Men In Blue Work On Their Fielding
Vadodara: Team India may no longer have the services of bowling and fielding coach for the India-Australia ODI series, but coach Gary Kirsten ensured that India make considerable ground before D-day tightening up one of their weakest aspect of the game. Skipper MS Dhoni had time and again in the past referred to how India lacks a lot in that department. Now, whether India's fielding takes an about turn towards improvement without a fielding coach is to be seen. But still they are trying their best to make up and even Ashish Nehra is pitching in giving catching and fielding practice to his fellow pacers once through with their bowling.
Dhoni was seen limping on the ground right after the batting session in the net.
at the Reliance Stadium on Friday Dhoni, who facing Munaf Patel, got hit on his
left leg.
He left the nets immediately and applied ice pack near the knee. He did walk to the wicket along with Atul Bedade later on but again limped back to the dressing room. The seriousness of the injury was not immediately known.
The focus seemed to be more on ground fielding and hitting the stumps on the run.
Back in the fold after his injury Virender Sehwag, Praveen Kumar, Munaf Patel and Ravindra Jadeja all made Kirsten smile as they hit the stumps more often than not. Ishant Sharma and Ashish Nehra missed quite a few times but that was okay
A little later pacers Munaf Patel, new comer Sudeep Tyagi, Ishant and Praveen got some catching and fielding practice from Nehra as well. Yuvraj Singh, who missed the Champions Trophy in South Africa last month, too joined them. He fielded for a while before engaging in some stretching exercises towards the end. After an hour of fielding, Sehwag and Sachin Tendulkar padded up for batting as Ishant and Praveen prepared to bowl. Sehwag played few defensive shots to begin with but was soon in his elements. And who said Sehwag's footwork is suspect? On Friday he was seen jumping out of the crease and playing some fierce drives all around the nets,
While on his hitting spree, Sehwag was also hit on his chest by an Ishant delivery But luckily no damage was done and Sehwag was back in rhythm again.
Sachin, on the other hand, was seen practising the straight drive for about half an hour as Kirsten kept on throwing pitched up deliveries to him. The area on either side of the sightscreen is a very productive area in terms of runs whether it is a five day one-day or T20 game.
And if Tendulkar gets that shot right on Sunday India can look at a 350 plus total on what looks like a batting paradise.
If the batting order dup ing the net session here is any indication to go by then we should see Sachin and Sehwag coming out first. The two master blasters will then be followed by Gautam Gambhir, Dhoni, Yuvraj Singh and Suresh Raina.
The team practised for about three hours in the afternoon after arriving in the city in the morning. The only person who, during the long practice session, was trying to get a feel of cricket at the highest order is UP pacer Sudeep Tyagi. For most of the period Tyagi looked lost and hardly communicated with anyone.
But by what he has shown in the domestic circuit, one thing is sure that Tyagi believes in the dictum of his performance speaking for himself.
Vadodara: The Indian Tara had batted miserably at Reliance Stadium in the last ODI against Australia here in 2007. But they can now look to turn things around. The wicket for the first one-dayer here is expected to help the batsmen throughout the day.
Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) pitch curator Vasudev Patel told TOI, “it is a good batting wicket with enough bounce and carry. The ball will also come nicely to the bat and the team batting first can easily score over 300 runs. However, there will be some moisture in the pitch for one hour in the morning which might help the seamers a bit'' Patel said that the team winning toss can opt to bowl first as well and use the moisture in the wicket for getting rival batsmen out early
''The temperature is high and sun will be shining brightly throughout the day so the wicket won't change. The wicket will become harder by the day and chasing won't be a problem here's Patel added. India were bowled out for a meagre 148 runs in the last ODI they played against the Aussies here. In reply the Australians reached the target in just 26 overs by losing one wicket.
Baroda Cricket Association (BCA) pitch curator Vasudev Patel told TOI, “it is a good batting wicket with enough bounce and carry. The ball will also come nicely to the bat and the team batting first can easily score over 300 runs. However, there will be some moisture in the pitch for one hour in the morning which might help the seamers a bit'' Patel said that the team winning toss can opt to bowl first as well and use the moisture in the wicket for getting rival batsmen out early
''The temperature is high and sun will be shining brightly throughout the day so the wicket won't change. The wicket will become harder by the day and chasing won't be a problem here's Patel added. India were bowled out for a meagre 148 runs in the last ODI they played against the Aussies here. In reply the Australians reached the target in just 26 overs by losing one wicket.
In nervous 90s,Fitting Into The Slot Left Open By Symonds, Allrounder Prepares For 2011 WC
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Mumbai: In a One-day matches till date, Shane Watson has batted from the opening slot to number nine for Australia, picked up 89 wickets; scored 2020 runs including nine fifties and four hundreds, taken 22 catches and won seven man of the match awards.
In his 91st match, scheduled for Sunday Watson's hoping he'll do better than any of the previous ones. When that gets over, he'll be aiming for the 92nd.
Now, 90 ODIs and the figures attached with it are quite enough to reckon a player as having been there and done that. Let's take a moment and think about names like Irfan and Yusuf Pathan, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina - all from India, or even Tillakaratne Dilshan from Sri Lanka or Shahid Afridi from Pakistan. Long before they had played even 50 ODIs for their respective countries, they were all celebrities in their own right.
Interestingly at 28 years of age and in his seventh year of international cricket, it seems like it is still elementory for this Watson.
“lt's a learning experience and l'm happy with it that way'' he says as a matter of fact.
Before the match, during the match, after the match, Watson's happy doing what he's told to do. Finicky decides it and my job is to follow the role assigned to me.”
Watson's career so far has been a series of ups and downs. Ups because of the natural all-round talent that he is, bound with aggression and physique that make him seem like the perfect athlete. Down because, so far it's been a carrer often riddled with injuries and set- backs as much as success.
No wonder he likes to play it down every time you try and remind him he's good. “Thank” is his modest reply. As I said, it's all a learning experienced.”Again!
Watson, in fact, fills in the slot left vacant by Andrew Symonds very well.
Well equipped to thrash attacks, decent medium pace and agility in the field all that was Symonds’ forte have Watson qualifying quite well. To endure now that he's Australia's big all-round bet is just a responsibility he has to shoulder consistently
A conversation with him about his cricket mostly revolves around today's young Australian side, one that is replete with fresh cricketers from the multi-talented domestic stable. With the exception of Panting, the other senior pro Michael Hussey and their now-eternal speed gun Brett Lee, the rest of the Australian team is comparatively a young bunch. “we keep motivating each of and the common aim is to do will Australian,” he says.
Today while that learning bit car on, and so does the excitement to his 91st ODI, Watson has it at the back of his mind he's a vital cog now in Aussie plans. “The aim is to get a feel of India in the run-up to the 2011 World Cup. I guess we've got another tour coming up next year same time,” he says.
Players' burn-out worries Nielsen: The late arrival of a few members of the Australian one-day squad, who are taking part in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20, is a bit of a worry for the visitors, accepts team coach Tim Nielsen.
“lt's difficult. We have our New South Wales (Blues) players playing the final tonight and joining the squad tomorrow afternoon. We are supposed to play on Sunday morning. That much of traveling, that much of playing,''said Nielsen ahead of the seven-match series against India starting here october tuber 25.
In his 91st match, scheduled for Sunday Watson's hoping he'll do better than any of the previous ones. When that gets over, he'll be aiming for the 92nd.
Now, 90 ODIs and the figures attached with it are quite enough to reckon a player as having been there and done that. Let's take a moment and think about names like Irfan and Yusuf Pathan, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina - all from India, or even Tillakaratne Dilshan from Sri Lanka or Shahid Afridi from Pakistan. Long before they had played even 50 ODIs for their respective countries, they were all celebrities in their own right.
Interestingly at 28 years of age and in his seventh year of international cricket, it seems like it is still elementory for this Watson.
“lt's a learning experience and l'm happy with it that way'' he says as a matter of fact.
Before the match, during the match, after the match, Watson's happy doing what he's told to do. Finicky decides it and my job is to follow the role assigned to me.”
Watson's career so far has been a series of ups and downs. Ups because of the natural all-round talent that he is, bound with aggression and physique that make him seem like the perfect athlete. Down because, so far it's been a carrer often riddled with injuries and set- backs as much as success.
No wonder he likes to play it down every time you try and remind him he's good. “Thank” is his modest reply. As I said, it's all a learning experienced.”Again!
Watson, in fact, fills in the slot left vacant by Andrew Symonds very well.
Well equipped to thrash attacks, decent medium pace and agility in the field all that was Symonds’ forte have Watson qualifying quite well. To endure now that he's Australia's big all-round bet is just a responsibility he has to shoulder consistently
A conversation with him about his cricket mostly revolves around today's young Australian side, one that is replete with fresh cricketers from the multi-talented domestic stable. With the exception of Panting, the other senior pro Michael Hussey and their now-eternal speed gun Brett Lee, the rest of the Australian team is comparatively a young bunch. “we keep motivating each of and the common aim is to do will Australian,” he says.
Today while that learning bit car on, and so does the excitement to his 91st ODI, Watson has it at the back of his mind he's a vital cog now in Aussie plans. “The aim is to get a feel of India in the run-up to the 2011 World Cup. I guess we've got another tour coming up next year same time,” he says.
Players' burn-out worries Nielsen: The late arrival of a few members of the Australian one-day squad, who are taking part in the ongoing Champions League Twenty20, is a bit of a worry for the visitors, accepts team coach Tim Nielsen.
“lt's difficult. We have our New South Wales (Blues) players playing the final tonight and joining the squad tomorrow afternoon. We are supposed to play on Sunday morning. That much of traveling, that much of playing,''said Nielsen ahead of the seven-match series against India starting here october tuber 25.
Mumbai: His name starts with 'James', but doesn't end with 'Bond', His role in the team, however requires him to don all roles, and excel in each. Much like the fictional secret agent with whom he shares his first name with.And many times in the recent past he has proved his worth with his multi-purpose skills. ‘Hopes’, therefore, sounds an apt surname, for till he's around, there's always hope for his side.
James Hopes, one's sure, will be a key man for Australia in the upcoming seven-ODl series against India. For, not only does he play varied roles, but also fits into each of them -be it opening the batting or playing a blinder lower down, breaking partnerships with his deceptive fast-medium stuff, or making acrobatic saves either side of the wicket- with ease.
It don't have any specific role as such, I have to adjust as the situation demands, shrugs Hopes. “In fact, I am enjoying it. I enjoy batting in any position, I am always ready to share the new ball when required, and fielding has always been my strength. That could also be one reason why I a1ways play without any pressure, and when's there's less pressure, you always give your best.”
Hopes has never found it difficult to adjust to the different formats of the game.
“I have heard people talk about it (in adjusting to the Twenty20 format), but at least I have never faced any difficulty If you are an international cricketer, that's one of the requirements. I enjoy all formats (T20, ODI, Test), each has its own charm, ODIs will always retain their own in- dependent status, so also Tests,'' the all-rounder who plays for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, opines.
How will his IPL stint help? “you can't compare Twenty20 with ODIs, But yes, IPL sure has taught me how to perform before a huge crowd. That's a very important factor, for the crowds here can be both amazing and intimidating.'' Hopes also puts playing for his country well above IPL'S riches. 'At the end of the day people will remember you by the way you played for your country Nothing can match that feelling,” he adds. For the upcoming series Hopes has developed “four-five variations” in his bowline arsenal.
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James Hopes, one's sure, will be a key man for Australia in the upcoming seven-ODl series against India. For, not only does he play varied roles, but also fits into each of them -be it opening the batting or playing a blinder lower down, breaking partnerships with his deceptive fast-medium stuff, or making acrobatic saves either side of the wicket- with ease.
It don't have any specific role as such, I have to adjust as the situation demands, shrugs Hopes. “In fact, I am enjoying it. I enjoy batting in any position, I am always ready to share the new ball when required, and fielding has always been my strength. That could also be one reason why I a1ways play without any pressure, and when's there's less pressure, you always give your best.”
Hopes has never found it difficult to adjust to the different formats of the game.
“I have heard people talk about it (in adjusting to the Twenty20 format), but at least I have never faced any difficulty If you are an international cricketer, that's one of the requirements. I enjoy all formats (T20, ODI, Test), each has its own charm, ODIs will always retain their own in- dependent status, so also Tests,'' the all-rounder who plays for Kings XI Punjab in the IPL, opines.
How will his IPL stint help? “you can't compare Twenty20 with ODIs, But yes, IPL sure has taught me how to perform before a huge crowd. That's a very important factor, for the crowds here can be both amazing and intimidating.'' Hopes also puts playing for his country well above IPL'S riches. 'At the end of the day people will remember you by the way you played for your country Nothing can match that feelling,” he adds. For the upcoming series Hopes has developed “four-five variations” in his bowline arsenal.
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The manner in which the New South Wales Blues have entered the finals of the Champions League should make them the favorite to lift the trophy
Of course this is being written before the second semifinals between Cape Cobras arid the Trinidad and Tobago, so it's hard to preview without knowing who would be in the foals. If the winner of the second semifinal takes the momentum of their win in the finals then it could well be one of the best T20 contests that will be played.
Realistically the T20 matches should run Close and not be one-sided affairs. That can happen if a team batting first gets carried away and tries to hit every ball into the car park and lose their day and are dismissed for nothing. The match can also be one-sided if the team batting second gives up mentally while chasing a big total.
That happened to Victoria Bushrangers who having lost two wickets without a run on the board just seemed to drop their shoulders and look at a chartable total as too much. Their approach in the middle overs was disappointing, something expected from Australian teams.
The NSW blues certainly had as good game plan and perhaps that explains why they have been top dogs in Australian cricket for so long.
They have a strong batting line-up with the explosive Warner at the top of the order and bat deep so they seem to recover from early loss of wickets and still put up a tough target for the opposition to chase. Their bowling too has variety and Simon Katich is marshalling his resources brilliantly indeed
Of course this is being written before the second semifinals between Cape Cobras arid the Trinidad and Tobago, so it's hard to preview without knowing who would be in the foals. If the winner of the second semifinal takes the momentum of their win in the finals then it could well be one of the best T20 contests that will be played.
Realistically the T20 matches should run Close and not be one-sided affairs. That can happen if a team batting first gets carried away and tries to hit every ball into the car park and lose their day and are dismissed for nothing. The match can also be one-sided if the team batting second gives up mentally while chasing a big total.
That happened to Victoria Bushrangers who having lost two wickets without a run on the board just seemed to drop their shoulders and look at a chartable total as too much. Their approach in the middle overs was disappointing, something expected from Australian teams.
The NSW blues certainly had as good game plan and perhaps that explains why they have been top dogs in Australian cricket for so long.
They have a strong batting line-up with the explosive Warner at the top of the order and bat deep so they seem to recover from early loss of wickets and still put up a tough target for the opposition to chase. Their bowling too has variety and Simon Katich is marshalling his resources brilliantly indeed
Mumbai: There was a famous picture of little Emmy Charlotte playing on her father Ricky Ponting's lap at Headingley Leeds, in August this year The picture is rare because it is the only one that captures the Australian captain in a cheerful mood during an otherwise mind- numbing series. She's perhaps the only one he can't refuse.
Think about the other ones that usually have Ponting in the frame. An arrogant, gum-chewing, ruthless captain of a highly dominating team, not known to take the slightest of insults (Read: lack of performance) lightly That's the Panting a cricket fan would usually identify with. Why just the fan, that's the ' Ponting even his teammates more often than not identify with.
When all-rounder Shane Watson was Diked if the Australian national team is used to seeking advice from some of the game's stalwarts Down Unfelt he stopped the question short and said, why would you need anyone when you have one of the all- time greats right there with you. Ricky's someone the whole team looks up toe's
Ponting's contribution to the game doesn't need a mention. That he's right behind Sachin Tendulkar in the run-scoring department is explanation enough. In fact, he's got
something more that Tendulkar his only perhaps yearned for in 20 years - three World Cup wins, two as captain; two Champions Trophy wins, both as captain; and a cupboard full of individual awards honouring him as the world's best.
“Oh yes, he's at the forefront, right up there as far as out set-up is concernedly says present national coach Tim Nielsen, explaining at large Ponting's influence in Australian cricket at the highest level.
“Ricky's a decision-maker and his word carries a lot of weight. Whether it cioncerns selection matter the line-up, the batting order, he's got a huge say. We (Nielsen and his support staff) contribute, but he's definitely the one out there handling things.''Australia's Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey is equally in awe of the skipper.”Mr Cricket? Why just me? Most these guys (his teammates) can be called Mr Cricket. They're all as dedicated to the game. There's Ricky he's as good an example there is,'' says Hussey.
To Hussey's knowledge - and there's quite a bit bf that to his credit - Ponting's genius is not just one that usually brings him runs. Nor is it just the captain who is marshalling his men.
“He is at the core of a lot of things, deciding on strategists batting order, handing out responsibilities,'' says the southpaw.
Shane Warne famously nicknamed Ponting as 'Punter' due to name his fascination for racing grey- hounds and betting on them. He breeds them for racing anklets because he's quite sure of himself.
That's what Ponting's been doing with the Aussie team too, nurturing during them to the core to get the base out of his boys. Evaluating Ponting's contribution to the game and Australian cricket is as difficult as quantifying the joy and happiness he gets while playing with his daughter
Think about the other ones that usually have Ponting in the frame. An arrogant, gum-chewing, ruthless captain of a highly dominating team, not known to take the slightest of insults (Read: lack of performance) lightly That's the Panting a cricket fan would usually identify with. Why just the fan, that's the ' Ponting even his teammates more often than not identify with.
When all-rounder Shane Watson was Diked if the Australian national team is used to seeking advice from some of the game's stalwarts Down Unfelt he stopped the question short and said, why would you need anyone when you have one of the all- time greats right there with you. Ricky's someone the whole team looks up toe's
Ponting's contribution to the game doesn't need a mention. That he's right behind Sachin Tendulkar in the run-scoring department is explanation enough. In fact, he's got
something more that Tendulkar his only perhaps yearned for in 20 years - three World Cup wins, two as captain; two Champions Trophy wins, both as captain; and a cupboard full of individual awards honouring him as the world's best.
“Oh yes, he's at the forefront, right up there as far as out set-up is concernedly says present national coach Tim Nielsen, explaining at large Ponting's influence in Australian cricket at the highest level.
“Ricky's a decision-maker and his word carries a lot of weight. Whether it cioncerns selection matter the line-up, the batting order, he's got a huge say. We (Nielsen and his support staff) contribute, but he's definitely the one out there handling things.''Australia's Mr Cricket, Michael Hussey is equally in awe of the skipper.”Mr Cricket? Why just me? Most these guys (his teammates) can be called Mr Cricket. They're all as dedicated to the game. There's Ricky he's as good an example there is,'' says Hussey.
To Hussey's knowledge - and there's quite a bit bf that to his credit - Ponting's genius is not just one that usually brings him runs. Nor is it just the captain who is marshalling his men.
“He is at the core of a lot of things, deciding on strategists batting order, handing out responsibilities,'' says the southpaw.
Shane Warne famously nicknamed Ponting as 'Punter' due to name his fascination for racing grey- hounds and betting on them. He breeds them for racing anklets because he's quite sure of himself.
That's what Ponting's been doing with the Aussie team too, nurturing during them to the core to get the base out of his boys. Evaluating Ponting's contribution to the game and Australian cricket is as difficult as quantifying the joy and happiness he gets while playing with his daughter
Mumbai: Australian fast bowlers are known to talk up the team's chances just before a big series. They even smartly use the mediate to proclaim that the opposition is useless. Glenn McGrath's Ashes prediction, even after retirement, remained constant. Yes ‘5-0'. Brett Lee has taken up the mantle from McGrath and he recently predicted a 7-0 shoreline against India.
Mitchell Johnson though is an Aussie quickie with a difference. He prefers to talk more about himself than the opposition. Winner of the ICC Cricketer Of The Year
award, Johnson says he is good enough to open the batting in the One-dayers.
“I know it's a big call, but I really think I can open in One-dayers and T20s,'' the
left-arm-pacer, who has improved his batting enormously said on Thursday ; Guess one can't fault his confidence as the award he recently pocketed in Johannesburg is named after one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, West Indies' Garfield Sobers.
“I was padded up to go in early in may games in England especially when the powerplays were on, but - didn't really get a cancer's he said.
Johnson might have to wait if he wants to bat higher as the aussie top-order is in roaring form. “If there's an opportunity I want to put my hand upper he stressed.
Those words cast one's mind to India's Irfan Pathan, another talented left-arm-swing bowler who could bat and how the desire of the team-management to convert him into an all- rounder, disintegrated his bowling. Does it scare Johnson that the same could happen to him. “I have thought about it, but I'm not scared. I'm always going to work very hard on my bowling. That's going to be No.1 as that's what I'm in the team for, to hit the deck and bowl fast. But batting is something 1 take very seriously and I face all our main bowlers in the nets add not too many part-timers,'' he revealed.
It's not hard to sense that Johnson is passionate about batting, but it's hurling the red or white five-and-a-half-ounce orb that really gives him the kick. Johnson can hurl bomb- shells at over 90mph that break batsmen's hands and toes and make indelible marks on their chins. He did that to Graeme Smith (in Sydney and Durban) and Jacques Kallis (Durban) respectively
Mitchell Johnson though is an Aussie quickie with a difference. He prefers to talk more about himself than the opposition. Winner of the ICC Cricketer Of The Year
award, Johnson says he is good enough to open the batting in the One-dayers.
“I know it's a big call, but I really think I can open in One-dayers and T20s,'' the
left-arm-pacer, who has improved his batting enormously said on Thursday ; Guess one can't fault his confidence as the award he recently pocketed in Johannesburg is named after one of the greatest all-rounders of all time, West Indies' Garfield Sobers.
“I was padded up to go in early in may games in England especially when the powerplays were on, but - didn't really get a cancer's he said.
Johnson might have to wait if he wants to bat higher as the aussie top-order is in roaring form. “If there's an opportunity I want to put my hand upper he stressed.
Those words cast one's mind to India's Irfan Pathan, another talented left-arm-swing bowler who could bat and how the desire of the team-management to convert him into an all- rounder, disintegrated his bowling. Does it scare Johnson that the same could happen to him. “I have thought about it, but I'm not scared. I'm always going to work very hard on my bowling. That's going to be No.1 as that's what I'm in the team for, to hit the deck and bowl fast. But batting is something 1 take very seriously and I face all our main bowlers in the nets add not too many part-timers,'' he revealed.
It's not hard to sense that Johnson is passionate about batting, but it's hurling the red or white five-and-a-half-ounce orb that really gives him the kick. Johnson can hurl bomb- shells at over 90mph that break batsmen's hands and toes and make indelible marks on their chins. He did that to Graeme Smith (in Sydney and Durban) and Jacques Kallis (Durban) respectively
Hyderabad: The in-form team of the tournament runs into one of the organized outfits in the Champions league Twenty20 summit clash on Friday.
Trinidad & Tobago have enthralled all with their entertaining brand of cricket and will look to overcome the final hurdle that comes in the form of New South Wales in what could well be a grudge match for the latter.
The Australians suffered their only defeat in the tournament to the Caribbean charmers and NSW skipper Simon Katich was clear in his assessment of the match.“If we play Trinidad, then we have to come up with a few different plans to the last time because they had our measure. It(defeat) come at the right time and was a good learning experience. This time hopefully we can have the revenge,” said Katich ahead of the final.
In the gap between losing from a winning position to T&T, NSW walloped Somerset Sabres and got the better of Victorians in the first semifinal in New Delhi on Wednesday.
with the bat that exceeded our biggest expectations. They (openers) really set up the game for us,” said Mott.
T&T skipper Daren Ganga was also optimistic. Having come into the tournament as underdogs, thy Caribbeans have exceeded expectations in their own way
Trinidad & Tobago have enthralled all with their entertaining brand of cricket and will look to overcome the final hurdle that comes in the form of New South Wales in what could well be a grudge match for the latter.
The Australians suffered their only defeat in the tournament to the Caribbean charmers and NSW skipper Simon Katich was clear in his assessment of the match.“If we play Trinidad, then we have to come up with a few different plans to the last time because they had our measure. It(defeat) come at the right time and was a good learning experience. This time hopefully we can have the revenge,” said Katich ahead of the final.
In the gap between losing from a winning position to T&T, NSW walloped Somerset Sabres and got the better of Victorians in the first semifinal in New Delhi on Wednesday.
with the bat that exceeded our biggest expectations. They (openers) really set up the game for us,” said Mott.
T&T skipper Daren Ganga was also optimistic. Having come into the tournament as underdogs, thy Caribbeans have exceeded expectations in their own way
Allrounder, Ganja Show The Way As T&T March Into Final
Hyderabad: Dwayne Bravo turned on the style yet again, At the receiving end this time were Cape Cobras, who so in keeping with the South African tradition on big occasions, choked. Bravo's unbeaten 58 helped Trinidad & Tobago chase down another imposing target with four deliveries to spare and finished the second semifinal at 178 for three on Thursday to set up a Champions League Twenty20 summit clash with New South Wales.
With a frontal assault led by their openers William Perkins and Adrian Barath, which Lendl Simmons ensured did not lose momentum, skipper Daren Ganga and Bravo gave the finishing touches. The former coasted to an unbeaten 44 (31b, 1x4, 2x6) and Bravo scored 58 (34b, 2x4, 3x6). At one stage the Calypso charmers needed 90 from the last 10 overs.
The wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium was a beauty to bat on and the South Africans had taken particular interest in targeting the straight boundaries. For them, JP Duminy assumed charge with an unbeaten 61 (40b, 4x4, 3x6) to take Cobras to 175 for five; it probably would have been much more but for a brilliant last over by Ravi Ramapul that saw only two runs scored.
Hyderabad: Dwayne Bravo turned on the style yet again, At the receiving end this time were Cape Cobras, who so in keeping with the South African tradition on big occasions, choked. Bravo's unbeaten 58 helped Trinidad & Tobago chase down another imposing target with four deliveries to spare and finished the second semifinal at 178 for three on Thursday to set up a Champions League Twenty20 summit clash with New South Wales.
With a frontal assault led by their openers William Perkins and Adrian Barath, which Lendl Simmons ensured did not lose momentum, skipper Daren Ganga and Bravo gave the finishing touches. The former coasted to an unbeaten 44 (31b, 1x4, 2x6) and Bravo scored 58 (34b, 2x4, 3x6). At one stage the Calypso charmers needed 90 from the last 10 overs.
The wicket at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium was a beauty to bat on and the South Africans had taken particular interest in targeting the straight boundaries. For them, JP Duminy assumed charge with an unbeaten 61 (40b, 4x4, 3x6) to take Cobras to 175 for five; it probably would have been much more but for a brilliant last over by Ravi Ramapul that saw only two runs scored.
Mumbai: The awesome huskies are here. But catching a glimpse of the World Champions and Champions Trophy winners on Tuesday in India for a sevenfold series that begins on October 25 in Baroda, was as elusive as rain in October. Nine members of the team, led by Ricky Ponting, gave the waiting media- men an artful dodge as they slipped out of the cargo gate of the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Air- port here on Tuesday afternoon.
Six members of the 15-strong squad are involved in the Champions League Twenty20 where Aussie sides Victoria Bushrangers and New South Wales are contesting the semis. Doug Bollinger Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee are playing for the New South Wales Blues, while Petet Siddle, Jon Holland and Cameron Whlte are representing Victoria Bushrangers.
The way the Kangaroos are being guarded here, it becomes clear that last year's November 26 attacks in this city, and then the terror strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore has changed the rules of the game in the subcontinent forever The team, along with coach Tim Nielson, was escorted to its hotel in Bandra under tight security provided by the Mumbai Police.
The hotel itself we virtually converted into a fortress, with outside vehicles being diverted almost 200 metres away from the hotel. The hotel guests were being screened thoroughly and outsiders Were barred from entering the place.
Six members of the 15-strong squad are involved in the Champions League Twenty20 where Aussie sides Victoria Bushrangers and New South Wales are contesting the semis. Doug Bollinger Nathan Hauritz and Brett Lee are playing for the New South Wales Blues, while Petet Siddle, Jon Holland and Cameron Whlte are representing Victoria Bushrangers.
The way the Kangaroos are being guarded here, it becomes clear that last year's November 26 attacks in this city, and then the terror strike on the Sri Lankan team in Lahore has changed the rules of the game in the subcontinent forever The team, along with coach Tim Nielson, was escorted to its hotel in Bandra under tight security provided by the Mumbai Police.
The hotel itself we virtually converted into a fortress, with outside vehicles being diverted almost 200 metres away from the hotel. The hotel guests were being screened thoroughly and outsiders Were barred from entering the place.
There was a time when the Australians viewed a tour to India as one of the toughest, but that has changed. They now toe India every year end note of the players are also part of the Indian Premier League. The Australians now
embrace the Indian cricket experience unreservedly and the Indian shores no longer hold any demons for them.
The Australians will be looking forward to their seven One-day games in India with a great deal of optimism, Their 6-1 win against England followed by the successful defense of their title in the Champions Trophy means that they are back to their winning ways.
Ricky Ponting and his team have realized that they need not emulate the unbridled aggression of Adam Gilchrist or Matthew Hayden to be successful. They have learnt that they can be successful by playing a different but equal and effective brand of cricket
A lot of positives have emerged over the last few months for this team. Nathan hilarity has been in woodworm, which is an encouraging sign, as spin was an area of major concern for Australia. Shane Watson's backtrack centuries have proved that he has the technique and range of strokes required to open in the ODIs.
It is hard to predict the out- come of the series, because India, too, have been doing very well in One-day cricket over the last year. It's going to be a really riveting, hard-fought contest. The score line will read 4-3, but I am not ready to predict in whose favors!
embrace the Indian cricket experience unreservedly and the Indian shores no longer hold any demons for them.
The Australians will be looking forward to their seven One-day games in India with a great deal of optimism, Their 6-1 win against England followed by the successful defense of their title in the Champions Trophy means that they are back to their winning ways.
Ricky Ponting and his team have realized that they need not emulate the unbridled aggression of Adam Gilchrist or Matthew Hayden to be successful. They have learnt that they can be successful by playing a different but equal and effective brand of cricket
A lot of positives have emerged over the last few months for this team. Nathan hilarity has been in woodworm, which is an encouraging sign, as spin was an area of major concern for Australia. Shane Watson's backtrack centuries have proved that he has the technique and range of strokes required to open in the ODIs.
It is hard to predict the out- come of the series, because India, too, have been doing very well in One-day cricket over the last year. It's going to be a really riveting, hard-fought contest. The score line will read 4-3, but I am not ready to predict in whose favors!
Indian Team's Training Session
Lacked Intent And Energy
Mumbai: The Emirates flight that landed in Mumbai on a hot Tuesday afternoon, carrying the Australian team, also had two South Africans travelling. Team India coach Gary Kirsten and his assistant Paddy Upton had made their way from Johannesburg via Dubai to reach just in time for a net session at a suburban ground
It was an eventful journey considering the l0-odd hours in transit. Things got all the more interesting when the duo made its way straight to the ground, rather hurriedly instead of heading to their five-star hotel suite allocated by the BCCI.
Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Virat
Kohli, Suresh Raina, Munaf Patel, Ashish Nehra, Sudeep Tyagi and Ravindra Jadeja and captain MS Dhoni were ready for India's first ‘serious’ net session for a series at home after almost a year. Four players -Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma who were part of the Delhi Daredevils squad were missing.
Fifteen minutes of stretching was followed by a game of football. A light batting session took place and soon it was dark enough to pack up.
The Aussies can rejoice, considering that they already reckon their opponents aren't in supreme form. To see the coach arrive from South Africa half-an hour before the net session; to watch one of India's best middle-order batsman just back from injury having put on weight would've been a joyous sight for Ponting. If the Indian attack was deemed to be struggling and Venkatesh Prasad, according to the BCCI, wasn't capable enough of curing the ills, the situation has now gone from bad to worse. Right now, there's no bowling coach at all, which hardly makes the situation any better. Ditto in the fielding department where, as noticed On Tuesday, the players didn't even have somebody to throw balls at them.
Lacked Intent And Energy
Mumbai: The Emirates flight that landed in Mumbai on a hot Tuesday afternoon, carrying the Australian team, also had two South Africans travelling. Team India coach Gary Kirsten and his assistant Paddy Upton had made their way from Johannesburg via Dubai to reach just in time for a net session at a suburban ground
It was an eventful journey considering the l0-odd hours in transit. Things got all the more interesting when the duo made its way straight to the ground, rather hurriedly instead of heading to their five-star hotel suite allocated by the BCCI.
Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Praveen Kumar, Virat
Kohli, Suresh Raina, Munaf Patel, Ashish Nehra, Sudeep Tyagi and Ravindra Jadeja and captain MS Dhoni were ready for India's first ‘serious’ net session for a series at home after almost a year. Four players -Virender Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Amit Mishra and Ishant Sharma who were part of the Delhi Daredevils squad were missing.
Fifteen minutes of stretching was followed by a game of football. A light batting session took place and soon it was dark enough to pack up.
The Aussies can rejoice, considering that they already reckon their opponents aren't in supreme form. To see the coach arrive from South Africa half-an hour before the net session; to watch one of India's best middle-order batsman just back from injury having put on weight would've been a joyous sight for Ponting. If the Indian attack was deemed to be struggling and Venkatesh Prasad, according to the BCCI, wasn't capable enough of curing the ills, the situation has now gone from bad to worse. Right now, there's no bowling coach at all, which hardly makes the situation any better. Ditto in the fielding department where, as noticed On Tuesday, the players didn't even have somebody to throw balls at them.
