Ponting facing race against time for first Test

Australia captain Ricky Ponting is racing to be fit in time to upset the cricket odds and make the Boxing Day Test against Pakistan after being injured against the West Indies.

He damaged the tendon in his elbow after being struck by a delivery from West Indian bowler Kemar Roach, an injury which forced him to retire hurt.

Ponting has been working hard to ensure he will be ready for the Boxing Day Test, including spending time in a hyperbaric chamber, and has made sure not to put any extra strain on the damaged elbow.

He is scheduled to undergo some more treatment over the next few days as he identifies that Boxing Day is the 'big one' of the cricket calendar and he wants to take part in the first Test of the series against Pakistan.

"I haven't picked up a bat since the second innings the other day and I won't touch one again for the next couple of days to give it the best recovery I can," said the Australian captain.

Philip Hughes has been named in a 13-man squad for Australia for the first Test as cover for Ponting.

Peter Siddle is also in the squad alongside the same XI that won the third Test against the West Indies, while Ben Hilfenhaus is missing with knee problems.

Star hails 'Gooch effect' on England

Kevin Pietersen reckons Graham Gooch can help England to win their Test series against South Africa.

The former England captain was recently appointed batting coach for the international team and started helping out after the culmination of the one-day matches in preparation for the Test series.

The series starts in Centurion on December 16th and Pietersen claims the help of Gooch can inspire England's batsmen to pile on the runs against South Africa.

He added he was really looking forward to working with the coach in the coming weeks and thinks Gooch can "do wonders" for the England cricket team.

"The way he thinks is pretty similar to the way [England head coach] Andy Flower thinks, and the way I think - how simple batting is, but the hard work you have to put in and the mental side and the concentration," said the South Africa-born batsman. "It all makes sense."

Essex batting coach Gooch has refused to commit to working with England after the first test in South Africa.

He originally agreed to help out on a temporary basis but told BBC 5 Live that he believes a permanent appointment would not be possible at the current point in time.

Vaughan - England should have no problems in tests

England should have no problems winning their test series against South Africa, according to one former captain.

Michael Vaughan, who captained England in 51 tests over a five-year period, reckons South Africa’s attack should pose no threat to current skipper Andrew Strauss’ side, despite them being the top ranked test team in the world.

The former Yorkshire batsman told Sporting Life that England should not fear the bowling attack from South Africa, but highlighted fast bowler Dale Steyne as one man who could pose problems in the tests.

It seems a safe cricket bet that England can boast real attacking threats to the South Africa team in the form of James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann and Graham Onions if he is fit, stated Vaughan.

He added: “It'll be tough, it always is away from home, but I think we've got it in us to win the key moments because we're mentally pretty strong.”

Both teams will struggle to get 20 wickets, which could see the tour dominated by the batsmen and the series ending 1-0 to either side, he said.

The first test match kicks off in Centurion on December 16th and then the tour rolls on to Durban and Cape Town over Christmas and New Year before culminating in the fourth test at Port Elisabeth on January 14th.

It was confirmed by the International Cricket Council that a new umpire decision reviewing system will be implemented in the test games.

Under the new rules, each side is allowed a maximum of two unsuccessful challenges in any innings.

Australia could benefit from Lee's experience

Brett Lee can lead the Australian bowling attack for many years to come, starting in the forthcoming tests against the West Indies.

That is the opinion of veteran wicket-taker Glenn McGrath, who himself is pushing for a return to the international scene having revived his career over recent months.

Lee missed the Ashes tests against England through injury but returned to the fold in the one-day series and then showed he is approaching top form in Australia’s Champions League trophy campaign.

McGrath said the 33-year-old can add a lot to the Australian bowling attack and reckons it's a safe cricket bet that he should be in the starting team if he is match fit.

The experience and leadership he can offer to other bowlers can benefit the side, he added.

“Brett's an exceptional cricketer, exceptional sportsman, and he's got that desire to be out there and be successful,” said McGrath.

“I think he adds a lot to the team, apart from just his bowling.”

Australia are facing a hectic schedule over the next few months, with six tests against both the West Indies and Pakistan in the space of only eight weeks.

They are also scheduled to play one-day and Twenty20 matches in that period before embarking on a tour of New Zealand in 2010.

Australia’s campaign begins on November 26th with the first test against the West Indies in Brisbane.

Harmison excited about England's bowlers for South Africa tests

Steve Harmison has revealed that he is happy to allow the next generation of England bowlers to succeed on the international cricket scene.

The pace bowler has signed an extended four-year contract with Durham following his disappointment at being omitted from England's forthcoming tour of South Africa.

Harmison was quick to dismiss claims he was announcing his retirement from the international game, though expressed his belief that England are blessed with a number of good bowlers which can help him succeed.

“England are going through an exciting time with a group of young fast bowlers in South Africa. The pitches will be helpful for them and I really want them to do well,” said the 31-year-old.

The Durham paceman said he would love the opportunity to play for England in the future, but confessed to having doubts his body would be able to cope with the next Ashes tour in Australia beginning in 2010.

He warned the England squad that the forthcoming international tests with South Africa were going to be “tough” and reclaiming the Ashes in Australia would also be “hard”, but wished the players the best of luck in their quest to upset the international cricket odds in both series.

England follow their winter tests against South Africa with a spring tour of Bangladesh, with captain Andrew Strauss having indicated he may opt of the latter series to give his body a rest.

Vice-captain Alistair Cook has expressed his desire to fill Strauss’ role in Bangladesh, stating it would give him an arena to develop and showcase his skills as a leader in international cricket matches.

Real test starts now for England

Where on earth have England’s ICC Champions Trophy displays come from???? The big test though for Andrew Strauss’ rejuvenated side is on the horizon.

Pretty much every cricket pundit and fan would have expected England to have crashed out of the group stages, with many predicting that they would not win a single game after their recent struggles.

A 6-1 series defeat to Australia left plenty of questions as to where the ECB selectors were heading, as far as team selection is concerned. But it appears the message has finally got through to the undoubtedly talented squad.

Strauss made it clear before the ICC event in South Africa that many of the squad were drinking in the last-chance saloon of international one-day cricket, amongst them Owais Shah.

The Middlesex man has responded in fine fashion and now looks a world-class one-day player, after looking like a club cricketer during the Australia series.

The captain described the 323-8 scored against the hosts, the second highest total in Champions trophy history, as England’s best-ever batting display.

The cynics though would say that the only reason England have beaten Sri Lanka and South Africa, is that the pressure has been off the players with nobody expecting them to win those matches.

If that has been the case, it will be interesting to see how they perform in the semi-final after the expectation level and cricket betting odds have been cranked up several notches.

But even if England are to crash out in the last four, they will have surpassed many people’s expectations and the squad have shown that, even without Kevin Pietersen, they can still compete with the best in the world.

ICC’s last-ditch Test bid

The International Cricket Council’s idea to have a world Test championship appears to be the last chance to save international Test cricket, but the plan is set to face some dissenting voices.

The sport’s governing body has been considering a format which will see a series of matches over four years culminating in semi-finals and a final, in the hope that the crowds will be drawn back to the five-day game.

Although several nations are likely to support the idea, the problem facing the ICC is that some cricket boards want to organise their own tours and set firm itineraries well in advance.

The ECB has already expressed some concern even though they like the idea of a Test championship, preferring a different format with either a single Test play-off or a short series to decide the world’s top team.

England officials are worried that a four-year event could devalue series’ such as the Ashes, which always brings full houses in the UK or Australia, and has the best opportunities to place a cricket bet; it could also bring shortened series to accommodate matches against lesser Test nations.

ECB chief executive David Collier said: “The original proposal from ICC, for a two-year cycle with two years of an uncertain fixture programme in regard to the Test Championship, would be detrimental to Test cricket and the ECB's prime consideration is to ensure that Test cricket is at the pinnacle of the world game.”

ICC chief executive Haroon Lorgat has claimed that the only two nations unhappy are England and India, but the problem for the ICC is that they are the two nations that bring the most money into the sport.

The other problem attached to the long-term tournament would be how to fit it into the calendar, especially with the number of lucrative Twenty20 tournaments popping up around the world.

No way Owais

As England continue their desperate search for a one-day formula that works, Owais Shah looks set to be a major casualty of the team’s 50-over frustration.

With England looking to salvage the ODI series against Australia, the selectors and Andrew Strauss also have one eye on the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy in South Africa.

A cull should, and will happen after some below-par performances in recent times, highlighted by the opening two matches in the Australia series – on both occasions England have been in the driving seat and both times they shot themselves in the foot.

Speaking after the 39-run defeat at Lord’s, skipper Strauss admitted: “We can't let chances like this slip through our fingers.”

“We keep talking about the batsmen making a score. We haven't done that in two games, we are aware of it and need to get better.”

Shah is likely to be one of the unfortunate batsmen to lose their position, having endured a torrid time at international level, especially with his running between the wickets.

The 30-year-old got himself run out in the second ODI at Lord’s after a shocking mix-up and that is not an isolated incident – Shah has been run out nine times playing for England, including three occasions at Test level.

The Middlesex man averages 31.00 in 57 innings and has scored just one century in his ODI career – a knock of 107 which came against India two years ago.

In Shah’s defence, a number of batsmen have tried their luck to fill the void left by Kevin Pietersen, but replacing the top one-day player appears a near impossible job.

England can only hope that KP is given the all-clear for the tournament in South Africa, with his presence making them a totally different prospect and increasing their odds of winning the ICC Champions Trophy.

Black Caps could cause an upset

Many people will be backing the regular one-day favourites for success at the ICC Champions Trophy next month, but New Zealand look capable of causing a surprise and maybe even lifting the trophy.

South Africa, on home turf, will no doubt be expected by the punters to go far in the tournament, while the likes of Australia, India and Sri Lanka are always there or thereabouts.

But with expectation comes immense pressure and the Kiwis have shown in patches that in the limited-overs form of the game, they can live with the best teams in the world.

The New Zealand squad selected for September’s ODI event looks strong, although the selectors will have their fingers crossed over injuries, which have cost them dear in the past.

The Black Caps were looking good at this year’s World Twenty20 tournament, but with key players like Ross Taylor, Daniel Vettori and Jacob Oram either missing or not 100% fit, their bid faded.

Skipper Vettori though will be quietly confident looking at the 14 other players he has at his disposal, both in the bowling and batting options.

The enigmatic Jesse Ryder will provide a hard-hitting start at the top of the order, with the world-class duo of Brendan McCullum and Ross Taylor also likely to provide crucial runs.

The bowling line-up has also been strengthened with the return of paceman Shane Bond, who is back in the international fray following his spell in the ICL. Bond, is on his day arguably the best one-day bowler in the world, will be given solid back up from the likes of Kyle Mills and Jacob Oram, as well as the consistent spin of the skipper.

New Zealand have been drawn in Group B with South Africa, Sri Lanka and England and get their campaign underway with a clash against the hosts at Centurion on September 24.

Fortunate England given a last chance

Many England fans were left tearing their hair out at the innings and 80 run defeat at Headingley, but on reflection the home side are lucky to be in with a chance of winning back the Ashes.

The fourth Test in Leeds was built up as the home side’s chance to win back the urn, but the cracks that have shown at other times in the series have turned into gaping chasms.

Yes, England have looked good in patches but when you look at the first four Tests so far in detail, the tourists have enjoyed the better of the series to date.

FIRST TEST (Cardiff)

England escape with a draw after looking for long periods like they were going to go 1-0 behind. Four Australian score centuries and only their inability to take wickets helps England hang on.

SECOND TEST (Lord’s)

An excellent first day 196-run partnership between openers Strauss (161) and Cook (95) helped the home side to break their Lord’s-Ashes hoodoo, but they struggled over the line.

But for an inspired five-wicket haul from Andrew Flintoff, Australia may have held on for a draw and the tourists still wracked up 406 in their second innings.

THIRD TEST (Edgbaston)

A Test match badly affected by the weather, Australia came away with the impetus after another solid display from Michael Clarke and the other middle-order batsmen.
England started day five having an outside chance of victory, but ended that Monday by taking just three wickets and thankful that they didn’t have to bat again.

FOURTH TEST (Headingley)

England were completely outplayed with both bat and ball, as Australia claimed victory in two and a half days. Again the tourists are only asked to bat once and they amass over 400 for the third time in the series.

The stats also point to Australia – eight centuries to England’s one, with five of the top six runscorers from the Australian squad.

Despite the struggles of Mitchell Johnson, it’s a similar story with the ball as the top three wicket-takers are Aussies – Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle and Johnson.

Cricket though, and in particular Ashes history, tells you this series could still go either way as the teams prepare for the final showdown at the Oval – starting on August 20.

Make sure you check out The Oval Test odds before any Fifth Test betting.

The Bell tolls for Bopara

Two England batsmen will go into the third Ashes Test feeling the pressure of the nation on the shoulders, Ravi Bopara and Ian Bell, and they can help each other get their international careers back on track.

All the focus has been on Warwickshire star Bell in the last few days, after he was announced as the replacement for the enigmatic Kevin Pietersen, and the spotlight is something which he has struggled with in the past.

Even though he has played 46 Tests for his country, the 27-year-old has struggled to establish himself at international level but will be given the chance to play in a third Ashes series.

Bell, who has been handed the number four spot in the batting order, averages 25.10 in 10 Tests against Australia, and the Aussies have known how to get under his skin in the past.

But there is no Warne, McGrath and co this time around and with over 3,000 Test runs to his name, Bell would be forgiven for thinking that he now has the experience to cope with the pressure.

Andrew Strauss believes Bell is now a ‘tougher cricketer’ than in days gone by, but the skipper will be well aware that the pressure on Bell will be lifted if the man ahead of him in the batting smashes a big score.

After a brilliant home series against West Indies, Bopara has scored just 81 runs in four Ashes’ innings and how he needs a decent knock in the Edgbaston Test to calm his nerves.

Either way, this looks like it could be Bell’s last chance to cement a place in the thinking of the England selectors and a competent display is needed to convince the doubters.

It’s also a crucial time for Bopara to deliver the goods on the big stage or, should Australia level the series in Birmingham, he could also find himself out in the cold with Owais Shah and Robert Key standing in the wings.

Ponting claims mental advantage

Despite England’s confidence-boosting draw in the first Test, Ricky Ponting feels it's Australia that have the psychological advantage going to Lord’s.

The Ashes series started with a thriller in Cardiff, with only last-day batting heroics from Paul Collingwood, James Anderson and Monty Panesar helping the home side avoid a heavy defeat.

The gutsy fifth-day display though seemed to lift the England fans and they can only hope the result had a similar effect on the players, as they prepare for the second Test at the home of cricket.

England’s Ashes record at Lord’s is appalling though, having not beaten Australia there since 1934, and Ponting has been talking his squad up ahead of what looks like a crucial second Test.

When asked whether the impetus had swung in England’s favour, Ponting insisted: "They can be happy with what they have done, only losing seven wickets in 98 overs on the final day, but I am not sure they will look at it like a win.

"They are not 1-0 up and had been outplayed for four days in this Test match. We know what we have done well here.”

The Aussie skipper added: “We did so many things really well and we've got to take the confidence from that down to Lord's and make sure we start there on the same note.”

The main worry for the England selectors is that the bowlers don’t look like taking ten wickets, let alone twenty wickets – with their cause unlikely to be helped by the flat, non-spinning pitch expected at Lord’s.

Ponting though only needs to look back to 2005 before getting overly confident, when after being outplayed in the first Test – at Lord’s – England bounced back to win the series and win back the urn.

If you're looking to make a Lords Test bet, make sure you keep up to date with the Lords Test odds. To get in the mood for some rivalry, check out Betfair's fan v fan site.

England bemoan lack of big-hitters

Paul Collingwood admitted that England will have to look at their batting line-up for future Twenty20 matches, after seeing his side dumped out of the ICC World Twenty20 tournament at the Super 8 stage by West Indies.


Collingwood and the home fans were left cursing the English weather, as two rain storms left the Windies facing just nine overs and Chris Gayle’s men reached the revised target of 80 to make the semi-finals.


Although England’s performances have been much improved on displays in the same event two years ago, when they won just one of their five matches, there is still a lot more to do before they can think about challenging for the trophy.


In these circumstances people often look for something or someone to blame – this time the finger has to be pointed at the performances with the bat.


Although England surprised many with their win over defending champions India, and also produced a decent display to beat Pakistan in the group stages, their totals often fell well short of what they could and should have been.


England batted first in each of their five matches and their top score (185-5) came against Pakistan, but that was the only time they wracked up over 165 in 20 overs.


The top order batsmen, Ravi Bopara, Luke Wright and Kevin Pietersen, all produced the goods at different stages of the tournament – with top scores of 55, 71 and 58 respectively.


England’s bowlers, especially Graeme Swann and Stuart Broad, can also take some praise for the way they performed.


Again, as has been the problem in other forms of the game in recent times, the middle order has been the downfall and, in particular, the lack of big-hitters at the selectors disposal.


The only big-shot player that England bring in for Twenty20 fixtures is Dimitri Mascarenhas, but he fell short again in this tournament. The Hampshire ace still only has a top score of 31 in 13 international Twenty20 innings.


Mascarenhas was not the only player found wanting though and the selectors will be hoping they have found a middle-order solution by the time the next event is staged in 2010 (brought forward as the 2008 Champions Trophy tournament was postponed) in the West Indies.

Ashes bowling fears for Aussies

Australia have revealed concerns over the fitness of Brett Lee as they prepare for this summer’s Ashes cricket action, and are now hoping the England and Wales Cricket Board will help their preparations.

The world’s top Test team have asked for permission to use 12 players in the Ashes warm-up fixtures, as they look to test Lee’s progress after recent ankle surgery.

Ricky Ponting's men are due to play two first-class matches before the opening Test against England, which takes place in Cardiff on July 8, and the selectors are looking for Lee to prove his fitness.

The tourists will play a four-day game against Sussex (June 24-27) at Hove and then face the England Lions at New Road (July 1-4), and they are hoping the ECB will allow them to use 12 players during those two matches.

Both Lee and fellow seamer Stuart Clark are coming back from long-term injuries and Australia are keen for the duo to get some match action under their belts.

Ponting has admitted that Lee’s fitness is still “a bit of an unknown”, although the Aussie skipper has been pleased to see the New South Wales paceman getting through the IPL unscathed.

With regards to Ashes 2009 betting and the absence of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne this summer, the involvement of the 32-year-old could prove crucial to the tourists’ chance of retaining the Urn.

Lee took 20 wickets in both the last Ashes series in 2006-2007 and Australia’s defeat on English soil in 2005, also proving a more than useful figure with the bat down the order.

In a worst case scenario for the tourists, both Lee and Clark may not be fit enough to feature in Cardiff and that would leave an inexperienced pace attack of Mitchell Johnson (21 Tests), Ben Hilfenhaus (3 Tests), Peter Siddle (7 Tests) and Andrew McDonald (4 Tests).

Murali , Again in the Danger Zone ? Schedule of the matches

With the silent of this blog, I'm going to break it again after a few weeks. Now again , time to live with cricket. The matches will begin in next month.Until then, we have something to talk about. Also, you can see the schedule of Sri Lankan tour in Australia, below.



************************ No doubt, Murali on Top *************

Darell Hair


Some of Murali loving people burning a stunt of Darell Hair to show their openion



Beginning from Arjuna Ranathunga's time, a gap between Murali and Australia has raised. Some times it must be between Shane Warne and Murali, but both of them are not responsible for the matter, it's between some people in both countries like umpire Darrell Hair ,who created this big controversy. Darrell Hair, who called No-Ball action against Murali, before the world cup of 1996, has created many troubles for him after that.But Murali has reached to the world no.1 figure through those rival activities.


************************ Arjuna advised Muralidharan ************

Darell Hair, Murali and Arjuna Ranathunga in the ground when the trouble aroused


In this juncture again, Former Captain Of Sri Lanka, Arjuna Ranatunga has advised Murali, not to play in Australia in the coming series of November.The only solution for him is refrain from face to face action on Australian soil to avoid more controversies, according to the former skipper, who was the giant figure behind Murali when the last trouble era.Murali respect much for him but this time he disclaimed the idea and said,
"I am used to any situation and will accept the way it comes perhaps it may motivate me more to take on the challenge" as a real lion as a replay but he respects the former captain as before.

We can't predict what'll happen for Murali in time to come. Hope nothing trouble in this time avoiding much talked controversy.

********************* Schedule of the matches ****************

October 2007-------------------------------
Sat 27 - Mon 29
10:30 local, 01:00 GMT Cricket Australia Chairman’s XI v Sri Lankans
Adelaide Oval

November 2007-----------------------------
Fri 2 - Sun 4
10:00 local, 00:00 GMT
Queensland v Sri Lankans
Allan Border Field, Brisbane

Thu 8 - Mon 12
10:00 local, 00:00 GMT
1st Test - Australia v Sri Lanka
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane

Fri 16 - Tue 20
10:30 local, 23:30 GMT
2nd Test - Australia v Sri Lanka
Bellerive Oval, Hobart

January 2008-------------------------------
Wed 30
10:00 local, 23:00 GMT
Prime Minister’s XI v Sri Lankans
Manuka Oval, Canberra

February 2008------------------------------
Sat 2
10:00 local, 23:00 GMT
Tasmania v Sri Lankans
Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Tue 5
Floodlit Match
13:15 local, 03:15 GMT
India v Sri Lanka
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane

Fri 8
Floodlit Match
14:15 local, 03:15GMT
Australia v Sri Lanka
Sydney Cricket Ground

Tue 12
10:00 local, 23:00 GMT
India v Sri Lanka
Manuka Oval, Canberra

Fri 15
Floodlit Match
11:30 local, 02:30 GMT
Australia v Sri Lanka
W.A.C.A. Ground, Perth

Tue 19
Floodlit Match
13:45 local, 03:15 GMT
India v Sri Lanka
Adelaide Oval

Fri 22
Floodlit Match
14:15 local, 03:15 GMT
Australia v Sri Lanka
Melbourne Cricket Ground

Tue 26
10:00 local, 23:00 GMT
India v Sri Lanka
Bellerive Oval, Hobart

Fri 29
Floodlit Match
14:15 local, 03:15 GMT
Australia v Sri Lanka
Melbourne Cricket Ground

March 2008---------------------------------
Sun 2
14:15 local, 03:15 GMT
1st Final - TBC v TBC
Sydney Cricket Ground

Tue 4
Floodlit Match
13:15 local, 03:15 GMT
2nd Final - TBC v TBC
Brisbane Cricket Ground, Woolloongabba, Brisbane

Fri 7
Floodlit Match
13:45 local, 03:15 GMT
3rd Final - TBC v TBC
Adelaide Oval
if required

******************************************************
More Cricket Information,
Visit,
http://cricketschedule.blogspot.com

Sanath, Done it again !!! Playing 400 Matches with 300 Wickets

Sanath Jayasiriya, the unbelievable cricket sports star in our era, has done and proved it again with 400 cricket one day matches. The first cricketer in the history has played 400 one day internationals.


Jayasiriya, who started the career in 1989 , scored more than 12,175 runs with 306 wickets. He has scored 100's in 25 matches with highest score 189. The best bowling figure is 29 runs for six wickets. Got 114 catches and five wickets in 4 times.The batting average for Sanath is 32.79 , for bowling 39.48.

Then, those figures have proved without any argument, The world's best cricketer is Sanath Jayasiriya.The only cricketer in the world's history played more than 400 matches, scored more than 12,175 runs and got more than 306 wickets, we can't expect even Sanath know that.

The Second place , Sachin Tendulkar (India) has started the sports career in 1989 too, has played 398 one day internationals, scored more than 15,450 runs with average 44.11 , 41 centuries, got only 152 wickets with average 43.86, best 5/32, has got 5 wickets in 2 times according to the reports.

The Third Place, Inzamam-Ul-Haq, played 378 one days, scoring 11,739 runs to the average of 39.52 ,10 centuries ,got only 3 wickets had started the career in 1991, finished in 2007 with the "ICC Cricket World Cup - 2007".

Sanath Jayasiriya, at 38 of age, congratulation for the Un-Disputed success in the field.

(
Is there any important information about Sanath Jayasiriya ? Please keep it here as a comment to share the knowledge !)

The New 50-50 One Day rules, Going To Change By Today Onwards..

Today is the 1st of October. From today onwards the ICC is going to introduce some new regulations for one day format of cricket. Those rules are validated for the series Sri Lanka-England. Those are the new rules,

• There’ll be a free hit after if it’s a front-foot No-Ball.

• After the 1st power play, that means during second and third power plays, an additional fielder will be permitted outside the fielding , inner circle.

• If there is a problem, like rain , number of overs have to be reduced. If so number of overs for each power play will be reduced accordingly.

• Minimum distance for boundaries was 140 yards . It’ll change to 150 yards.
The minimum on one side is of 65 yards , straight boundaries 70 yards, previously was 60 yards.

• If one side refused to play the mach for any reason, The match referee has the right to choose the winning team.

• If a new batman not ready to play after 2 minutes with a wicket, umpires can impose Time-Wasting penalties for him.

• A new ball can be used in 35th over onwards, but the decider is the leader of the team, who lost the toss.

( I appreciate your replay if there is any other regulations, I’ve forgotten to mention)

The first Ball

As an Indian, it feels very nice to start contribution to “A Different Stroke” very close to a day when India lifted the inaugural T-20 world cup. I had started writing this piece just around 30 minutes after this event. Although it is not the first time I am pouring my heart out writing on cricket, but starting as a contributor for the first time, it is like as if I am going to open an innings in an international (20, 50 or infinity notwithstanding) after a few knocks at domestic cricket. Let me come out of this and move along.

Rather than restricting myself to the final and India’s win, I would look back to the whole tournament. I am restricting myself to purely cricket point of view, minus the cheer-girls / boys and related extravaganza that had been brought in to bring more crowds, specially the fast generation (what is it now – Z?). I just mentioned a little bit of my thought when I requested the moderator to consider me as a contributor; quite a few of us cricket-lovers and cricket thinkers are flummoxed by the happenings in the whole tournament. I would like to bring the issues straight out.

At the outset I admit that I have never been so mistaken in my life in any matter related to cricket. But my agony was little bit lessened when I saw the whole world also did so. All people said this is a bigger graveyard for the Bowlers. This statement is repeated even today by Vettori (of all people). The same was said when in mid eighties rules for ODIs were also altered every now and then. But let us think very clearly. I see T-20 is a chance for resurgence of the bowlers. Let us not bother about the figure / statistics in RPO; the benchmark cannot be same (and should not be compared with ODI and tests). This is because in T20- you cannot bat out an opposition. Chris Gayle could not do it. Almost all the T20 matches till now in this World cup, has been won by good bowling, and this is going to stay. Even out of 27 matches, Player of the match award has gone to Bowlers in 11 cases including the final and 3 to all-rounders. The player of the tournament also has gone to Afridi predominantly for his bowling performances, as he conceded himself. The Batsmen have almost reached saturation, unless you take cricket back to the "gulleys" via tennis and badminton courts. Till then, My Dear Bowlers – don’t feel left out. Go and enjoy the sweet smell of grass under the sun. Your expiry date is somewhat far-off.

How The T-20 World Cup Went On... ! What Next ?

Now, the very first Twenty20 cricket world cup is over giving some unexpected entertainment with comparing others. When I was thinking about that, I wanted to know how the matches went on and find out what is Shah Rukh Khan's factor as a behind scene. Then, this is what I'm doing now to share the the information with you.I know many of you'll copy this to PCs.

Groups,
Group A: Bangladesh, South Africa, West Indies
Group B: England, Australia, Zimbabwe
Group C: New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Kenya
Group D: India, Pakistan, Scotland



* September 11 South Africa vs West Indies,
(Johannesburg)
South Africa won by eight wickets


* September 12 New Zealand vs Kenya,
(Durban)
New Zealand won by nine wickets


* September 12 Pakistan vs Scotland,
(Durban)
Pakistan beat Scotland by 51 runs


* September 12 Australia vs Zimbabwe,
(Cape Town)
Zimbabwe won by five wickets



* September 13 West Indies vs Bangladesh,
(Johannesburg)
Bangladesh won by six wickets


* September 13 England vs Zimbabwe,
( Cape Town)
England won by 50 runs


* September 13 India vs Scotland,
(Durban)
Match abandoned, rain

* September 14 Sri Lanka vs Kenya ,
(Johannesburg)
Sri Lanka won by 172 runs


* September 14 Australia vs England,
(Cape Town)
Australia won by eight wickets


* September 14 India v Pakistan,
(Durban)
India win bowl-out 3-0 after tie


* September 15 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand,
( Johannesburg)
Sri Lanka won by seven wickets


* September 15 South Africa vs Bangladesh,
( Cape Town)
South Africa won by seven wickets

*********** Super 8 ***********

* September 16 New Zealand vs India,
(Johannesburg)
New Zealand won by 10 runs


* September 16 Australia vs Bangladesh,
(Cape Town)
Australia won by nine wickets


* September 16 South Africa vs England,
(Cape Town)
South Africa won by 19 runs


* September 17 Pakistan vs Sri Lanka,
(Johannesburg)
Pakistan beat Sri Lanka by 33 runs


* September 18 New Zealand vs England,
(Durban)
New Zealand bt England by five runs

* September 18 Australia vs Pakistan,
( Johannesburg)
Pakistan bt Australia by six wickets


* September 18 Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka,
(Johannesburg)
Sri Lanka bt Bangladesh by 64 runs


* September 19 South Africa vs New Zealand,
(Durban)
South Africa won by six wickets


* September 19 England vs India,
(Durban)
India won by 18 runs


* September 20 Australia vs Sri Lanka,
(Cape Town)
Australia won by 10 wickets


* September 20 Bangladesh vs Pakistan,
(Cape Town)
Pakistan won by four wickets


* September 20 South Africa vs India,
(Durban)
India won by 37 runs


*********** Semi Finals ***********
* September 22 1st semi-final: New Zealand vs Pakistan,
(Cape Town)
Pakistan won by six wickets


* September 22 2nd semi-final: India vs Australia,
(Durban)
India won by 15 runs

*********** The Grand Finale ***********
* September 24 Final: Pakistan vs India,
(Johannesburg)
India won by five runs


What Next ?

The Champions Trophy, will be held next year (2008)in the month of September in Pakistan. It'll be over in two weeks.After that in 2010.The only problem is to fix dates to Twenty20 world cup with international calendar scheduled to be held around the world. There will be another ICC World Twenty20 in England in 2009 according to the ICC.their first priority is for the Test, after that for 50 over matches.

Shah Rukh Khan factor :
When I read today's international news papers , I've seen something interested article but on the first page of one of the news papers in India.That tells

"Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif had mentioned earlier that it was SRK’s presence that inspired Dhoni and his men to victory." Because "Chak De! India" film had inspired all of India.

Shah Rukh was there because The BCCI and Sharad Pawar had invited him in last 2 hours.His sun wanted to see the match then.

Rashid Latif also explained "He was the ‘X’ factor that lent that extra edge to the Indian team"


Shah Rukh Khan has said,
"I am glad to be able to contribute through them. But, in this case, I was another Indian among the spectators cheering the boys with my mind, body, heart and soul. Yeah, I was praying fervently as well, but then so was everyone else."

Unexpected expectation, Sri Lanka has been eliminated from 20-20 Cup, AND Australia ! Are they cheaters ?

Unexpected expectation, Sri Lanka has been eliminated



The 1st Twenty20 world cup dream for the Sri Lankan is shattered. That dream never comes true in any case. The runner up for the World Cup was unable goes through
In to the top four countries. Are you going to blame on Jayasuriya ? No, Sanath is not the team. He is in the team. Then, Murali ?We must not mentally ill when Sanath and Murali the both are not there. But, There’s a team. The best eleven players of the country are there. They must play and show the best! The burden mustn’t target only the top players but the whole team.

T-20, Is Sri Lanka ready to play?

Twenty-20 is a new game to the world of cricket. If we say Sri Lanka has lack of experience, for the most of the countries same. With Australia , Sri Lanka lost the 7th wicket before 50 on the score card. That seems lack of knowledge on T-20. There wasn’t a plan to fulfill the dream to reach another round. With Jayasuriya to the duck, other end Upul Tharanga for 4 runs ,created the links for the rest of the team to go out. They haven’t a good plan or they didn’t use the plan. They thought big ones will bring more marks forgetting to be in the ground without giving any more wickets. If any one did that, the result won’t be the same!

England tour!

T-20 is gone. With learning from the past, prepare for the future. England tour will begin from next month. Lot of hard work to do escape from the poor situation now in. In these days England team is not much better as out of the torment so early. Sri Lanka has the chance to get profit from the situation.

If you want to see the England – Sri Lanka matches schedule in October,Or more information regarding cricket or sports,
http://cricketschedule.blogspot.com

Is Australia good enough to be in the TOP of the world.




If we use something unusual to win a game , others tell we are cheaters. So Adam Gilchrist used to have a Golf ball (broken) in his glove, when the last World Cup went on. Is he using it right now again? He has said that ball have given some more power to hit. If it’s real, Some fours come down to 2 or 3 runs. Sixes must be less than six likes four or less than four….
Another thing is some people who head some important positions feel “Open batmen’s of the Australia team are using some drugs, if not so , why anyone else can’t bats like them.”

Then, there are some rumors , Australia isn't good enough to play a genuine game. We can't come to conclusion that is same. Some times excellent people have been blamed by jealous ones, if so, Australia well be get rid of the rumors.

What do you think,
Is Australia team genuine ?