. I hope they settle down and perform better in the tests. I'd like to see Warner make a bigger score and a bit more accuracy from the bowlers - Pattinson and Cummins will be welcome inclusions, with the latter still deemed unfit. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 10:21am
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No Mikey , WI have come of age.It was obvious, they pushed India at their home, while Aussies faced Ind & SL who haven't been consistent post world cup.Remember Aussies were being questioned before India's tour. All the looked fine, when India toured them. The only shining thing I see for Australia is Pattinson and Cummins, I don't know how long Cummins can last at top level putting so much pressure on his body.His career might be more like Bond ... in and out of team due to stress/strain and injuries.If he can stay away ... nothing like it. India haven't been in any sort of decent run of form for a long long time.The same holds good for SL.Maybe Aus should have prepared much better. On Warner, I think it is a management strategy to have a slow Warner.... I do not agree with that approach.Anyone could score at that rate, why have Warner do that ? If he plays fast , chances are that he will get out soon, but that is the chance you got to take with players like them. However I really don't mind a Warner who's strike rate is around 80's  .He is a dangerous player, if Aus management make him ordinary , I would not mind. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 10:43am
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I think you are inferring that Warner is extremely talented, but only if he plays his natural game. I agree, if he plays like himself then certainly that's going to be better for him - he's better off being in a Sehwag or Gilchrist role, that's for sure. West Indies do look a much more professional side under Sammy, and I have been saying so for some time, so their performances have hardly surprised me, although I do think the Australians are tiring after a very, very long summer of cricket. Nonetheless, I do think the Australians have always been better in the longer form, in the past 4 years this hasn't been the case, but I do sense a turn around and do expect Australia to win the test series. Clarke and Ponting, both in good form, will be welcome inclusions, while Cowan has also been in lovely form and should maintain his position in the side. Pattinson, Harris/Siddle, Hilfenhaus, Lyon will be a very good bowling line-up, and I don't think Starc is far off the mark - looked a different bowler by the end of the summer, look out for more good performances from him. |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 1:24pm
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Milky i wont blame players even as a fan i'm really tired of watching Australia play so many matches but to be fair they dont have much power in batting they need a hitter in the low order and please try someone else Hilfenhaus is not a ODI bowler.
------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 3:20pm
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Don't know why WI have decided to bowl here, AUS off to a good start at 57/0 after 11. There is plenty of cricket being played by all teams, and AUS have been playing plenty of it since so many years now, so I don't think tiredness should be much of a factor. On today's game, being a neutral, I'd like to see WI win a series for a change, AUS have dominated WI since more than a decade and it'll be good to see something different happening! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 4:15pm
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Australians are doing well at 132/1. Forrest has had 6 bad games in a row and I suspect if he misses out here after Australia have made such a good start, with Warner smashing 69 at a run a ball, then he will not get many more opportunities in the future. Mystery is right though, less firepower than in the old days when we had Hayden, Ponting, Gilchrist and Symonds in the same side, who can all hit the ball long and hard... even Hussey can clear the boundary quite well. So yes, certainly missing some fire power, and wouldn't mind the selectors choosing more naturally aggressive players, as opposed to Bailey and Forrest. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 March 2012 at 5:32pm
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I also agree that AUS just don't seem to have enough aggressive players in the ODI's, both Hussey's will also be gone in a year or two, the selectors need to look at their options carefully, Daniel Christian or Moses Henriques do have some big hitting abilities and can replace one of the Hussey's, not sure if cameron White can still make a come back to replace Forrest or may be they'll look to get a youngster in. AUS need not worry too much on the bowling front once Cummins and Pattinson come back, even Bollinger can be a good option for ODI's, better than Hilfenhaus for sure... and we have all forgotten, Mitchell Johnson can still come back in the ODI side... so AUS bowling is doing all fine. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 26 March 2012 at 3:54am
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Yeah I'm not too worried about the bowling, and I agree that Dougie is a fabolous ODI bowler and I rate Johnson in ODIs. So plenty of options available, Starc is one of my favourites at the minute too. All I can say though is that WI has a really strong lower order, they were down and dusted and Sammy and Russell just plonked the ball left, right and centre. Russell is a pretty good cricketer, shall be an important cog in this upcoming WI side. Australia are yet again having problems cleaning up the tail in ODIs though... |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 26 March 2012 at 9:07am
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Yes , this Aussie line up can't quite finish the job and it's costing them dearly on occasions. That they won by 30 runs seems to indicate a comfortable win , but they should have won it by about 100 ! So 2-2 , both sides will feel a little unsatified with that outcome , especially the home side who seem to be coming right but haven't quite nailed it.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 26 March 2012 at 4:43pm
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Pollard, Russell and Sammy does pack some deadly blows. Andre Russell is a big dangerman for all opposing teams. Check these stats.
92* Vs India, rescuing West Indies from 5 wickets down cheaply, to blitzing them to around 250.
49 vs England WC 2011, nearly won West Indies the game
53 vs India 2011 (Put on a magnificent partnership with Kieron Pollard, who eventually got his first ton. Windies lost by 36 runs, but could have well lost by 100 or more runs)
37 vs Aus 2012, tied ODI with good partnership with Carlton Baugh. Windies were 112-5, and got 220 in the end
34 vs Aus 2012 - he along with Pollard and Sammy blitzed 145 runs in the last 12 overs, with Russell being part of the chief starter to that.
41 vs Aus 2012 in a blistering partnership of 101 from about 57 balls.
He is similar to Adam Gilchrist in Test Cricket, comes in late, and makes a lost game swing back the tide to West Indies with some bullet like stroke play. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 March 2012 at 8:22pm
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Russel is a very good find no doubt Spinny, I'm highly impressed with the way Sammy batted in this series... Sammy, Pollard and Russel... God almighty, if they get going the ball will burst into pieces ... watch out for WI at the WT20... they will be a very very dangerous side... and if Gayle joins.... God save their opponents.
On yesterday's loss - they should have batted first. Impressed by Brett Lee though, his opening spell still had that venom, this guy isn't getting any older. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 26 March 2012 at 8:44pm
Yup SW, I remember the first time I saw him bat and bowl , he looked to fit the bill.I remember I was quite curious and asked you about his prospects. No dobuts WI has the best lower down the order batting line up in the world.Infact probaly the only lower down the order line up who are more reliable than top order. If Barath,Barvo (Jr) and few other youngsters at the top can come to party , this WI will be difficult to beat , the only one thing probably they lack is to play against spin at times. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 27 March 2012 at 3:35am
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Sam, Chris Gayle has signed a draft agreement with the WICB, so things are on track, but he has included a side letter to the WICB. I think its safe to assume he'll be back, but I don't think for the Aussies series. The side letter probably states he wants to fullfil his contractual obligations with IPL and Somerset T20's. Chances are he might be in for the WT20. And Raj, Windies clearly lost the series big time due to the inefficiency of their openers and middle order batsmen. Windies bowling is good and the lower order is capable of a big assault. Before the series began, I was telling fellow West Indian fans, that all is required is for the top 4 to bat until about 35 overs, even if they got to 150. With Dwayne Bravo, Pollard, Russell, Sammy from #5 and lower, they can easily knock off 125 runs in the last 10 overs. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 27 March 2012 at 4:42pm
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yes, it'll be great to see Gayle in west indian colors, one thing is for sure, WI have improved immensely and remember they are without Ravi Rampaul, their best bowler, his inclusion will make them even stronger. I dare say, WI will start WT20 as the favorites as I do not see any other side being as explosive, RSA might be the other favorite team... and talking of T20, the first T20 begins today... I must say I have throughly enjoyed watching this series. Some really hard fought battles between the two sides so far.  ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 28 March 2012 at 4:01am
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Watson has a great game, hitting 6 sixes in a fast 69 and taking 1/16 off 4 overs. Quality all rounder, and proves that he can hold his own in all formats with the bat and ball. Bailey's 2nd win in 3 matches as captain, so he'll be pleased and this match also showed Mike Hussey's worth in T20, he's definitely one of the best in this format, which again goes to show you don't have to be a slogger to be successful in this format, albeit he can hit the ball long when the time requires it. Windies lacked a bit of firepower in their bowling, so strange to see so many spinners in WI cricket and only a couple of really quick bowlers. Rampaul will be a very welcome inclusion for the tests and yes, it would be great to see Gayle come back. Now that WI is a more united force, his inclusion could really push the WI team to go much further, or it could have the opposite effect... |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 28 March 2012 at 1:59pm
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Australia did bowl pretty good at the end yesterday, much different from the past 2 ODI's. The partnership between Bonner and Darren Bravo cost West Indies the game big time. That was unacceptable for T20 Cricket. St. Lucia is a 175 ground to feel safe in T20's.
Things will get interesting on Friday. A lot more bouncer maybe used, its going to be blistering fast down in Barbados, as it has been always throughout the last few years when all decks around the world has started to get slower. I'd go as far and bravely say that it's even faster currently than the WACA. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 28 March 2012 at 6:16pm
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Good game that, a clinical performance by AUS, just showing they can raise the bar when required, WI have every chance of levelling the series though, absolutely agree with Spinny, Bonner played way too slowly and that partnership lost WI all the momentum, also Russel not playing was a big set back, he is such a wonderful all round cricketer. Watson has seen his bowlers take a lot of beating in the last 3 ODI's and must have felt good by giving some back, this has been a thriller of a series so far! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 28 March 2012 at 10:37pm
As much as I would like it to be true, I wouldn't say RSA are favorites. They have a really consistent side but not enough match-winners. Only AB, Levi and Albie with the bat and possibly Botha with the ball. They must select Tahir for the T20s though since it's being played in SL. If they leave him out and select Robin Peterson instead, they will bleed runs in the field. Although I would agree that WI are right up there as favorites along with the sub-continent sides. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 March 2012 at 6:49pm
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If IND can improve their bowling they'll be right up there, but I don't see that happening. RSA are a very good side in all formats BP, in T20's they've got the explosive abilities of Levi, Albie, the class of AB and Hashim and obviously Smith and Duminy are very good players in any format. Talking of bowling, Morne and Steyn don't need formats to bowl well, they just need a ball to clean up their opponents!!! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: BackwardPoint
Date Posted: 31 March 2012 at 6:26am
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Yeah, after watching IND bowl today, I wouldn't consider them favorites. Their batting line-up will be the best on show by a country mile but the bowling is just so poor, I can see them eventually getting into a position where the batting can't recover the runs they bleed in the field. I don't think we'll play Smith though. Hashim and Levi are a dead cert to open and Smith isn't going to be in the side if he isn't opening. Also, Steyn hasn't played a T20I for about 2 years now, he isn't in the international T20 set-up for RSA. So we can't really count the skill and experience of Smith and Steyn because they won't play. I still think Hashim is unproven in the T20 format so I really don't think I would consider him a match-winner just yet. I may have been a bit too harsh on our side though. You're right about Morne and I guess we can Tsotsobe to that as well since he is doing so well. Levi, Albie, AB, Duminy, Morkel, Tsotsobe and Botha. 7 excellent players who can all win RSA games but the main issue I have is with the passengers in the bowling attack. Guys like Parnell and Theron aren't good enough bowlers and they will be taken apart on flat surfaces in SL, which offer very little for the faster bowlers. RSA just need an X-factor bowler like a Malinga to partner the likes of Morkel, Tsotsobe and Botha. Then I would say RSA stand a very good chance of winning. Back on topic, a great win for the WI. So far on the tour, AUS have won 3 matches and WI have won 3 matches. I bet the Aussies wouldn't have been expecting such a poor return but now comes the biggest challenge for the Windies. Can they possibly challenge the Aussies in the Test matches? |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 31 March 2012 at 9:30am
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I would say definitely play Steyn ahead of Parnell or Theron. Also you are right, they should play botn Tahir and Botha and drop Robin. Right back to the AUS-WI encounter, what a series this has been, ODI's drawn 2-2 with a Tie, T20's drawn 1-1 and now it's time for the tests, really has been a neck to neck battle this!!! Well done West Indies. Fidel and Smith made all the difference yesterday, after a long timeWI are looking good now and are backing it up by results, which is a delight for all cricket lovers! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 31 March 2012 at 7:18pm
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Test will be really interesting this time.Nothing can better with still a deadlock between the two teams after 7 encounters with 3 wins for each and a tie. So so so close.
Can't wait for the test matches to start. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 09 April 2012 at 5:26pm
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Another fine show by the West Indies and they are taking the fight to the Aussies once again, 25th ton for Chanders as WI post 448/9 dec. Some explosive sitting by Sammy towards the end. AUS are in some sort of bother 133/3 at lunch on Day 1, this is turning out to be a fascinating contest. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 09 April 2012 at 8:15pm
I know sam it was typo, but I wish some day I see this score ... 448+133 runs and 12 wickets on lunch day 1.
EDIT: Rain is interrutps the play now. Had a look at Forecast, looks like there are some showers forecasted for today and tommorow.Hopefully everything clears soon. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 10 April 2012 at 4:25am
| 200 run lead still for the Windies, with Hussey and Wade the last recognised batsmen both at the crease. Clarke continued his good form but missed out on a ton, while Watson ran out Ponting which has proven to be extremely costly. Ponting is coming off red hot form from the Sheffield Shied and his last test series. The run rates from both sides have been extremely slow and if Australia can somehow manage to reduce the deficit and match the Windies score (+/- 50 runs) then it could be a draw. Windies in the box seat though. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 10 April 2012 at 6:48pm
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It was a typo Raj! :) A defiant last wicket stand here, still unbroken has in all likelihood saved the test for Australia, only thing that can happen now is WI collapsing and losing, but I hope that doesn't happen. Very good performance this by Harris and Lyon. WI have played well though, they actually won't mind a hard fought drawn series. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 3:44am
| Harris and Lyon were awesome, both looked like proper batsmen and the Windies had no answers. Declaring from behind was bold from Clarke, he could have eliminated the deficit, but he took a risk and it worked. If Australia can clean the last 5 up quickly then a 150-200 chase would be gettable. Clarke has made this match interesting after a boring 3 days. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 6:04am
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I like the cut of Clarke's gib ! Ponting captained a side that was for many years was just light years ahead off all opposition , in short , the side didn't need a pro-active captain to win matches. Clarke's inherited a side in transition and has not been cautious in his approach and yesterday's declaration epitomised that positivity. That his side fielded for almost 2 days and conceded almost 450 runs must have been pretty demoralising. At the start of play yesterday and the early losses of Hussey and Siddle had me thinking that the Windies could well declare later in the day and go for the win. What happened shows the real beauty of test cricket - the tail made batting look easy and then the surprise declaration and Hilfenhaus reducing the home side to 4-3 - brilliant !! What looked like a bore draw is now set up for a fantastic final day. If Australia pull off a win here the credit will go in equal amounts to the tail , the attack and Clarke , but in my eyes Clarke was the real star. The future for Australia looks rosy , Clarke always bats with panache and he's shown that he intends to captain in the same cavalier way - good luck to him , cricket needs captains that are willing to take risks and declaring short could well have set them up for a remarkable win. Having said all that , the Windies are far from out of this contest although I do think that the two at the crease do have to dig in and try and take the wind out of the Aussie sails. If they don't the Aussies could well be chasing below 200 and with maybe two and a half sessions to get them. Whatever transpires , I'll be there tonight - all results still possible. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 8:42am
| yup I agree, it was a brilliant declaration, imaginative and very positive |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 4:35pm
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I don't think there was anything special with the decleration timing. As a captain , with just 40 runs deficit and and just about 4 sessions left when the series is at 0-0, it was but obvious that Aussies managment felt that they were safe and they could take a chance if early wicket falls ( that is what exactly happened). I prefectly agree that it was the perfect time to declare ... full marks to it , but I would say it was a safety first strategy rather than aggressive, not a surprise or nothing innovative about it.
Had Clarke declared with 150 runs deficit, it would be riskier but for me that would be gutsy and surprise decleration. I remeber Fleming did that once.
Clarke is one of the best test batsman, but I seriously doubt his captaincy.I might be wrong.Time will tell. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 5:28pm
Why on earth would any captain declare 150 runs behind Raj, Risky??? That is suicidal???  Clarke is a very good captain, not because he declared behind, honestly I find no logic in a captain declaring behind, you anyhow have to get those runs and you anyhow are willing to declare, so why not ask your tailenders to go for absolutely everything, even if they get out, no worries, if they score runs, great, because you anyhow have to get those runs!!! 192 to get then for the Aussies, WI will have to get some early wickets to put some pressure on them, 60 overs remain in the day, one would expect Aussies to get there, but a few early wickets and it could all change. Anyways, ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 7:00pm
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Well Sam , if time is too less and team which is lagging wants to force a result , then they can let go a huge lead, I remember Fleming doing that with 199 odd run lead.
Here there was obvious logic in declaring behind , if AUS had knocked off those runs there wouldn't be a carrot for WI, then psychological factor on batsman to bat few minutes before tea and again settle after tea.When WI resumed they started with an uncomfortable situation.That's what I said , it was obvious to declare at that point.However in my view AUS were in complete safety in declaring with 4 sessions to go. Even if WI had played 2 sessions they would not be in a position to declare and take 20 wickets. AUS had the luxuary at that time.
EDIT: I know, there is nothing like complete safety in cricket, but atleast AUS if they go for victory and if few quick wickets fall , they can have plan B and go for draw, as they won't have to survive for long time as match would be over by then. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 7:40pm
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Warner falls , Aus 31-1 with still 52 overs to go. Looks like there is no time for all those overs , wheather could play a role there.Still approx 1 and half session left in day's play,161 runs to get. WI need few wickets to get safe , while AUS need a steady partnership, so that they can go for onslaught at the end.If WI lose , it will hurt me a lot  , I am calling it a day can't hold back sleep any longer.------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 11 April 2012 at 10:44pm
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What a match!! THIS IS REAL CRICKET unlike useless matches of IPL - Sad for WI they did very well but in the end better team won. Very happy that Australia won Sam there was nothing special about Clarke's captaincy declaring behind 40 is not a huge thing Mr Captain Cool Dhoni does it daily. ------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 12 April 2012 at 2:39am
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What a match , what a series ... the two teams are evenly matched. If someone asks me to put money on some team I would divide it and put equally on the two teams.There is hardly anything that seperates them. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 12 April 2012 at 7:04am
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Clarke's declaration probably had something to do with the body language of the West Indians - they were seriously hacked off with the Aussie tail ! The timing of it was impeccable and the home side weren't expecting it - they were not in the right frame of mind when they went into bat - hence 4-3 ! As for the finish , well done to the Aussies in pretty poor light. Fine attacking knock from Watson set it up and I expect they'll go on to win the series in some comfort. Some pretty ragged bowling from the Windies , especially to the tail in the first innings. They still have a fragile mentality and simply don't know how to bury a side when they are on top. As for their tactics yesterday - one slip and a one day field in the 2nd over - what was that ??? They were never going to be able to prevent the Aussies from scoring at 3 an over , so they had to attack and try and take 10 wickets. I'm glad they lost , their whole approach yesterday was cockeyed ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 12 April 2012 at 3:29pm
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Australia deserved to win, not just as Sledger mentioned, because of the poor attitude of the Windies attack/captaincy, but because the Aussies were audacious and aggressive. Clarke instilled confidence in his bowlers when he declared, even though there was a possibility for more runs. He sent the message to his bowlers that he thinks they're world beaters and can get the Windies out cheaply, and that's exactly what they did. Australians looked out of this game completely, it's a great comeback and it ended up being a brilliant test after a boring first 3 days. You can say that this is a poor Windies side, but there's nothing wrong with that batting line-up, even without Gayle, and the bowlers were playing in home conditions. Australia have now won 5 tests in a row, and that'll give Clarke even more confidence. He also batted very well in the first innings. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 12 April 2012 at 6:33pm
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congratulations to Australia on a really hard fought victory. I think Sledge is right, Clarke's declaration had a lot to do with the body language of the west indians, and no one was expecting a declaration at that time. There is one other point I'd like to make, in fact making it now sounds silly but I wanted to say this right when Sammy declared in the first innings, when you are WI and you know you can collapse anytime, 449 is not a score you would want to declare on, Yes, they were 9 wickets down, but so were the Aussies when that match turning partnership came, in the end may be 4-5 overs from that last wicket in the first innings could have saved WI the match. In my opinion when you are a team that is not used to winning, then you simply must not declare unless you are absolutely certain of a safe score. Just bat untill you are bowled out or else until you reach 580-600. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: mystery
Date Posted: 12 April 2012 at 7:36pm
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Yes Milky Australia have now won 5 matches in a row hopeful they will win the next 2 and Sam i think rain was the main reason behind declaring but i agree we have seen so many times in last few years teams like WI and NZ declare only to allow other team get back in the game and like Sledger said Watson played a huge part in Australia winning and he currently is the best all-rounder in test cricket after Kallis.
------------- Rohit Sharma - What the world has seen is gear 1, gear speed 2,3,4,5,7,8,9 to be witnessed in IPL only. |
Posted By: Abhinav_Superr
Date Posted: 15 April 2012 at 10:36am
| Aussies are currently the best test side imo. They have showed it again in Windies... |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 16 April 2012 at 6:26am
That's your opinion , but I still think that both England and South Africa are stronger in both batting and bowling. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 16 April 2012 at 6:34am
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Well I saw a couple of hours of the 2nd test and have to say that the pitch is close to a shocker. That it is turning so early (the 15th over) is simply not good enough. Australia have gone in with 2 spinners - the first time they've done that in years! It was a good toss to win , batting last on this cabbage patch will be a nightmare. Just over 200 in the full 90 overs showed just how difficult batting is and added to that , the outfield is very slow making boundary hitting difficult. It was here in Trinidad that Brian Lara hit 400* against England - that wicket was a batsman's paradise , this one couldn't be more different. You'll not see a side score 400 here and maybe not even with two innings ! West Indies cricket is short of money , but they're doing themselves no favours by preparing wickets of this nature. There should be some punishment ,but that's unlikely what with our lilylivered ICC. So Australia 5 down , I think they'ev got their noses in front and 250-270 will see them get a decent 1st innings lead. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 16 April 2012 at 5:49pm
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Rain around again, 267/6 I think Australia have got themselves in a fairly good position here, I agree with Sledge, it's a difficult wicket to bat on, WI don't even have big hitters like Gayle, Russsel or Pollard who can score runs quickly and take the game away from the opposition, I think WI will have to play really well to save or win this one. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 17 April 2012 at 3:47am
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The day would have to go to Australia, despite the Windies doing a fine job at the end with the ball. 309 is still a good score, Watson and in particular Hussey were wonderful and I think Pattinson has got a lot of batting talent too. Not the first time I've seen him bat that well, and he's definitely going to be a very handy no 8 in years to come. Probably Australia's longest tail in some time, but when you see Hilfy tonking a few and Siddle making runs in a lot of games, they're obviously working hard on their batting and that's nice to see. Wade is looking more and more out of his depth at this level, and I really think he is no more than a limited overs cricketer at best. I'd definitely like to see Peter Nevill play in the next test, although that won't happen. Nearly everyone who follows the Sheffield Shield knows that Nevill is the best and most in-form keeper/batsman at first class level. Pertaining to the bowling, Lyon, like all the pundits are saying is out of form. He's not using his body or his front arm at all through his action and there should have been a case to drop him for Beer, instead of playing them both. Lyon has a bit of work to do on his action, his technique is a mess at the moment, but hopefully tomorrow he can sort that out and find his rhythm again! It is handy having Watson in the side, does give the selectors the option to play the 2 spinners. Pattinson is looking quick and Hilfenhaus is curving the ball nicely. Bowling set up looks decent. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 17 April 2012 at 6:14am
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Australia well on top and Clarke's decision to open the bowling with Beer shows how the pitch is behaving (or misbehaving). I think only the weather can save the Windies from going 2-0 down and because of that wicket , they deserve to !
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 17 April 2012 at 5:43pm
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At 132/4 WI are still struggling, although there has been some sort of a recovery today, Work to do still and Chanders will have to be the rescue man once again. Deonarine, Sammmy and Baugh will have to bat well around him for WI to come close to the Aussie score. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 18 April 2012 at 6:11am
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Sledger, Lara's 400 was in Antigua and not Trinidad. Trinidad has always been a bowling and result pitch, probably with the exception of the England test match in 2009. Make no mistake, despite the huge turn on offer, Trinidad is not a spin bowlers pitch, the ball turns to slow. Fast bowlers have always been wrecking havoc on teams here. Lyon's 5 fer has more to do with Windies inability against spin more than anything. Australia clearly doesn't know the history of Queen's Park Oval, Harris over Lyon and Windies may have been back in the hut already. Pattinson got some exaggerated movement yesterday, which is proving my point. Even Mike Hussey was getting the ball to do something. Nonetheless, i'm proud of West Indies still. Australia have definitely found it much harder than they thought it would be. Australia have some serious problems, in that their tail is batting better than their top batsmen. Windies have done well, but when they lose a session, they are losing it badly, which is costing them the game. Woeful batting in the 2nd innings is why they lost the 1st test. Lastly, i'd say Australia is extremely lucky that Narine or Shillingford didn't play the first test. Bishoo was a huge disappointment on a pitch with so much rough, and the same could be said of Lyon. They hardly posed any problems. Talking about Narine, with his accuracy, and the turn on offer, he would have been unplayable here, as he pushes them through much faster than most. ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 18 April 2012 at 7:42am
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It was Antigua SW , apologies ! A good fightback from the home side , but they're still in arrears and staring down the barrel. Tomorrow the Windies need to knock over the Aussies for less than 200 to have a chance methinks.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: alpesh
Date Posted: 20 April 2012 at 6:03am
| Roach is taken on his first test 10 wicket. and there it is! bad luck for the team that the weather had to intervene and cost him a possible match winning performance. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 20 April 2012 at 12:38pm
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Still a lot of boring periods in this 2nd test as well, I don't really like these tracks where batsmen struggle or are unwilling to score at above 2.5 runs an over. I'm not saying I like high scoring games, but a pitch isn't meant to turn on day 1! Roach has done a good job, I always rated him because he bowls well to the Aussies. His style is one which always troubles the Aussies, but it seems like batsmen from elsewhere around the world aren't as troubled by him. He certainly has the pace and bounce we see from bowlers in Aussie FC cricket, who do very well (as one can tell by the low FC batting averages in Australia in the last 5 years). Windies can't win this series now, but really it's their own fault. They're lacking that killer edge, but their competitiveness in this series has enhanced their reputation and a couple of good test wins are very, very close. Lots of talent in the West Indies, their batting has looked respectable despite the long tail. Thrown in Gayle, hopefully Sarwan and maybe Narine and the Windies could break into the top 5 in the world. |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 21 April 2012 at 3:40am
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Sarwan's chances are very slim. Kirk Edwards and Darren Bravo are batting wel, along with Shiv Chanderpaul. Gayle may stand a chance as the openers are not saying much.
------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 21 April 2012 at 7:26am
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Using cricket world on mobile for the first time! The site works good! The weather ruined a very intense battle. WI have played well though and yes I'm keen to see Gayle in weatindian colors! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 21 April 2012 at 2:56pm
| Hopefully Sarwan's chances stay slim for a while yet, he's needed at Leics - got his first ton of the season yesterday too. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 21 April 2012 at 4:42pm
Still young too, I think he's only 31. Definitely would be a waste if he's making runs and not playing test cricket. A good season for Leics and he could be in the Windies fold again. |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 22 April 2012 at 8:15pm
| The ball is seaming all over the place at the moment here, and only pretty decent players are making runs |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 23 April 2012 at 5:11pm
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Didn't saw the game so far but if the conditions were indeed difficult then it is a good start for Australia 69/1 Lunch ... hopefully the rain will stay away from this test and let us have a good contest. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: spin wizard
Date Posted: 24 April 2012 at 5:04am
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Can't tell when was the last time i've been so proud of West Indies. They are bowling really well these days. They are sustaining great pressure by not bowling too many bad balls. Shillingford bowled really well today, getting a lot of bounce on his home turf. Nonetheless, the Aussie tail is there, which has caused West Indies more headache than the top order. Also a brittle top order. A lot relies of how Shiv performs......again! ------------- In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage. |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 24 April 2012 at 5:23am
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The no nonsense approach of the lower order batsmen with considerable ability, whether it be Siddle, Harris, Pattinson, Starc, Lyon or Hilfenhaus is exactly the way the top order need to bat. Time and time again we see the lower order showing up the top order and it is actually starting to get pathetic. And this wicket... so much damn bounce! I reckon Starc will be a handful with his left arm inswingers, at good pace. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 24 April 2012 at 1:16pm
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I'm with Mikey here , the Aussie top order have become so timid! Remember the Haydn/Langer days when they were scoring at 5 an over , setting the game up for Ponting and company - that seems a million miles away. They've gone into their shell and allowing the bowlers to dictate - when a bowler isn't getting attacked he bowls with so much more control. Still , the wicket has bounce and I think it could be Lyon who really gets amongst the Windies batsmen - it could be fascinating if the weather plays fair.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 24 April 2012 at 7:35pm
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WI have messed it up once again... too many runs given and already 3 down... need to improve guys... but then half of them are playing the IPL! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 25 April 2012 at 4:26am
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Absolutely brilliant work by Wade to get his maiden ton, in only his 3rd test. A fine, important and potentially match winning knock. His keeping in this series has also been quite good and I don't think there's a coincidence that he made a ton the day after Clarke said "Haddin is his keeper". Haddin will be concerned now...! Australia are in a good position, with Lyon making up for his poor first test with a 5-for in the 2nd test and an important 3-for in this test. |
Posted By: Clobber
Date Posted: 25 April 2012 at 9:09am
This stat says it all
|
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 25 April 2012 at 4:29pm
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Amazing stat that Clobs! WI tail has put up some fight though, 218/9 and Chnders again leading the way, good resistance this from the West Indies, Good to see! ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: alpesh
Date Posted: 26 April 2012 at 5:14am
| Australia Haven't learn t much at all in current batting in this series, Ponting has been the main guy copping it but he isn't alone in having a poor series. |
Posted By: alpesh
Date Posted: 26 April 2012 at 5:28am
| Ed Cowan and Ricky Ponting both hit half-centuries on Wednesday as Australia are in good position in the match as West Indies will struggle more in the fourth innings. |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 26 April 2012 at 11:05am
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Yes alpesh , I can't see the Windies getting out of this. More than 300 ahead already and still batting to come , a deteriorating track and Lyon in form. Unless the weather intervenes it'll be 2-0.
------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 26 April 2012 at 11:07am
Talk about the world on your shoulders ! ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 26 April 2012 at 3:30pm
| Hussey is out, and the lead at the minute is 334 runs. The lower order is in now, Starc and Harris are both decent lower order batsmen so hopefully they can bash some runs, probably not a bad thing that they're in now. Lead of 350 is sufficient here methinks. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 26 April 2012 at 7:29pm
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81/3 WI, another defeat on the cards here, WI just haven't had enough steam to compete in the test matches after a riveting T20 and ODI series. Chanders the man again, batting, he has got the talented Darren Bravo with him, still feel Samuels, and Dwayne should have been a part of this series rather than playing in the IPL, perhaps even Russel. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: alpesh
Date Posted: 28 April 2012 at 6:36am
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WI finally lost only by 75 runs. I think That's Major Problem on WI team side Australia first innings 9th wicket partnership between Wade and Hilfenhaus of 102 must be turning point on game They create chances in almost every game - but don't take them. WI batsman Shillingford played some good shots. He actually looked like a batsman. overall, a good series. Windies had the best bowler and the best batsman but lost 2-0, however they were close matches. Congrats Australia team and skipper Clarke. A winning Australian cricket team is good for cricket |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 29 April 2012 at 1:03pm
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Clarke is the matchwinner, taking a 5-for and committing himself to 23 overs in order to seal the win - good stuff! Australia's series win was an all-round performance, with no single player shining, although the bowlers were excellent. West Indies on the other hand had some superb individual performances from Chanderpaul, Roach and Shillingford - and this summaries the Windies in a nutshell, good individual performance but no wins to show for it. After this series Australia now no. 3 in the world in tests, with India rightfully dropping to 4. Australia is now ranked 1 in ODIs and 3 in Tests, and will continually look to improve that - although there are no tests for 6th months. Furthermore, Siddle is now ranked no. 8 all-rounder in test cricket .
|
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 29 April 2012 at 7:13pm
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A very impressive 2-0 result for AUS, Clarke made a huge difference in the test matches, remember he missed the T20 and the ODI's where the WI leveled with AUS. Good to see AUS on the rise, they have indeed moved to No.3 in the test rankings right behind ENG and RSA, IND are 4th and they now find Pakistan breathing down their neck. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 30 April 2012 at 3:39am
Mikey , Rankings were always a true reflection of what happens. Then it always rightly puts best team at the top. Then don't worry about not having tests , it is the same for all teams  .Every team goes into such phase where they don't have matches.On a side note, ENG after becoming number #1,immediately lost 4 test matches in a row ... Aussies have beaten WI , but far from convincing.Thought scoreline shows 2-0 , it looked as if equally matched teams fought a tough series.A great compliment to WI. I had said that WI have improved leaps and bounds when I saw them play against India , when many mocked that India found it hard to beat a team like them. (Sunil Narine could have been handful ... forget about other biggies not played). Well done WI. India had two terrible seasons in ENG and AUS.Good thing is they looked equally jaded in Asia cup and other sub continent venues during the same time.So that does not worry me much.Post World Cup to Asia Cup , many important players have looked in terrible form. Shewag and Gambhir have regained some form, Yuvraj should be back soon. They should be back with a bang soon.I wish ENG to retain No 1 spot till they visit us and we take it back from them , just like what they did.Spinner spot is a concern though. Ashwin might do good on Indian pitches, he should learn to bowl well and take wickets outside sub continent. SL have have been ordinary post world cup , just like India. Pak has exceeded expectations, mainly because of Saeed Ajmal , a fantastic bowler ... world class... pure class ( TV people , please just don't show his bowling in slow motion... all the fun is gone ... I know what he is doing). Hafeez, Asad and Azhar have been silent contributors in test matches. NZ, can't say anything about them. Every time I see them build a good team and somehow wheels come off. They never click as a unit. Bracewell has been a welcome addition.They do have brilliant spells in irregular patches like NZ-Aus series. ------------------------------BOTTOMLINE------------------------------------------------------------------- Among top 4 teams , looks like its only SA whose pride had not been dented. That makes ENG vs SA very much anticipated contest. Others teams are fast catching up for sure.Beware!WI, PAK could really force their way to top 3 , Can't count SL out, they just need one spinner to replace Murali's void. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 30 April 2012 at 4:07am
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Bracewell is NZ's Philander - batsmen these days, perhaps thanks to T20, can't even play gentle medium-fast seam bowling. Quite pathetic. Watson gets too many wickets with this style too. Pakistan are the darkhorse in test cricket, not West Indies, I full expect them to win more and more tests over the next 12-18 months, barring any major controversy. West Indies, like Australia, don't have the batting nous to win too many games - the difference being that Australia has a bit more room to improve in that area, while WI aren't playing their best - Gayle, Sarwan, Bravo and perhaps Nash, while Chanders isn't getting any younger... |
Posted By: Sledger
Date Posted: 30 April 2012 at 10:23am
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So 2-0 it is with Clarke doing the business with the ball on the final morning. He's an underrated bowler and one has to ask how many overs would he have been given by Ponting , if he'd still been in charge? West Indies are still a "work in progress" outfit but they are getting better and have been pulling for one another - something that's been missing for many a year. England will be another tough test and Chanderpaul will be targetted - some others need to dig in and make runs if they're to be competitive. ------------- Mental disintegration works for me !! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 30 April 2012 at 4:27pm
Michael Hussey is also getting a lot of breakthroughs too, he has become Clarke's partnership breaker - something we didn't see at all from Ponting. While Clarke probably doesn't bowl a hell of a lot because of his back, but I think because he hasn't bowled much lately he gave himself a good 20-odd overs and got through it unscathed. Not the kind of guy who should bowl 30 overs a test because of his back, bit of a shame... like Steve Waugh in the second half of his career. |
Posted By: sam_ahmed
Date Posted: 30 April 2012 at 7:31pm
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Chris Gayle asking the WICB to confirm if he'll be selected for the ODI leg of ENG tour so that he can reply on his availability to Somerset, very very unprofessional from Gayle, I fully agree with the WICB here... No player can be promised of a place in the side, it's up to the selectors to decide on whom to select and whom not to, Gayle should either commit himself to playing for WI and make himself available irrespective of what T20 league in whatever part of the world is going on or just forget about his international career and play every damn T20 league that takes place in every street of the world these days. ------------- God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you! |
Posted By: Mikey
Date Posted: 01 May 2012 at 3:24am
| I don't agree. If he has some sort of professional understanding with Somerset, then he should known whether the West Indies intend to pick him or not, otherwise he should commit to his contract/agreement with Somerset. The West Indies did no favours to anyone by both dropping him and stripping him of his captaincy. Gayle is the 2nd best Caribbean batsman after Chanderpaul, play him or continue to lose. Gayle is still playing cricket and rolling in cash, he's using his skill to make a living. |
Posted By: MalhotraRaj84
Date Posted: 01 May 2012 at 5:18am
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Dead right Mikey... I am of opinion that Gayle is absolutely right in what he had done so far, 1. I guess it was intentional to drop him and strip him of captaincy after he was not selected in IPL-4 auctions. To leave him in cold when he was down. Fortunately for him RCB picked him when he was cheated/cornered by board members high handedness. Then other domestic T20 offers came in a hurry. Now Gayle can call his shots, I don't see any attitude problem. Respect and commitment cannot be from players side only ... it has to come from both the sides. 2. Player of Gayle's caliber needs some assurance, it is absolutely foolish to say that player of such caliber in such a good form that too for a WI team , needs to wait for selection procedure outcome to know if he makes it into team .... Nonsense. I can agree if he was out of form , or if he is not suitable for the format. ------------- Race to No 1 again ... started! |