The Official Cricket Thread

[Nashwan]

Jesus! England all out for 81 in their first innings against Sri Lanka in Galle today. I saw the first four wickets to fall and the only one who could legitimately claim to have been unlucky was Kevin Pietersen, who copped an absolute bugger of a delivery. The rest? A "Keystone Cops" comedy routine!!! Ordinarily, I might have been a bit pissed off by the batsmen's abject surrender but, to be honest, some of it was pure comedy, particularly the self-inflicted run outs!! I think it's fair that in not winning this test match, England will drop from second to fifth in the world rankings. No way in the world are we currently the world's second best cricketing nation. At this rate of deterioration, even the Kiwis must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of England's visit later this winter.

[gdn]

Nash, I felt so bad when I saw the score. Sigh. How do they go from so good at home to so awful overseas?

[gdn]

Oh my lord...couldn't they have gotten someone other than Jayasuriya to be a commentator?

[Nashwan]

Oh my lord...couldn't they have gotten someone other than Jayasuriya to be a commentator?

Nice guy, awful commentator! I know, when I tuned in at the start and I heard him muttering away, I thought: "Oh Gawd! Hide all the sharp instruments. I can't take too much of this"!!

[gdn]

Nash, I gotta say, some fine batting there by Cook. Vaughn looked very out of sorts and I'm rather impressed by Ian Bell. If only your batsman could be consistent.

What do you think of the young lad?

It seems as though you guys might be able to squeeze out a draw!

[Humph]

Jesus! England all out for 81 in their first innings against Sri Lanka in Galle today. I saw the first four wickets to fall and the only one who could legitimately claim to have been unlucky was Kevin Pietersen, who copped an absolute bugger of a delivery. The rest? A "Keystone Cops" comedy routine!!! Ordinarily, I might have been a bit pissed off by the batsmen's abject surrender but, to be honest, some of it was pure comedy, particularly the self-inflicted run outs!! I think it's fair that in not winning this test match, England will drop from second to fifth in the world rankings. No way in the world are we currently the world's second best cricketing nation. At this rate of deterioration, even the Kiwis must be rubbing their hands at the prospect of England's visit later this winter.

Correct me if I'm wrong , Nash, but we put the Sri Lankans in after winning the toss. I always thought that , unless conditions are heavily in the bowlers' favour, batting first is the only choice .

Sri Lanka scored 499 for 8 dec in their 1st innings which indicates that conditions weren't heavily in the bowlers' favour.

A bollocks up from the start, methinks.

[Nashwan]

Correct me if I'm wrong , Nash, but we put the Sri Lankans in after winning the toss. I always thought that , unless conditions are heavily in the bowlers' favour, batting first is the only choice .

Sri Lanka scored 499 for 8 dec in their 1st innings which indicates that conditions weren't heavily in the bowlers' favour.

A bollocks up from the start, methinks.

Succinctly put, as usual, Humph. Yes, the conditions overhead at the time of the toss were thought to favour the swing bowlers, of which Hoggard is one of the best exponents. Unfortunately, the bowlers got over-excited by the conditions and bowled everywhere except the slots they were supposed to get the ball into! The new ball only swung for about the first 20 overs, which was probably only what the Sri Lankans needed to skittle us out for 81. Stupid run outs, dropped catches, everything went pear-shaped in this game. We have been outplayed in every facet of the game and if England even snatch a draw it will be rough justice on the Sri Lankans, who have played very well. Rant over!

[Nashwan]

Nash, I gotta say, some fine batting there by Cook. Vaughn looked very out of sorts and I'm rather impressed by Ian Bell. If only your batsman could be consistent.

What do you think of the young lad?

It seems as though you guys might be able to squeeze out a draw!

I agree, gdn. The inconsistency of the batting is enough to drive you to drink! Cook is a talented lad and continues to make good progress. Vaughan needs a score - he keeps getting starts but then finds ways to get himself out. He was playing pretty well this morning until he took a swipe at a ball he didn't need to play and succeeded only in giving the excellent Mahela Jayawardena a nice catch at slip. I think that England must have another re-think about the wicketkeeping, though, because Prior is just a liability. His batting is reasonable but he can't catch a cold, never mind the ball! I think they also miss Flintoff, not only for his catching at slip but his all round ability with both bat and ball. Be interesting to see who's selected when they pick the team to tour New Zealand during the second part of the winter. I certainly hope that they leave both Prior and Bopara, to name but two, behind when they set off for the Antipodes.

[Nashwan]

So, England got out of jail again today with a drawn game in Galle. When the Heavens opened the ground quickly became a swamp, and there was never any chance of further play after that. Congratulations to the Sri Lankans for their deserved series win. A 1-0 series defeat is flattering to England, who were horribly outplayed during the whole tour.

[gdn]

Well, well. Now that was an interesting first day's play. 330-odd for 9 wickets? Evenly poised, one could say. I don't think the Indians did as well as some are making it out to be, but the Aussies certainly performed slightly below average. I think a whole bunch of them just threw their wickets away (Hayden, Clarke, Symonds, Gilchrist). I think only the first three were genuine bowlers' wickets.

It will be interesting to see how the bowlers respond tomorrow. Zaheer bowled a terrific opening spell and Kumble did his bit. Lee, Johnson and co. will have to reply in kind.

[Nashwan]

Well, well. Now that was an interesting first day's play. 330-odd for 9 wickets? Evenly poised, one could say. I don't think the Indians did as well as some are making it out to be, but the Aussies certainly performed slightly below average. I think a whole bunch of them just threw their wickets away (Hayden, Clarke, Symonds, Gilchrist). I think only the first three were genuine bowlers' wickets.

It will be interesting to see how the bowlers respond tomorrow. Zaheer bowled a terrific opening spell and Kumble did his bit. Lee, Johnson and co. will have to reply in kind.

Thanks for the report, gdn. After all the lead up, guess who fell asleep when the meaningful action began?!!

When I saw the scorecard this morning, which had a decided lop-sided look to it, it kind of matched your description (above). I would agree that the Indians have given themselves a fighting chance in this one and it will be interesting to see the Australian bowlers' response tomorrow.

[gdn]

And there you have it. Some terrific bowling by Clark (I really like him) and Lee overcame some fight from Tendulkar. End of the 2nd day and the Aussies already lead by close to 200 runs. This may not be pretty.

[Blokee]

I actually watched most of the Day 2 action despite being here in England. I thought India's openers were absolutely woeful - what was it - 31 runs scored in the morning session? Lee is devistating and Clark can be the next McGrath in terms of line n length and bowling smarts.

[gdn]

I actually watched most of the Day 2 action despite being here in England. I thought India's openers were absolutely woeful - what was it - 31 runs scored in the morning session? Lee is devistating and Clark can be the next McGrath in terms of line n length and bowling smarts.

More than India's openers being awful, credit must go to the Aussie bowlers. That has to be one of the best bowling performances I have seen in a very long time (bar Hogg). All three of their seamers were fantastic and it just goes to show how accuracy can be just as deadly as speed.

[Nashwan]

More than India's openers being awful, credit must go to the Aussie bowlers. That has to be one of the best bowling performances I have seen in a very long time (bar Hogg). All three of their seamers were fantastic and it just goes to show how accuracy can be just as deadly as speed.

Did Rahul Dravid forget why he was carrying a bat? I doubt that I've ever seen such a pedestrian "inning"! It was a merciful release when he was trapped l.b.w.! I agree that credit goes to the Aussie Bowlers, gdn, and one again they proved why they are the best at what they do. I think that the Indians' lack of technique on a truer, faster surface readily found them out (again) and only Tendulkar, always the class act, seemed to come to terms with the quicker wicket.

I happened to tune into the South Africa/West Indies game and one has to be fair and say that the Windies thoroughly outplayed the hosts throughout the day's play. It certainly didn't look a 122-5 surface, the score reached by the home side at the close of play on Day 2. Could be an interesting few days play left in this one.

[Blokee]

More than India's openers being awful, credit must go to the Aussie bowlers. That has to be one of the best bowling performances I have seen in a very long time (bar Hogg). All three of their seamers were fantastic and it just goes to show how accuracy can be just as deadly as speed.

Oh I agree - great spell of pace bowling by all three of them. However Dravid didn't want to play a shot and does not want to open - he made that clear. They need to bring Schwag back into the side to open - Jaffer and Dravid are too similar.

[gdn]

Oh I agree - great spell of pace bowling by all three of them. However Dravid didn't want to play a shot and does not want to open - he made that clear. They need to bring Schwag back into the side to open - Jaffer and Dravid are too similar.

Schwag

Are you watching it now? Hayden is a beast - out to a decent delivery, but still poor shot selection. I can't help but notice that the Aussies are getting themselves out. If they applied themselves, I don't really think the Indians could get them out (save perhaps Ponting's dismissal on the first day).

[gdn]

Whoops. There goes Ponting again. Another poor shot. They're just bored out there, it seems!

[Tabata]

Well the Australia/Pakistan tour is all but dead now.

Oh, and R.I.P Bhutto

[Blokee]

Schwag

Are you watching it now? Hayden is a beast - out to a decent delivery, but still poor shot selection. I can't help but notice that the Aussies are getting themselves out. If they applied themselves, I don't really think the Indians could get them out (save perhaps Ponting's dismissal on the first day).

Sehwag - it was near enough...

I saw the first session and when Hayden holed out and Ponting played a loose one - India had a chance as Hussey looked very uncomfortable. 499 is far too much for this team to get against that bowling attack - as those annoying ChiSox announcers would say - 'You can put in on the board'

[gdn]

So Cricinfo has this nice piece on some year end "awards"

http://content-www.cricinfo.com/revi...ry/327749.html

This made me laugh out loud:

The Kamran Akmal award for services to wicketkeeping
Despite stiff competition from Matt Prior, Akmal retained the title for the second year running, one best summed up by the following conversation on a satirical TV show in Pakistan:

Anchor 1: "It's time Kamran Akmal caught a bus to take him away from Pakistan cricket." Anchor 2: "It is likely he will not catch that either."

[gdn]

I'm also a little curious as to why Ponting chose to declare when the target was 499. Why not score another run and set India a target of 500? 500 seems far more intimidating than 499. The psychological advantage would have been greater. Or perhaps he does not believe that.

[Nashwan]

So Cricinfo has this nice piece on some year end "awards"

http://content-www.cricinfo.com/revi...ry/327749.html

This made me laugh out loud:

This is certainly a good one but perhaps a tad harsh on Akmal. I witnessed some of Akmal's recent "antics" against India and he did drop a few clangers. However, exactly the same can be said about Matt Prior during the recent series in Sri Lanka so the two of them should really share the award!!

499 or 500 needed to win by India. Does one run, apart from the psychology factor, mean anything here? India will have to bat out of their socks to even have a chance at drawing the game and if the Aussies get Tendulkar cheaply, the game should be wrapped up pretty smartly in the usual, efficient Australian manner. Sorry, gdn!

[gdn]

This is certainly a good one but perhaps a tad harsh on Akmal. I witnessed some of Akmal's recent "antics" against India and he did drop a few clangers. However, exactly the same can be said about Matt Prior during the recent series in Sri Lanka so the two of them should really share the award!!

499 or 500 needed to win by India. Does one run, apart from the psychology factor, mean anything here? India will have to bat out of their socks to even have a chance at drawing the game and if the Aussies get Tendulkar cheaply, the game should be wrapped up pretty smartly in the usual, efficient Australian manner. Sorry, gdn!

No, it doesn't, but I have an affinity for round numbers, so 500 sits better with me.

India certainly will have to play out of their skins to win this one - is winning even an option here? - and I certainly look forward to watching the first session's play

[Nashwan]

No, it doesn't, but I have an affinity for round numbers, so 500 sits better with me.

Ah! A man who likes round numbers! Fair enough.

India certainly will have to play out of their skins to win this one - is winning even an option here? - and I certainly look forward to watching the first session's play

You certainly seem to be watching a lot of cricket these days, gdn? Made a subscription or something?

I see that, despite a second innings capitulation, the Windies are in a strong position in the first test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Will the Windies confound their critics, me included, and actually win a meaningful game? I wouldn't put bad money on it because if there's one team consistently capable of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, it's the Windies!!

[gdn]

Ah! A man who likes round numbers! Fair enough.



You certainly seem to be watching a lot of cricket these days, gdn? Made a subscription or something?

I see that, despite a second innings capitulation, the Windies are in a strong position in the first test against South Africa in Port Elizabeth. Will the Windies confound their critics, me included, and actually win a meaningful game? I wouldn't put bad money on it because if there's one team consistently capable of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, it's the Windies!!

I have a subscription for the first test thus far, let's see about the rest when they happen

As for the Windies, I was very surprised to see them doing so well at the close of the first innings. Then, of course, things reverted to the norm. Still, they have a lead in the area of 360 and that will be some target for the South Africans to chase.

[Blokee]

No, it doesn't, but I have an affinity for round numbers, so 500 sits better with me.

India certainly will have to play out of their skins to win this one - is winning even an option here? - and I certainly look forward to watching the first session's play

Winning is not an option - they aren't scoring 499 against that bowling attack. Only hope would be if they were playing Bangladesh, Zimbabwe or England...

[gdn]

Nothing is impossible

[gdn]

Well this is more like test cricket! Two tests, two results! First, the inevitable Aussie victory, but I think the Indians should be rather embarrassed at the quickness with which they capitulated.

On the other hand, West Indies actually won a test! Overseas! Against a real team! WOW!

[Nashwan]

Well this is more like test cricket! Two tests, two results! First, the inevitable Aussie victory, but I think the Indians should be rather embarrassed at the quickness with which they capitulated.

Disappointing capitulation by the Indians, gdn, although I believe the pitch deteriorated rather quickly. I only saw the first 30 minutes play but it I was slightly staggered to see so few spectators inside the MCG to witness the day's play. Is the Aussie public getting a mite fed up with the home side's dominance?

On the other hand, West Indies actually won a test! Overseas! Against a real team! WOW!

I honestly believe that the South Africans lost this match before it even started because of sheer arrogance. Not unexpectedly, they thought they only had to turn up to win, but as a result of their lack of application in all facets of the game, they got thoroughly outplayed. I expect a totally different attitude during the second test.

[Blokee]

Disappointing capitulation by the Indians, gdn, although I believe the pitch deteriorated rather quickly. I only saw the first 30 minutes play but it I was slightly staggered to see so few spectators inside the MCG to witness the day's play. Is the Aussie public getting a mite fed up with the home side's dominance?

The MCG holds what - 80,000 though? When you take that into account the day 4 crowd wasn't too bad?

[gdn]

Yeah, there were about 40-50,000 there.

It was quite the match. Stuart Clark is growing on me and Hogg finally acquitted himself to some extent. I wasn't too impressed by Mitchell Johnson, except that over he bowled that ended with Kumble's wicket.

The Indians...oh where does one start? It's pretty clear that Dravid doesn't want to open. Ordinarily, one might say "suck it up", but this is a distinguished batsman here. If he's not comfortable, it's going to affect the rest of the team. Shame on the selectors for not choosing the team appropriately. Tendulkar was the only one who seemed reasonably comfortable. I would have put Ganguly in this category but for his second innings drama. What the hell was that? One hour in and you're fainting? He's notoriously weak and it shows again. I'm sure the Aussies were chuckling to themselves.

[Nashwan]

The MCG holds what - 80,000 though? When you take that into account the day 4 crowd wasn't too bad?

I think the capacity is closer to 100,000. I won't argue with the "official" figure but I would love to know where everyone was hiding! As I said, I only witnessed the first half-hour's play so it is perfectly possible that the crowd built up thereafter. I will never know because I was fast asleep!!

[Tabata]

I think the capacity is closer to 100,000. I won't argue with the "official" figure but I would love to know where everyone was hiding! As I said, I only witnessed the first half-hour's play so it is perfectly possible that the crowd built up thereafter. I will never know because I was fast asleep!!

I was one of, if not, the hottest day of the summer.

[Nashwan]

Some dreadful umpiring decisions by Mark Benson and Steve Bucknor saved the Aussies' bacon on Day 1 of the Second Test against India earlier today in Sydney. Andrew Symonds should have been out, caught behind, when he was on 30 but, for some inexplicable reason, the only person not hear the snick of the ball hitting his bat was Steve Bucknor! To be fair, though, Ponting was given out l.b.w. when replays showed that he had clearly got an inside edge on to his pad. Some excellent Indian bowling early on, and Australian batting later in the day made a grand day's cricket but you have got to say that, in scoring in excess of 4 an over, the Aussies are ahead in the game at this stage.

[gdn]

What the hell man. Even at 130-6 they can't be wrapped up. Geez. Gotta give it to Symonds and Hogg (Hogg!) - they batted brilliantly.

[Nashwan]

What the hell man. Even at 130-6 they can't be wrapped up. Geez. Gotta give it to Symonds and Hogg (Hogg!) - they batted brilliantly.

I must admit that whilst Hogg isn't exactly a "rabbit" with a bat, he far exceeded my expectations! Execllent innings. Yes, one would have thought the Indians would have wrapped it up when the Aussies staggered to 130-6 but those two umpiring decisions, both ruled in favour of Andrew Symonds, put a totally different complexion on the game. I think the Indian team should have a whip round and buy Steve Bucknor a hearing aid!!

[gdn]

Symonds' caught behind certainly was a loud edge, but Ricky Ponting also got a fair bit of bat before the ball hit the pad and he was given out. I guess it goes both ways. Can't complain too much

I had one of those ideas that lasts a second and then you never think about it again and it comes true. I saw the scoreboard at 136-6 and Symonds and Hogg batting and I said to myself - what if Symonds scores a century? I quickly dismissed it and forgot about it until I saw the scoreboard this morning. Geez. Who woulda thunk it?

[Nashwan]

I had one of those ideas that lasts a second and then you never think about it again and it comes true. I saw the scoreboard at 136-6 and Symonds and Hogg batting and I said to myself - what if Symonds scores a century? I quickly dismissed it and forgot about it until I saw the scoreboard this morning. Geez. Who woulda thunk it?

Does that mean you're psychotic?!!

[gdn]

Does that mean you're psychotic?!!

Surely

[Nashwan]

Some excellent batting by the Indians today, gdn, but why the hell did Dravid and Laxman, having worked so hard to build a platform, throw it away with lousy shots? I know these things happen but it was such a waste, particularly by Laxman, who looked in fine touch. Pitch looks like a batting paradise now so odds must be on the draw.

[Tabata]

Some excellent batting by the Indians today, gdn, but why the hell did Dravid and Laxman, having worked so hard to build a platform, throw it away with lousy shots? I know these things happen but it was such a waste, particularly by Laxman, who looked in fine touch. Pitch looks like a batting paradise now so odds must be on the draw.

There is also rain on the way I've heard. Doesn't look like 16 in a row is going to happen.

[Nashwan]

There is also rain on the way I've heard. Doesn't look like 16 in a row is going to happen.

What a terrible pity!!

[Tabata]

What a terrible pity!!

Life is hard, Nash, life is hard.

[Nashwan]

Life is hard, Nash, life is hard.

One day of summer would be a novel occurrence in these parts! I think the only reason I watch southern hemisphere cricket, which is invariably staged in bright sunshine, is because I'm a masochist of the highest order!!

[gdn]

I still think a result is possible, but not how you envision it. I think now India has a very good chance of winning this test. If they can get close to Australia's target (but they have to pick up the pace - so damn slow!), then I think the spinners can skittle Australia out for a low total and if they have a target of 250-300 to chase, it is very possible for them to overhaul that.

What do you guys think?

[Nashwan]

I still think a result is possible, but not how you envision it. I think now India has a very good chance of winning this test. If they can get close to Australia's target (but they have to pick up the pace - so damn slow!), then I think the spinners can skittle Australia out for a low total and if they have a target of 250-300 to chase, it is very possible for them to overhaul that.

What do you guys think?

Have you been taking courses of study in optimism or something, gdn? Good Lord! Whilst it would be great for the series for the Indians to level it up, I just can't see the wicket wearing enough, to enable the Indian bowlers to skittle the Aussies out a second time. Besides if, as Tabata reckons, it's going to rain, that could take some serious time out of the game. I shall tune in at 4.00 a.m. GMT in the morning, to see what's what and I hope for your sake that your psychotic powers manage to will the Indians to a win!!

[gdn]

LOL. It was merely wishful thinking.

[gdn]

I do think, however, that their chances of equaling the record are slim. Which is a shame, because I'd rather see their streak broken by a loss and not a boring draw.

perhaps they'll skittle India out for 300 now and then slap together another hundred or so and set India 300 to chase on the final day and a half. Make it exciting Ricky.

[Nashwan]

I do think, however, that their chances of equaling the record are slim. Which is a shame, because I'd rather see their streak broken by a loss and not a boring draw.

perhaps they'll skittle India out for 300 now and then slap together another hundred or so and set India 300 to chase on the final day and a half. Make it exciting Ricky.

As you know, the Aussies hate to lose at anything so I can't see a "sporting" declaration being made by the Australian captain, thereby giving India a sniff at a possible victory. The winning streak has to end some time so it might as well be here.