Continuing our tournament reviews, here is an assessment of how losing finalists Sri Lanka did.
Brilliant top-order batting and an array of bowling options that always threatened meant few were surprised by their run to the final. Had Muttiah Muralitharan been fully fit, they may have won. Still they have much to be proud of, led by an opening pair that twice added more than 200. Kumar Sangakkara was exceptional as skipper, Lasith Malinga always exhilarating to watch.
Star man
Though several excelled, it’s hard to look past Tillakaratne Dilshan. His explosive batting earned 500 runs – more than anyone else in this World Cup – while he also chipped in with eight wickets with his canny off-spin.
Disappointment
Hard to pick one, but Chamara Silva was never fluent with the bat, and was dropped for the final.
Prospects
Several spinners will aim to be the ‘new Murali’, with Ajantha Mendis, omitted for the final, perhaps the most promising. With Dilshan, Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena all at least 33, new batsmen are probably an even bigger priority. They are also looking for a new coach.
Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sri Lanka. Show all posts
Monday, 4 April 2011
Monday, 7 July 2008
The amazing Ajantha Mendis
After eight one-day internationals, Ajantha Mendis is already established as a phenomenon, a freak and a match winner. Yes, it's more than a little presumptuous. But here is a bowler who is utterly extraordinary.
Cricinfo classes him as 'Right-arm slow-medium' which suggests the most innocuous of bowlers: a trundler best reserved for declaration bowling. Yet this classification could hardly be less apt. Mendis would be better classed as simply 'Mystery Spinner'. He is the bowler of dreams and fantasies, not bound by the parameters that affect other bowlers. How do you play a bowler who follows a googly with a doosra? How indeed. The evidence of raw statistics: 11 first-class wickets at 19; a Twenty20 economy rate of just 5.30; and 20 ODI wickets at 10 suggest the question is a rather pressing one for batsmen.
None more so than the Indians, traditionally wonderful players of spin. In his first encounter with them - admittedly the one-day side bereft of their brilliant batting quartet - he bamboozled and humiliated them. Bowlers with such variety are supposed to be afflicted by chronic inconsistency, unable to go more than a few overs without bowling a delivery that demands brutal punishment. Yet Mendis had no such trouble as he embarked on one of the most memorable ODI spells ever seen: eight overs delivered six wickets for just 13 runs. India were hapless and clueless; they had no idea what to expect, and with good reason.
Mendis has yet to play a Test match, lest we forget. His real test, patently, begins now: when his secrets are out in the open and the video analysts are working overtime. For the time being, however, he is a phenomenon, something unlike we have ever seen before. There are comparisons with the legendary Jack Iverson, except that Mendis has even more variations.
We were told there would never be another Murali. But he has an imitator with, for now, even more mystique. No one could ever have imagined Murali would ever be the second most talked-about spinner in Sri Lanka but that is what Mendis has achieved in his fleeting international career. There are many things that could go wrong, as everyone knows, but at this moment Mendis is the most exotic and exciting cricketer on the planet.
Cricinfo classes him as 'Right-arm slow-medium' which suggests the most innocuous of bowlers: a trundler best reserved for declaration bowling. Yet this classification could hardly be less apt. Mendis would be better classed as simply 'Mystery Spinner'. He is the bowler of dreams and fantasies, not bound by the parameters that affect other bowlers. How do you play a bowler who follows a googly with a doosra? How indeed. The evidence of raw statistics: 11 first-class wickets at 19; a Twenty20 economy rate of just 5.30; and 20 ODI wickets at 10 suggest the question is a rather pressing one for batsmen.
None more so than the Indians, traditionally wonderful players of spin. In his first encounter with them - admittedly the one-day side bereft of their brilliant batting quartet - he bamboozled and humiliated them. Bowlers with such variety are supposed to be afflicted by chronic inconsistency, unable to go more than a few overs without bowling a delivery that demands brutal punishment. Yet Mendis had no such trouble as he embarked on one of the most memorable ODI spells ever seen: eight overs delivered six wickets for just 13 runs. India were hapless and clueless; they had no idea what to expect, and with good reason.
Mendis has yet to play a Test match, lest we forget. His real test, patently, begins now: when his secrets are out in the open and the video analysts are working overtime. For the time being, however, he is a phenomenon, something unlike we have ever seen before. There are comparisons with the legendary Jack Iverson, except that Mendis has even more variations.
We were told there would never be another Murali. But he has an imitator with, for now, even more mystique. No one could ever have imagined Murali would ever be the second most talked-about spinner in Sri Lanka but that is what Mendis has achieved in his fleeting international career. There are many things that could go wrong, as everyone knows, but at this moment Mendis is the most exotic and exciting cricketer on the planet.
Thursday, 15 November 2007
Australia v Sri Lanka Ratings and Thoughts
Still, the Sri Lankans have a chance to regain some pride, and halt the Aussie’s charge towards another record. They’ll most likely have Kumar Sangakkara back, their star wicketkeeper/batsman, and perhaps the selectors and coach will halt their nonsensical policies and bring back Lasith Malinga, the slinging quick who, to be honest, would likely have been their best paceman had he played. Australia has no selection dilemmas at this stage, all of their batsmen looked fresh and were on song, and their bowlers were solid as well, MacGill will probably be more settled after his 200th wicket, and Johnson will have lost whatever jitters he may have had previously.
And finally before I do the ratings, I’d like to say that I wholly agree with Terry Jenner, if Muralidaran is going to break Warne’s record, he should be tested under match conditions. I am not accusing him of anything, but it seems only fair that someone who could be regarded as cricket’s greatest ever bowler some day, certainly it is either him or Warne, should have his controversies officially put to rest. Maybe Aussie fans will even tone down the no ball calls!
So my match ratings:
Australia
Matthew Hayden: 7/10 – Were it not for a brash shot, Hayden would have made his 50 and probably cruised towards a century, he looked like his break had benefited him greatly, and was playing superbly for most of his innings.
Phil Jaques: 8.5/10 – An outstanding maiden test century, was coping with the bowlers well and will learn from his first encounter with Muralidaran, and should be able to pick the doosra better.
Ricky Ponting: 8.25/10 – Failed to make a century, but looked exquisite at times, playing all the right shots and seeming to cope with Murali quite well at times. His decision to enforce the follow on was a brave one, and one that Australians have traditionally shied away from.
Mike Hussey: 8.5/10 – A fantastic century proved his class after some poor form in the one day arena since The Ashes, Hussey looked skilful as ever, showing an improvement many of us didn’t expect he could be capable of at his current level.
Michael Clarke: 8.75/10 – Clarke is continuing his growth from a pup to a fully grown dog, with added maturity in his innings, and some real skill and class. His century was fantastic coming off poor form in One Day International cricket, but showing that he is a force to be reckoned with in the future, and that his Ashes series was no fluke.
Andrew Symonds: 7.5/10 – Looked impressive and continued his newfound test mindset that he showed after Damien Martyn retire last year, giving Symonds a new, crucial chance at a test berth. He shone then, and is shining once again, his cameo role in the side as a batsman yielding a quick 50, and his bowling picking up a couple of wickets, including opener Marvan Atapattu in the 2nd innings.
Adam Gilchrist: 7.5/10 – Didn’t get to bat, but held 6 catches and allowed through just 4 byes, proving that he is still a world class wicketkeeper, even at his ripe old age of 36.
Brett Lee: 8.75/10 – I have never been a huge Lee fan, but his devastating bowling destroyed the Sri Lankans in the first innings, and cleaned up the tail in the second, taking 8 wickets for the match (4 in each innings) in a consistent and fairly economical spell.
Mitchell Johnson: 7.75/10 – 4 wickets on debut, generating some great movement in the air and off the pitch, and looking very impressive for a 26 year old in his first ever test. Looks like developing into a real force in years to come.
Stuart Clark: 7.5/10 – Just 4 wickets but as usual was the consistent, economical force, providing Australia with its answer to retired Glenn McGrath. I was surprised to see him first change rather than opening bowler with Lee, but he made the most of his chances and looked impressive all the same.
Stuart MacGill: 7.5/10 – Worked his ass off all game to get his 200th wicket, and finally managed the feat, but only 2 wickets was disappointing, and even though he deserves another crack, he will need to lift his game to hold off fellow veteran Brad Hogg.
Sri Lanka
Marvan Atapattu: 5.75/10 – One of just two Sri Lankan men to score 50 in the match, but a pretty poor performance overall. Also took a catch to give Dilhara Fernando a not-so-much deserved wicket.
Sanath Jayasuriya: 4.25/10 – Gave his team very little batting, scoring 7 and a half (considering the circumstances) respectable 39 in the 2nd innings.
Michael Vandort: 6.5/10 – A great 82 in the 2nd innings showed plenty of promise and improvement from his 1st innings duck, fighting the Australians and helping force the game into a 5th day. One of the best Sri Lankans.
Mahela Jayawardene: 5/10 – Scored an important 49 in the 2nd innings, but overall it was a disappointing game from the skipper who will need to lead his side well at Hobart to give them a chance.
Thilan Samaraweera: 4/10 – Incredibly disappointing, scoring 13 and 20, and looks set to make way for Kumar Sangakkara if he is fit for the Hobart Test.
Chamara Silva: 5.25/10 – A couple of fighting 40’s (one was 43) made the maturing youngster look alright, joining the battle well, and shying him away from at least some of the blame.
Prassana Jayawardene: 4.75/10 – Looked fairly good behind the stumps, getting two stumpings and wasn’t fantastic with the bat, but we’ve known that he isn’t quite Sangakkara in that aspect. Should still keep his spot ahead of Samaraweera if Sangakkara is back.
Farveez Maharoof: 4/10 – Did very little with the ball, as did his fellow pacemen, fought a little with the bat, but overall disappointed and a wicket or two would’ve helped the team’s cause.
Chaminda Vaas: 4/10 – Took the only wicket for a batsman on less than 50 runs, but nothing spectacular from the veteran left arm pace bowler. One who could be forced to make way for Lasith Malinga if Tom Moody’s comments regarding his 1st test dilemma are to be believed.
Dilhara Fernando: 3.75/10 – Tom Moody’s assurance that Fernando was the first paceman to be picked for Sri Lanka added some credibility to Marvan Atapattu’s claims regarding the clown selectors. A wicket complemented his ordinary bowling, and would be lucky to keep his spot for Malinga in the next test.
Muttiah Muralidaran: 7/10 – Bowled quite well, a shining light for Sri Lanka in that aspect, but could’ve done a lot more with some decent support, and without it he was over bowled and could not manage more than 2 wickets, but he did manage to get on top of the batsmen at various times, and was certainly the Sri Lankans’ best bowler – not that it’s a surprise.
Saturday, 10 November 2007
The Dominance Continues, or Shane Who?
In 3 days one can get over early week blues, one can receive an interstate package, a house can become as dirty as it was before the cleaners came, and the Australian cricket team can put any doubts over its capabilities to rest.
In the space of just 3 days, I can barely remember the excitement of seeing Shane Warne roll over his shoulders preparing to come into the attack, or the amazement at Glenn McGrath’s figures, or even the sheer enjoyment of watching Justin Langer play another classy stroke. This void has been quickly filled with excitement at a new Australia. Not all the players are young guns, but the player’s surviving the not-so-aptly titled, ‘Dad’s Army,’ of the 5-0 Ashes victory, are refreshed, and many of the middle aged players have grown in maturity.
Already, Sri Lanka is on the ropes, at 2/80 in their following on 2nd innings after a brilliant performance from the Aussies with both bat and ball. It began with new opener Phil Jaques’ maiden test century, and continued with shows of improvement and increased maturity from Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke and Andrew Symonds. The middle order continues to improve, and with no shakeups since the New Years Test between Australia and England, they appear to be ready to help out the less settled opening pair with solid contributions.
The bowling attack was always going to be an interesting and exciting one to watch, and they did not disappoint, bowling out the Lankans with ease, Brett Lee spearheading the attack with his typical pace and flamboyant style, and taking full advantage of the conditions, despite the fact that they were beginning to improve. Mitchell Johnson looked impressive on debut, opening the bowling with Lee, with great pace and swing causing trouble for the Sri Lankan batsmen, and Stuart Clark was dangerous and accurate as ever. Stuart MacGill, the new spinner, battled hard and despite only one wicket, MacGill seems to still be a good bowler. On the other hand only Muralidaran seemed to contribute, and he was over-bowled to the extent that his two wickets could not do too much.
Saturday, 28 April 2007
Final Preview: Australia vs Sri Lanka
We finally come to the end. It has been that sort of World Cup hasn't it? All the thrills and excitement we were promised have largely failed to materialise thus far and everybody wants this match to be one of the greatest of all time. The good news is that it could well be that!
In a repeat of the 1996 Final, Sri Lanka, underdogs once again, are taking on the Champions elect, Australia. Sri Lanka will not mind their underdog status though as they play some of their greatest cricket when they feel free to express themselves, especially at the top of the order. And of course, it is when Australia are that their most confident that they can actually be at their most vulnerable, as in 1996 and during the recent CB series. They have shown a level of professionalism and focus so far though that few teams in the history of the game have ever matched, if any. The pitch in Barbados should favour pace and do something first up, bad news for Sri Lanka maybe, or maybe not with their pace line-up. It is their spinners who can stiffle games though, so they will be hoping that the pitch is slow when the Aussies bat and that is more likely in the second half.
So we all hope that this equation will add up to one fantastic final, rife with tension, brilliance and ultimately delerium. The team news is good, everyone is fit. Australia will line up as per usual with a formidable batting line-up, backed up by a combination of a strike bowler, evergreen miser, industrious work horse, mysterious spinner and a few bits and bobs. Indeed their opening partnership is a culmination of the success of Sri Lanka's new approach in 1996. Both of these sides really do go for broke in the first twenty overs, hint hint England hey? Sri Lanka meanwhile match up pretty well, with the mystery man himself, a pacey spearhead, two wiley old misers and a few part timers. There batting is prehaps not as strong, but many would say that their bowling contains more wicket takers and options. Overall, this is how they match up man for man:
Ricky Ponting (c) 10
vs
Mahela Jayawardene (c) 9
Matthew Hayden 9
Adam Gilchrist (wk) 9
Michael Clarke 9
vs
Sanath Jayasuriya 9
Upal Tharanga 6
Kumar Sangakkara (wk) 9
Andrew Symonds 9
Michael Hussey 8
Shane Watson 7
vs
Chamara Silva 8
Tilakaratne Dilshan 8
Russell Arnold 7
Brad Hogg 8
Nathan Bracken 8
Shaun Tait 8
Glenn McGrath 8
vs
Chaminda Vaas 8
Farheez Maharoof / Dilhara Fernando 6
Muttiah Muralitharan 10
Lasith Malinga 9
Totals: Australia 93 Sri Lanka 89
Prediction: The toss could prove crucial to the result on this wicket. I want Sri Lanka to win, I tipped them at the start, therefore I can not change my mind now, Sri Lanka, though the brain tells us all that it will likely be Australia.
Key Players: Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas.
In a repeat of the 1996 Final, Sri Lanka, underdogs once again, are taking on the Champions elect, Australia. Sri Lanka will not mind their underdog status though as they play some of their greatest cricket when they feel free to express themselves, especially at the top of the order. And of course, it is when Australia are that their most confident that they can actually be at their most vulnerable, as in 1996 and during the recent CB series. They have shown a level of professionalism and focus so far though that few teams in the history of the game have ever matched, if any. The pitch in Barbados should favour pace and do something first up, bad news for Sri Lanka maybe, or maybe not with their pace line-up. It is their spinners who can stiffle games though, so they will be hoping that the pitch is slow when the Aussies bat and that is more likely in the second half.
So we all hope that this equation will add up to one fantastic final, rife with tension, brilliance and ultimately delerium. The team news is good, everyone is fit. Australia will line up as per usual with a formidable batting line-up, backed up by a combination of a strike bowler, evergreen miser, industrious work horse, mysterious spinner and a few bits and bobs. Indeed their opening partnership is a culmination of the success of Sri Lanka's new approach in 1996. Both of these sides really do go for broke in the first twenty overs, hint hint England hey? Sri Lanka meanwhile match up pretty well, with the mystery man himself, a pacey spearhead, two wiley old misers and a few part timers. There batting is prehaps not as strong, but many would say that their bowling contains more wicket takers and options. Overall, this is how they match up man for man:
Ricky Ponting (c) 10
vs
Mahela Jayawardene (c) 9
Matthew Hayden 9
Adam Gilchrist (wk) 9
Michael Clarke 9
vs
Sanath Jayasuriya 9
Upal Tharanga 6
Kumar Sangakkara (wk) 9
Andrew Symonds 9
Michael Hussey 8
Shane Watson 7
vs
Chamara Silva 8
Tilakaratne Dilshan 8
Russell Arnold 7
Brad Hogg 8
Nathan Bracken 8
Shaun Tait 8
Glenn McGrath 8
vs
Chaminda Vaas 8
Farheez Maharoof / Dilhara Fernando 6
Muttiah Muralitharan 10
Lasith Malinga 9
Totals: Australia 93 Sri Lanka 89
Prediction: The toss could prove crucial to the result on this wicket. I want Sri Lanka to win, I tipped them at the start, therefore I can not change my mind now, Sri Lanka, though the brain tells us all that it will likely be Australia.
Key Players: Ricky Ponting, Glenn McGrath, Sanath Jayasuriya and Chaminda Vaas.
Tuesday, 24 April 2007
Semi-Final Preview: Sri Lanka vs New Zealand
This is likely to be the closer of the two matches, with two very evenly matched sides looking to make it into the final. New Zealand have not made the final from this stage in five attempts, whilst of course Sri Lanka won the competition back in 1996. The recent ODI series and Test series in New Zealand were both drawn 2-2 and 1-1 and having finished second (SRL) and third (NZL) in the Super Eights, these teams are also ranked third (NZL) and fourth (SRL) in the world.
The pitch at Sabina Park in Jamaica is likely to favour the seamers, hence Ireland's success. Therefore you would imagine that the Kiwis have a natural advantage. However, in Chaminda Vaas and the returning Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankans can more than match what New Zealand have to offer in Shane Bond and James Franklin. The spin department sees Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori go to head to head, whilst there may also be roles to play for Sanath Jayasuriya and Tilakaratne Dilshan. New Zealand will have to decide on whether to stick with the impressive young Jeetan Patel, or include the extra seamer, though both Mark Gillespie and Michael Mason were given serious hammer by the Australians. The presence of Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and Craig McMillan, may just tempt Fleming to include Patel, whilst Sri Lanka have a difficult choice to make between Dilharo Fernando, who has been impressive at the death and Farheez Maharoof, who impressed against Ireland and can add a lower order batting threat.
The head to head batting makes for interesting reading for Stephen Fleming. Chaminda Vaas has dismissed him the most in ODI's and has had him for a duck on the last four occassions that the two have met. Kumar Sangakkara meanwhile loves batting against New Zealand, having made 69*, 79, 15, 89 and 36 in his last five ODI innings against the Kiwis. Meanwhile, in the recent Test series he made 4, 100*, 156* and 8. If New Zealand don't get him early they will be in trouble. Two other key players are likely to be the evergreen Sanath Jayasuriya, so key to Sri Lanka setting a large asking rate and Scott Styris, who has been in blistering form so far. Shane Bond knows the importance of getting Jayasuriya before he unleashes his destructive potential and you feel that if he is out for a low score then New Zealand can keep Sri Lanka within reach. Scott Styris meanwhile will be stressing to his team mates the importance of playing Murali with the same poise and composure with which he did in the last meeting between these two, which of course Sri Lanka won.
Prediction: It's going to be close. Win the toss and win I say.
Key Players: Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Scott Styris and Shane Bond.
The pitch at Sabina Park in Jamaica is likely to favour the seamers, hence Ireland's success. Therefore you would imagine that the Kiwis have a natural advantage. However, in Chaminda Vaas and the returning Lasith Malinga, the Sri Lankans can more than match what New Zealand have to offer in Shane Bond and James Franklin. The spin department sees Muttiah Muralitharan and Daniel Vettori go to head to head, whilst there may also be roles to play for Sanath Jayasuriya and Tilakaratne Dilshan. New Zealand will have to decide on whether to stick with the impressive young Jeetan Patel, or include the extra seamer, though both Mark Gillespie and Michael Mason were given serious hammer by the Australians. The presence of Jacob Oram, Scott Styris and Craig McMillan, may just tempt Fleming to include Patel, whilst Sri Lanka have a difficult choice to make between Dilharo Fernando, who has been impressive at the death and Farheez Maharoof, who impressed against Ireland and can add a lower order batting threat.
The head to head batting makes for interesting reading for Stephen Fleming. Chaminda Vaas has dismissed him the most in ODI's and has had him for a duck on the last four occassions that the two have met. Kumar Sangakkara meanwhile loves batting against New Zealand, having made 69*, 79, 15, 89 and 36 in his last five ODI innings against the Kiwis. Meanwhile, in the recent Test series he made 4, 100*, 156* and 8. If New Zealand don't get him early they will be in trouble. Two other key players are likely to be the evergreen Sanath Jayasuriya, so key to Sri Lanka setting a large asking rate and Scott Styris, who has been in blistering form so far. Shane Bond knows the importance of getting Jayasuriya before he unleashes his destructive potential and you feel that if he is out for a low score then New Zealand can keep Sri Lanka within reach. Scott Styris meanwhile will be stressing to his team mates the importance of playing Murali with the same poise and composure with which he did in the last meeting between these two, which of course Sri Lanka won.
Prediction: It's going to be close. Win the toss and win I say.
Key Players: Kumar Sangakkara, Muttiah Muralitharan, Scott Styris and Shane Bond.
Friday, 20 April 2007
Some competition needed
After Australia's dissection of New Zealand today, the World Cup is desperately in need of some close and exciting semi-finals and a great final. The tournament has had some surprises and a couple of nail-biting finishes, but has generally been littered with one-sided matches that have been over long before they actually finished.
With Australia sweeping away all before them there is a danger that the World Champions will win their third title on the spin without even being seriously challenged. It is up to the South Africans to finally give them a game and should the Australians triumph then New Zealand or Sri Lanka must make the final a contest.
If not the 2007 World Cup will probably go down in history as the biggest anti-climax in ODI cricket. All the talk of it being the most open tournament in years is already looking foolish, with the gulf between the Australians and the rest widening into a gaping abyss. There is no doubt that the Australians have been by far the best and most consistent team in the competition, but I'm sure even they would prefer to be pushed a little more in pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup. Let us hope that they are and the last three matches provide some cricket to remember.
With Australia sweeping away all before them there is a danger that the World Champions will win their third title on the spin without even being seriously challenged. It is up to the South Africans to finally give them a game and should the Australians triumph then New Zealand or Sri Lanka must make the final a contest.
If not the 2007 World Cup will probably go down in history as the biggest anti-climax in ODI cricket. All the talk of it being the most open tournament in years is already looking foolish, with the gulf between the Australians and the rest widening into a gaping abyss. There is no doubt that the Australians have been by far the best and most consistent team in the competition, but I'm sure even they would prefer to be pushed a little more in pursuit of a third consecutive World Cup. Let us hope that they are and the last three matches provide some cricket to remember.
Wednesday, 18 April 2007
Preview: Sri Lanka vs Ireland
Ireland's final game today and it will be tough going. Having already achieved more than England by beating two Test playing nations, they now look to go level on points with their neighbour.
Sri Lanka will recall Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas - was this not the game to rest them? - it should be one sided, but Ireland have upset the apple cart before. Whatever the result, Irish cricket continues to grow.
Prediction: Sri Lanka but Ireland not to disgrace themselves.
Players to watch: Sanath Jayasuriya and William Porterfield.
Sri Lanka will recall Muttiah Muralitharan and Chaminda Vaas - was this not the game to rest them? - it should be one sided, but Ireland have upset the apple cart before. Whatever the result, Irish cricket continues to grow.
Prediction: Sri Lanka but Ireland not to disgrace themselves.
Players to watch: Sanath Jayasuriya and William Porterfield.
Sunday, 15 April 2007
Preview: Australia vs Sri Lanka
The tournament favourites meet in Grenada today in what should be a compelling encounter. Both sides are favoured to meet in the final and they will be eager to impose themselves upon each other early on. The pitch in Grenada has been quite slow and difficult to play on so far and it may well favour Sri Lanka's style of play, especially as they are a Malinga down. Whilst Farheez Maharoof is a decent one day bowler, he is still a bowler the Aussies will fancy getting after and so the likes of Tilakaratne Dilshan and Russell Arnold could prove to be crucial with their contributions of part time spin on the slow surface.
Australia meanwhile must decide who to play instead of Shane Watson. Brad Hodge has been favoured to date, but both Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson are pressing hard for places in the starting line-up. It is likely that they will again favour the extra batting and the part time spin of Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke and even Hodge. Along with Brad Hogg, a threat because of his rarity, they have decent slow bowling options to match Sri Lanka. Murali of course has strangely not always enjoyed playing the Aussies.
Prediction: Fascinating encounter. Sides have been getting closer to Australia and it could be time for a reality check. Without Malinga though, Sri Lanka are missing that extra penetration. Australia to win the pre-final, maybe Sri Lanka to save their best for the real thing.
Players to watch: Ricky Ponting and Mahela Jayawardene.
Australia meanwhile must decide who to play instead of Shane Watson. Brad Hodge has been favoured to date, but both Stuart Clark and Mitchell Johnson are pressing hard for places in the starting line-up. It is likely that they will again favour the extra batting and the part time spin of Andrew Symonds, Michael Clarke and even Hodge. Along with Brad Hogg, a threat because of his rarity, they have decent slow bowling options to match Sri Lanka. Murali of course has strangely not always enjoyed playing the Aussies.
Prediction: Fascinating encounter. Sides have been getting closer to Australia and it could be time for a reality check. Without Malinga though, Sri Lanka are missing that extra penetration. Australia to win the pre-final, maybe Sri Lanka to save their best for the real thing.
Players to watch: Ricky Ponting and Mahela Jayawardene.
Thursday, 12 April 2007
Preview: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
This contest pits second against third in a potential prequel of one semi-final. New Zealand are rapidly gaining belief, from within and without, that this is the year that they can finally emerge from the shadows and claim a first World Cup crown. Few could argue with their credentials and they could yet pip Australia to top spot.
Sri Lanka meanwhile are also in with an excellent chance of lifting the trophy for a second time and will want to assure themselves of a semi-final spot with victory here. With Australia and Bangladesh also to come, it is not totally inconceivable that they could miss out if they lose here, though that is highly unlikely. Their cause will not be helped by the absence of Lasith Malinga though, who has been especially brilliant with the old ball. Replacing him will likely be Farheez Maharoof, who could prove to be a weak link. They do have plenty of spin options to dig themselves out extra overs though.
Games between these two are rarely dull and they are very evenly matched, having drawn their latest ODI series 2-2 in New Zealand and also having drawn the Test series 1-1.
Prediction: Should be a fantastic game. New Zealand may just shade it if they can conquer Murali.
Players to watch: Jacob Oram and Kumar Sangakkara.
Sri Lanka meanwhile are also in with an excellent chance of lifting the trophy for a second time and will want to assure themselves of a semi-final spot with victory here. With Australia and Bangladesh also to come, it is not totally inconceivable that they could miss out if they lose here, though that is highly unlikely. Their cause will not be helped by the absence of Lasith Malinga though, who has been especially brilliant with the old ball. Replacing him will likely be Farheez Maharoof, who could prove to be a weak link. They do have plenty of spin options to dig themselves out extra overs though.
Games between these two are rarely dull and they are very evenly matched, having drawn their latest ODI series 2-2 in New Zealand and also having drawn the Test series 1-1.
Prediction: Should be a fantastic game. New Zealand may just shade it if they can conquer Murali.
Players to watch: Jacob Oram and Kumar Sangakkara.
Tuesday, 3 April 2007
Preview: England vs Sri Lanka
This game is massive for both sides and especially England who have to face Australia on Sunday. England need the points more than Sri Lanka, although the Sri Lankans are conscious of the need to maintain high standards following their defeat to South Africa earlier on. Mahela Jayawardene will be banking on Lasith Malinga and Chaminda Vaas to make early inroads into the fragile England top order. That top order could be boosted by the inclusion of Andrew Strauss for Ed Joyce, although England may give Joyce one final chance against meaningful opposition, to prove that he merits his place. The other selection issue concerns Sajid Mahmood who has so far failed to look threatening against even the minnows of the tournament. Liam Plunkett is the most likely replacement and he will feel agrieved at losing his place in the first place, as will Jon Lewis.
The key battle will likely be between Muttiah Muralitharan and the England middle order of Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff. England will be hoping for a repeat of Pietersen's reverse slog sweep for six off Murali in early 2006 and that they can maintain their excellent World Cup record against Sri Lanka, which currently stands at six victories to one. A tight contest will ensue.
Prediction: Against my head, I am saying England. I just have a feeling that if England can get Sanath Jayasuriya early then they can keep Sri Lanka under some semblance of control and hopefully he has just had his good game!
Players to watch: Kevin Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara.
The key battle will likely be between Muttiah Muralitharan and the England middle order of Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff. England will be hoping for a repeat of Pietersen's reverse slog sweep for six off Murali in early 2006 and that they can maintain their excellent World Cup record against Sri Lanka, which currently stands at six victories to one. A tight contest will ensue.
Prediction: Against my head, I am saying England. I just have a feeling that if England can get Sanath Jayasuriya early then they can keep Sri Lanka under some semblance of control and hopefully he has just had his good game!
Players to watch: Kevin Pietersen and Kumar Sangakkara.
Sunday, 1 April 2007
Preview: West Indies vs Sri Lanka
It really is do or die for the West Indies today. Lose and they are all but out of this competition already and that would destroy the party atmosphere. The bad news for the Windies is though that Sri Lanka are a top side and having narrowly lost to South Africa earlier in the week, they desperately need the points too if they are to get their own qualification hopes back on track. Jerome Taylor should return for the Windies, but how will his confidence have been effected by being brainlessly discarded? Both sides will fight, but Sri Lanka's quality should ultimately tell. West Indies need their big players to fire in unison and it may be asking too much.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to grind out a result.
Players to watch: Jerome Taylor and Lasith Malinga.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to grind out a result.
Players to watch: Jerome Taylor and Lasith Malinga.
Friday, 30 March 2007
What have we learnt so far?!
We now review the sides who have made it through to the Super Eight stage of the World Cup and what we can learn from the performances so far.
Australia
Strengths:
Phenomenal batting line-up: Matthew Hayden has been reborn as a One Day International opener and along with the destructive Adam Gilchrist forms the most explosive opening partnership in world cricket. The best player in the world comes in next in the shape of Ricky Ponting, followed by an ever improving Michael Clarke at four. Andrew Symonds of course needs no introducing as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. Then comes the dependable Michael Hussey, who will not remain runless for long and the powerful Shane Watson. This batting line up is the best in limited overs cricket and can win matches alone.
Awesome fielding: Symonds, Clarke, Ponting and Watson form the best inner ring in world cricket.
Weaknesses:
Bowling: Yes there is a visible weakness. Glenn McGrath can be taken apart by classy opposition and Shaun Tait and Watson can often prove expensive. Brad Hogg is an experienced campaigner, but he is not up there with the best spinners in world cricket. Currently, only Nathan Bracken is a reliable performer with the ball. They miss Brett Lee.
Star so far: Matthew Hayden.
Sri Lanka
Strengths:
One to four: In Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya Sri Lanka have another of the world’s more explosive opening pairings and followed by Mahela Jayawardene at three and the world’s best wicket keeper batsman at four, Kumar Sangakkara, they offer a first rate top order.
Bowling variety: Chaminda Vaas is one of the best with a new white ball and everybody knows what the world’s best spinner can do. In Muttiah Muralitharan Sri Lanka have a bowler who can win matches single handedly. Lasith Malinga is brilliant at the death and possesses a deadly in-swinging yorker. Meanwhile, Sanath Jayasuriya’s slow left arm spin and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s offspin complete a well varied attack.
Fielding: Exceptional, likely the best going. Almost every player contributes in the field, even the 37 year old Jayasuriya!
Weaknesses:
Lower order batting power: For all the class of the top four, if you get them early, there is not much to come in terms of a blistering batsman down the order. Although Chamara Silva at five is capable of rapid scoring, as he proved recently against New Zealand, he, Dilshan and Russell Arnold can not be described as power players and they can struggle to take advantage of the last overs if one of the top four is not still around.
New ball partner and fifth bowler: For all of Vaas’ quality there is no obvious partner for him in the Sri Lankan side when he is bowling with the new ball. Furthermore, the fifth bowler can prove to be a problem for Sri Lanka with both Farveez Maharoof and Dilhara Fernando not quite up to standard. Prehaps Malinga Bandara’s leg spin could yet come in handy.
Star so far: Muttiah Muralitharan.
South Africa:
Strengths:
Batting depth: South Africa usually bat a long way down, with Shaun Pollock and Andrew Hall nestling at eight and nine respectively. Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers are deadly when they fire and with explosive players such as Herschelle Gibbs, Mark Boucher and Justin Kemp dotted between the rocks, Jaques Kallis and Ashwell Prince, they are capable of posting imposing totals.
Pace attack: Makaya Ntini, Pollock, Andrew Hall, Kallis and Charle Langevelt form a lethal pace attack for South Africa and that is without the aggressive Andre Nel. Given a helpful wicket, they will exploit it.
Weaknesses:
Opening combination: AB de Villiers has yet to really settle as an opener and this can lead to problems.
Missing Spinner: South Africa often go into games with no front line spinner, instead relying on Graeme Smith’s part time offies if they hit trouble. When they do play a spinner problems arise, firstly it weakens there batting line up as in the game against Sri Lanka and secondly the spinner in question, Robin Peterson, is not one of the game’s finest.
Star so far: Graeme Smith.
New Zealand
Strengths:
Batting depth: Another side that bats a long way down. With centuries to both of their names, Daniel Vettori and James Franklin can not be taken lightly and the sheer number of great allrounders in this Kiwi side allow them to bat to the bottom if they desire.
Bowling options: The pace of Shane Bond, the experience of Daniel Vettori, the left arm of James Franklin, the death ability of Mark Gillespie, the canniness of Jeetan Patel, the bounce of Jacob Oram and the accuracy of Scott Styris make this Kiwi side a very dangerous proposition when it comes to trying to score runs quickly against them.
Tactical nous: Stephen Fleming is the most intelligent captain in the world and his field placings demonstrate that.
Weaknesses:
Injuries: Having already lost Darryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills and Lou Vincent to injury, the Kiwis can not afford to suffer any more misfortune. There are though constant fitness worries over Oram and Bond and as the tournament progresses they may start to struggle.
An opening bowler and an opening batsman light perhaps: Running on from the injury problems, New Zealand do not seem to have a settled opening partnership with either bat or ball and if often shows.
Star so far: Scott Styris.
England
Strengths:
Middle order: With a line up from four to six of Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff, England have a middle order which most teams would die for. They need to come in with time to play with and runs on the board though.
Captaincy: A fit Michael Vaughan is second only to Fleming as a captain and he is as successful a captain as England have ever had in ODI’s.
Impetuous youth: England have a lot of young players and they are hungry for success, just listen to Ravi Bopara.
Weaknesses:
Top order batting: Much has been made of England’s woes at the top and rightfully so. Suffering from the reverse problem that Sri Lanka do, England have no power players up front. For all the skills that Michael Vaughan, Ed Joyce and Ian Bell have, exploiting the powerplays is not really one of them. Platform’s are good, but only if one of those top three players goes on until the end. They rarely do. It is crying out for Pietersen to move up to three.
Bowling depth: James Anderson, Monty Panesar and Andrew Flintoff are brilliant bowlers and wicket takers. Without back up though, opposition players can afford to see them off. England are undecided on who to bowl with them and both Liam Plunkett and Sajid Mahmood have been expensive, whilst Collingwood is not always suited to the conditions. Jamie Dalrymple was tried and failed abysmally, whilst Bopara is still very raw, though a talent. A settled bowling line up that can take wickets throughout the innings is a must and England must find it soon.
Star so far: James Anderson.
West Indies
Strengths:
Individual brilliance: In Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul the Windies have the individual class to knock over the best of sides.
Home soil and support: Should the Windies get on a roll, the support will drop in behind them. They have to get rolling first though.
Weaknesses:
Too many weak links: For the all the individual brilliance, the West Indies are not a brilliant team. Marlon Samuels batting at four is an obvious sign of the deterioration in West Indian cricketing brilliance. Why Lara bats so low at five is a mystery, but it simply encourages collapses. Dwayne Smith appears to be a very limited batsman, despite his excellent fielding and doubts remain over the abilities of Dinesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons. In the bowling department, a spinner is obviously lacking and the pace men are just too inconsistent and nothing like the stars of yesteryear.
Reliance on bits and pieces: The Windies rely on using the bowling of the likes of Gayle, Smith and Samuels to regularly get them through their fifty overs. There just simply is not enough of a threat there to disturb the best international opposition. They must play the promising Jerome Taylor, but do not ultimately have the pace attack to compensate for their lack of spin options, unlike South Africa.
Star so far: Brian Lara.
Bangladesh
Strengths:
Youthful exuberance and spin options.
Weaknesses:
Inexperience and over-zealousness with the bat.
Star so far: Mashrafe Mortaza.
Ireland
Strengths:
Passion and ability to exploit bowler’s wickets.
Weaknesses:
Lack of quality batting depth.
Star so far: Jeremy Bray.
Chris Pallett
Australia
Strengths:
Phenomenal batting line-up: Matthew Hayden has been reborn as a One Day International opener and along with the destructive Adam Gilchrist forms the most explosive opening partnership in world cricket. The best player in the world comes in next in the shape of Ricky Ponting, followed by an ever improving Michael Clarke at four. Andrew Symonds of course needs no introducing as one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. Then comes the dependable Michael Hussey, who will not remain runless for long and the powerful Shane Watson. This batting line up is the best in limited overs cricket and can win matches alone.
Awesome fielding: Symonds, Clarke, Ponting and Watson form the best inner ring in world cricket.
Weaknesses:
Bowling: Yes there is a visible weakness. Glenn McGrath can be taken apart by classy opposition and Shaun Tait and Watson can often prove expensive. Brad Hogg is an experienced campaigner, but he is not up there with the best spinners in world cricket. Currently, only Nathan Bracken is a reliable performer with the ball. They miss Brett Lee.
Star so far: Matthew Hayden.
Sri Lanka
Strengths:
One to four: In Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya Sri Lanka have another of the world’s more explosive opening pairings and followed by Mahela Jayawardene at three and the world’s best wicket keeper batsman at four, Kumar Sangakkara, they offer a first rate top order.
Bowling variety: Chaminda Vaas is one of the best with a new white ball and everybody knows what the world’s best spinner can do. In Muttiah Muralitharan Sri Lanka have a bowler who can win matches single handedly. Lasith Malinga is brilliant at the death and possesses a deadly in-swinging yorker. Meanwhile, Sanath Jayasuriya’s slow left arm spin and Tillakaratne Dilshan’s offspin complete a well varied attack.
Fielding: Exceptional, likely the best going. Almost every player contributes in the field, even the 37 year old Jayasuriya!
Weaknesses:
Lower order batting power: For all the class of the top four, if you get them early, there is not much to come in terms of a blistering batsman down the order. Although Chamara Silva at five is capable of rapid scoring, as he proved recently against New Zealand, he, Dilshan and Russell Arnold can not be described as power players and they can struggle to take advantage of the last overs if one of the top four is not still around.
New ball partner and fifth bowler: For all of Vaas’ quality there is no obvious partner for him in the Sri Lankan side when he is bowling with the new ball. Furthermore, the fifth bowler can prove to be a problem for Sri Lanka with both Farveez Maharoof and Dilhara Fernando not quite up to standard. Prehaps Malinga Bandara’s leg spin could yet come in handy.
Star so far: Muttiah Muralitharan.
South Africa:
Strengths:
Batting depth: South Africa usually bat a long way down, with Shaun Pollock and Andrew Hall nestling at eight and nine respectively. Graeme Smith and AB de Villiers are deadly when they fire and with explosive players such as Herschelle Gibbs, Mark Boucher and Justin Kemp dotted between the rocks, Jaques Kallis and Ashwell Prince, they are capable of posting imposing totals.
Pace attack: Makaya Ntini, Pollock, Andrew Hall, Kallis and Charle Langevelt form a lethal pace attack for South Africa and that is without the aggressive Andre Nel. Given a helpful wicket, they will exploit it.
Weaknesses:
Opening combination: AB de Villiers has yet to really settle as an opener and this can lead to problems.
Missing Spinner: South Africa often go into games with no front line spinner, instead relying on Graeme Smith’s part time offies if they hit trouble. When they do play a spinner problems arise, firstly it weakens there batting line up as in the game against Sri Lanka and secondly the spinner in question, Robin Peterson, is not one of the game’s finest.
Star so far: Graeme Smith.
New Zealand
Strengths:
Batting depth: Another side that bats a long way down. With centuries to both of their names, Daniel Vettori and James Franklin can not be taken lightly and the sheer number of great allrounders in this Kiwi side allow them to bat to the bottom if they desire.
Bowling options: The pace of Shane Bond, the experience of Daniel Vettori, the left arm of James Franklin, the death ability of Mark Gillespie, the canniness of Jeetan Patel, the bounce of Jacob Oram and the accuracy of Scott Styris make this Kiwi side a very dangerous proposition when it comes to trying to score runs quickly against them.
Tactical nous: Stephen Fleming is the most intelligent captain in the world and his field placings demonstrate that.
Weaknesses:
Injuries: Having already lost Darryl Tuffey, Kyle Mills and Lou Vincent to injury, the Kiwis can not afford to suffer any more misfortune. There are though constant fitness worries over Oram and Bond and as the tournament progresses they may start to struggle.
An opening bowler and an opening batsman light perhaps: Running on from the injury problems, New Zealand do not seem to have a settled opening partnership with either bat or ball and if often shows.
Star so far: Scott Styris.
England
Strengths:
Middle order: With a line up from four to six of Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood and Andrew Flintoff, England have a middle order which most teams would die for. They need to come in with time to play with and runs on the board though.
Captaincy: A fit Michael Vaughan is second only to Fleming as a captain and he is as successful a captain as England have ever had in ODI’s.
Impetuous youth: England have a lot of young players and they are hungry for success, just listen to Ravi Bopara.
Weaknesses:
Top order batting: Much has been made of England’s woes at the top and rightfully so. Suffering from the reverse problem that Sri Lanka do, England have no power players up front. For all the skills that Michael Vaughan, Ed Joyce and Ian Bell have, exploiting the powerplays is not really one of them. Platform’s are good, but only if one of those top three players goes on until the end. They rarely do. It is crying out for Pietersen to move up to three.
Bowling depth: James Anderson, Monty Panesar and Andrew Flintoff are brilliant bowlers and wicket takers. Without back up though, opposition players can afford to see them off. England are undecided on who to bowl with them and both Liam Plunkett and Sajid Mahmood have been expensive, whilst Collingwood is not always suited to the conditions. Jamie Dalrymple was tried and failed abysmally, whilst Bopara is still very raw, though a talent. A settled bowling line up that can take wickets throughout the innings is a must and England must find it soon.
Star so far: James Anderson.
West Indies
Strengths:
Individual brilliance: In Brian Lara, Chris Gayle, Ramnaresh Sarwan, Dwayne Bravo and Shivnarine Chanderpaul the Windies have the individual class to knock over the best of sides.
Home soil and support: Should the Windies get on a roll, the support will drop in behind them. They have to get rolling first though.
Weaknesses:
Too many weak links: For the all the individual brilliance, the West Indies are not a brilliant team. Marlon Samuels batting at four is an obvious sign of the deterioration in West Indian cricketing brilliance. Why Lara bats so low at five is a mystery, but it simply encourages collapses. Dwayne Smith appears to be a very limited batsman, despite his excellent fielding and doubts remain over the abilities of Dinesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons. In the bowling department, a spinner is obviously lacking and the pace men are just too inconsistent and nothing like the stars of yesteryear.
Reliance on bits and pieces: The Windies rely on using the bowling of the likes of Gayle, Smith and Samuels to regularly get them through their fifty overs. There just simply is not enough of a threat there to disturb the best international opposition. They must play the promising Jerome Taylor, but do not ultimately have the pace attack to compensate for their lack of spin options, unlike South Africa.
Star so far: Brian Lara.
Bangladesh
Strengths:
Youthful exuberance and spin options.
Weaknesses:
Inexperience and over-zealousness with the bat.
Star so far: Mashrafe Mortaza.
Ireland
Strengths:
Passion and ability to exploit bowler’s wickets.
Weaknesses:
Lack of quality batting depth.
Star so far: Jeremy Bray.
Chris Pallett
Wednesday, 28 March 2007
What a finish
The match between South Africa and Sri Lanka was meandering towards an easy win for the South Africans, after they had restricted Sri Lanka to a below par 209, when Lasith Malinga became the first bowler to take four wickets in four balls in a World Cup match. The South Africans needed just four runs to win when Malinga struck, with five wickets in hand.
His quatrick was quite extraordinary. First to go was Pollock - bowled by a clever slower ball. He was followed by Hall, who skied another excellent slower ball. After waiting for Vaas to complete his over Malinga then got the crucial scalp of Kallis, who was caught behind trying to win the match with one shot. Ntini, clean bowled by an inswinging yorker, completed the quartet.
What followed was an extremely nervous time for South Africa, with Vaas and Malinga threatening to snatch an unbelievable win. The ball flew past the outside edge and one Malinga delivery missed the off stump by a whisker. In the end Langeveldt and Peterson held firm, with the latter edging the winning runs.
It was an amazing end to a fascinating match and both sides can take plenty from it as they continue through the super eights. Let's just hope that there are many more matches like this to come over the next few weeks.
His quatrick was quite extraordinary. First to go was Pollock - bowled by a clever slower ball. He was followed by Hall, who skied another excellent slower ball. After waiting for Vaas to complete his over Malinga then got the crucial scalp of Kallis, who was caught behind trying to win the match with one shot. Ntini, clean bowled by an inswinging yorker, completed the quartet.
What followed was an extremely nervous time for South Africa, with Vaas and Malinga threatening to snatch an unbelievable win. The ball flew past the outside edge and one Malinga delivery missed the off stump by a whisker. In the end Langeveldt and Peterson held firm, with the latter edging the winning runs.
It was an amazing end to a fascinating match and both sides can take plenty from it as they continue through the super eights. Let's just hope that there are many more matches like this to come over the next few weeks.
Preview: South Africa vs Sri Lanka
Another must see game takes place today as two of the tournament's favourites come face to face in Guyana. This is likely to be a high scoring affair with so many exciting batsman on view. I am tipping Sri Lanka to go all the way this year and so far I have not been disappointed. Sri Lanka categorically swept aside all other opposition in what was a difficult group and they are a side in top form. They field superbly, bat with flair and have the most varied bowling attack in international cricket.
The South African's are a very aggressive side and this is personified in the way they bat and bowl. Herein lies the problem for South Africa. They have too many pace bowlers looking to get in the face of their opponents. The guile and majesty of a top spinner is an obvious miss in the South African team and it proved their undoing against Australia, when they were unable to stem the flow of runs. Sometimes they can be just two one dimensional. Until they find that top quality spinner it will always be hard to pick them as favourites. Make no mistake though, they have all of the other components and are a massive threat.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to march on.
Players to watch: Muttiah Muarlitharan and Mark Boucher.
The South African's are a very aggressive side and this is personified in the way they bat and bowl. Herein lies the problem for South Africa. They have too many pace bowlers looking to get in the face of their opponents. The guile and majesty of a top spinner is an obvious miss in the South African team and it proved their undoing against Australia, when they were unable to stem the flow of runs. Sometimes they can be just two one dimensional. Until they find that top quality spinner it will always be hard to pick them as favourites. Make no mistake though, they have all of the other components and are a massive threat.
Prediction: Sri Lanka to march on.
Players to watch: Muttiah Muarlitharan and Mark Boucher.
Friday, 23 March 2007
Previews: India vs Sri Lanka and Ireland vs West Indies
Judgement day has arrived for India. Needing a win to stand a chance of qualification for the Super Eights, India face an exceedingly tough game tomorrow. Sri Lanka will not take this game lightly, as they are looking to ensure their own qualification and need victory to ensure that they take two vital points through to the next phase. Should India lose the toss tomorrow, then Rahul Dravid's men will likely be joing Pakistan in catching an early flight home. On a surface that offers encouragement for the seamers, Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga will be licking their lips at the prospect of facing the likes of Virender Sehwag with a new cherry. This one will be a hum dinger of a game! Match of the tournament so far in significance.
The latter match is now effectively a Super Eight confrontation and it should be a good contest between two spirited sides. West Indies should have too much for Ireland in front of their home support, but who would have predicted what has taken place to date in this group?!
India vs Sri Lanka:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to effectively dump India out of the tournament.
Players to watch: Rahul Dravid will fight tooth and nail, but so will Mahela Jayawardene. Anil Kumble vs Murali could also be a good battle!
Ireland vs West Indies:
Prediction: West Indies to end the run of the Irish.
Players to watch: Eion Morgan and Dwayne Bravo
The latter match is now effectively a Super Eight confrontation and it should be a good contest between two spirited sides. West Indies should have too much for Ireland in front of their home support, but who would have predicted what has taken place to date in this group?!
India vs Sri Lanka:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to effectively dump India out of the tournament.
Players to watch: Rahul Dravid will fight tooth and nail, but so will Mahela Jayawardene. Anil Kumble vs Murali could also be a good battle!
Ireland vs West Indies:
Prediction: West Indies to end the run of the Irish.
Players to watch: Eion Morgan and Dwayne Bravo
Wednesday, 21 March 2007
Previews: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka and Pakistan vs Zimbabwe
These matches could either both be very close, or very one sided. It depends on whether the real Pakistan turn up and what the Bangladeshi mindset is. If Pakistan play to their potential, then Zimbabwe will be no match for them. Pakistan should at least show more application and determination than in their last two matches, given the circumstances. Not only does this game represent a tribute to Bob Woolmer, but also to the captaincy of Inzamam-ul-Haq, who stands down after this match. The pressure is off now that they are already out and we will hopefully see a freeflowing Pakistan. Shahid Afridi is back and stand-in coach Mushtaq Ahmed will undoubtedly be seeking a big innings from the talismanic big hitter.
Sri Lanka know that they face a good game against Bangladesh tomorrow and they should be prepared for it. Bangladesh meanwhile must be careful that they do not get carried away and start playing too many shots. If they play as they did against India then they will run Sri Lanka close. Young wicket keeper Mushfiqur Rahim looks a splendid addition to the side and he is a situation player, who has a remarkably cool head for such a tender age. Meanwhile, the bowling looks reasonably strong with Mashrafe Mortaza, Syed Rasel, Rafique and Abdur Razzaq and Sri Lanka will need to play the middle overs well. In Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Marvan Atappatu though, they have one of the best, if not the best, middle orders in international cricket.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to show their title credentials.
Players to watch: Mahela Jayawardene and Mushfiqur Rahim.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe:
Prediction: Pakistan to sign off with a victory, for Bob and for Inzy.
Players to watch: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Sean Williams.
Sri Lanka know that they face a good game against Bangladesh tomorrow and they should be prepared for it. Bangladesh meanwhile must be careful that they do not get carried away and start playing too many shots. If they play as they did against India then they will run Sri Lanka close. Young wicket keeper Mushfiqur Rahim looks a splendid addition to the side and he is a situation player, who has a remarkably cool head for such a tender age. Meanwhile, the bowling looks reasonably strong with Mashrafe Mortaza, Syed Rasel, Rafique and Abdur Razzaq and Sri Lanka will need to play the middle overs well. In Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and Marvan Atappatu though, they have one of the best, if not the best, middle orders in international cricket.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to show their title credentials.
Players to watch: Mahela Jayawardene and Mushfiqur Rahim.
Pakistan vs Zimbabwe:
Prediction: Pakistan to sign off with a victory, for Bob and for Inzy.
Players to watch: Inzamam-ul-Haq and Sean Williams.
Wednesday, 14 March 2007
Previews: Sri Lanka vs Bermuda; Ireland vs Zimbabwe
An interesting round of matches here. Sri Lanka will undoubtedly brush Bermuda away with consumate ease, but it will be worthwhile watching the performance of twenty stone police man Dwayne Leverock. His left arm spin was particuarly impressive against England and he has the potential to become one of the faces of the tournament, even though he is unlikely to feature beyond the group stages.
To the second match and there is a feeling building that Ireland have a sniff in this encounter. Ireland's impressive performance against South Africa and demolition of Canada, in their earlier warm up matches, has done enough to suggest that a mini upset may well be on the cards. However, Zimbabwe's fresh batch of youngsters will be looking to impress, given the negative publicity surrounding Zimbabwean cricket and whether or not this group of players merit their places in the squad, given the continued absence of the best Zimbabwean cricketers. The prize for the winner is a real chance at reaching the Super Eight Stage of the tournament, given Pakistan's injury woes and the sometimes inconsistant form of the West Indies.
Sri Lanka vs Bermuda:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to brush Bermuda aside, but only after Leverock has entertained the crowd with his "jiggling, jogging" celebration.
Players to Watch: Kumar Sangakkara and Dwayne Leverock.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe:
Prediction: With a tint of green on the wicket, the team who wins the toss and bowls should win. I'm going for the first shock of the competition and counting on the luck of the Irish to pull Ireland through in a tightly contested match.
Players to Watch: Trent Johnston and Sean Williams.
To the second match and there is a feeling building that Ireland have a sniff in this encounter. Ireland's impressive performance against South Africa and demolition of Canada, in their earlier warm up matches, has done enough to suggest that a mini upset may well be on the cards. However, Zimbabwe's fresh batch of youngsters will be looking to impress, given the negative publicity surrounding Zimbabwean cricket and whether or not this group of players merit their places in the squad, given the continued absence of the best Zimbabwean cricketers. The prize for the winner is a real chance at reaching the Super Eight Stage of the tournament, given Pakistan's injury woes and the sometimes inconsistant form of the West Indies.
Sri Lanka vs Bermuda:
Prediction: Sri Lanka to brush Bermuda aside, but only after Leverock has entertained the crowd with his "jiggling, jogging" celebration.
Players to Watch: Kumar Sangakkara and Dwayne Leverock.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe:
Prediction: With a tint of green on the wicket, the team who wins the toss and bowls should win. I'm going for the first shock of the competition and counting on the luck of the Irish to pull Ireland through in a tightly contested match.
Players to Watch: Trent Johnston and Sean Williams.
Tuesday, 13 March 2007
The Young Pretenders
With the World XI complete we now have an excellent idea of who exactly will be the main danger men at the World Cup. We now look at the up-and-coming youngsters in World cricket who are looking to make their mark in the Caribbean.
Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
At 25, Johnson is perhaps not quite so young, but he is fresh to international cricket after finally overcoming years of injury problems. Possibly the most hyped Australian bowler of the last decade, his fast left arm bowling style is in contrast to that of team mate Nathan Bracken, who is more of a swing bowler. Johnson of course accounted for Kevin Pietersen at the recent ICC Champions Trophy with a splendid one two set-up and he has also taken the prized wickets of Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. Yet to play a Test match, 2007 is surely his breakthrough year. With an ODI average of 27.88 and strike rate of 31.38 at an economy of 5.33, he is a very promising package indeed.
Shahriar Nafees (Bangladesh)
A left handed opening batsman who debuted at the tender age of 19, he has quickly established himself as an international class player. Now 21, he is a typically aggressive batsman who is renowned for his audacious sweep shots. Averaging 33.50 in Test matches and 40.40 in ODI’s, he has a very bright future ahead of him, as he displayed in making his maiden Test match century against none other than Australia. Yet to score a century in ODI’s against one of the big boys, he will be looking to do precisely that in the Caribbean.
Liam Plunkett (England)
A surprise call up for the post-Ashes winter tours of Pakistan and India after injury to Chris Tremlett, Plunkett has gone from strength to strength, especially since the latest Ashes series. He is a typical Duncan Fletcher player, capable of fifties with the bat, good work in the field and of course, match winning spells of seam and swing bowling, at lively medium-fast pace. His 3-43 against Australia in the deciding second final of the recent CB series may just earn him a starting birth ahead of Jon Lewis. His Test batting average is nothing special at a mere 8.62, but his ODI average of 23.45 is indicative of a player who can bat. A Test bowling average of 37.56 and strike rate of 62.75 is proof that Plunkett is still learning, but in ODIs his performances have improved markedly and he is better than his average of 35.82, at a strike rate of 36.89, with a declining economy rate of 5.82 suggest. He has the potential to match Irfan Pathan’s best performances.
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth (India)
At just 24, he seems to have established himself as India’s best pace bowler. A very aggressive “in your face” type of bowler, he enjoys bowling controlled outswing at a good fast-medium pace. His Test match bowling average of 25.97 and strike rate of 46.18 provide early evidence of his class. Though he can be expensive at times, with an ODI economy rate of 5.75, he is also a wicket taker and will be key to India’s challenge in the West Indies. He is still developing as an ODI bowler, but an average of 36.11 and strike rate of 37.62 is still nothing to ashamed of. Also capable of the odd heave ho with the bat.
Ross Taylor (New Zealand)
At 23 Taylor looks to have established himself in the Kiwi middle order for a long time to come. An athletic fielder and handy off spinner, this aggressive young right handed middle order batsman is highly reminiscent of Kevin Pietersen, with his preference for leg side shots, which can be his downfall when the ball strikes his pads. However, his timing is such that this is a rare event and he is a powerful batsman who adds impetus to New Zealand’s top order, with lusty blows over deep mid-wicket a favourite. Averaging 39.93 in ODIs, including fantastic hundreds against the Aussies and Sri Lankans, a Test call will surely follow later in the year.
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
A real team player, A.B. seems to have been around for ages. Still only just turned 23, he has yet to settle down into a regular batting position. He currently opens in the ODI side, though he has also batted throughout the rest of the order in both ODI and Test match cricket. A wicket keeper batsman, he unsurprisingly makes a superb outfielder with his customary acrobatics. Whilst not yet spectacular, his batting averages of 35.14 in Tests and 34.00 in ODI’s are indicative of a man still searching for the position which he can make his own. Watch out for his aggressive style of batting, which in conjunction with Graeme Smiths', can be a real pleasure to behold.
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
One of the “variety” bowlers within the varied Sri Lankan attack, his round-arm action can be extremely difficult for opposing batsmen to pick up, especially when the ball is spearing into their toes at 95mph. An exceptionally fast and aggressive bowler, a large number of his victims are bowled, because of his unique bowling style. He holds an ODI average of 26.97 and strike rate of 33.82, at a surprisingly low economy rate of 4.78 for a strike bowler. It is in Test cricket where his figures truly are remarkable for a 23 year old though. Possessing an average of 31.57, he has an outstanding strike rate of just 49.45. Quip “Malinga the slinger” at your peril.
Jerome Taylor (West Indies)
The spearhead of the West Indian attack at just 22, this genuinely fast bowler has a very bright future ahead of him. Though it took him two years to recover from being pushed into the Test team far too early, at just 18 years of age, he is now a much stronger character. His Test figures are recovering, with an average of 33.19 and strike rate of 57.61. He has though excelled in ODI’s, with a bowling average of 26.72 and strike rate of 32.83 at an economy of 4.88 and he already has an ODI hat-trick to his name against Australia in the recent ICC Champions Trophy. Possesses a deadly Yorker, which Darren Gough would be proud of.
Chris Pallett
Mitchell Johnson (Australia)
At 25, Johnson is perhaps not quite so young, but he is fresh to international cricket after finally overcoming years of injury problems. Possibly the most hyped Australian bowler of the last decade, his fast left arm bowling style is in contrast to that of team mate Nathan Bracken, who is more of a swing bowler. Johnson of course accounted for Kevin Pietersen at the recent ICC Champions Trophy with a splendid one two set-up and he has also taken the prized wickets of Brian Lara and Sachin Tendulkar. Yet to play a Test match, 2007 is surely his breakthrough year. With an ODI average of 27.88 and strike rate of 31.38 at an economy of 5.33, he is a very promising package indeed.
Shahriar Nafees (Bangladesh)
A left handed opening batsman who debuted at the tender age of 19, he has quickly established himself as an international class player. Now 21, he is a typically aggressive batsman who is renowned for his audacious sweep shots. Averaging 33.50 in Test matches and 40.40 in ODI’s, he has a very bright future ahead of him, as he displayed in making his maiden Test match century against none other than Australia. Yet to score a century in ODI’s against one of the big boys, he will be looking to do precisely that in the Caribbean.
Liam Plunkett (England)
A surprise call up for the post-Ashes winter tours of Pakistan and India after injury to Chris Tremlett, Plunkett has gone from strength to strength, especially since the latest Ashes series. He is a typical Duncan Fletcher player, capable of fifties with the bat, good work in the field and of course, match winning spells of seam and swing bowling, at lively medium-fast pace. His 3-43 against Australia in the deciding second final of the recent CB series may just earn him a starting birth ahead of Jon Lewis. His Test batting average is nothing special at a mere 8.62, but his ODI average of 23.45 is indicative of a player who can bat. A Test bowling average of 37.56 and strike rate of 62.75 is proof that Plunkett is still learning, but in ODIs his performances have improved markedly and he is better than his average of 35.82, at a strike rate of 36.89, with a declining economy rate of 5.82 suggest. He has the potential to match Irfan Pathan’s best performances.
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth (India)
At just 24, he seems to have established himself as India’s best pace bowler. A very aggressive “in your face” type of bowler, he enjoys bowling controlled outswing at a good fast-medium pace. His Test match bowling average of 25.97 and strike rate of 46.18 provide early evidence of his class. Though he can be expensive at times, with an ODI economy rate of 5.75, he is also a wicket taker and will be key to India’s challenge in the West Indies. He is still developing as an ODI bowler, but an average of 36.11 and strike rate of 37.62 is still nothing to ashamed of. Also capable of the odd heave ho with the bat.
Ross Taylor (New Zealand)
At 23 Taylor looks to have established himself in the Kiwi middle order for a long time to come. An athletic fielder and handy off spinner, this aggressive young right handed middle order batsman is highly reminiscent of Kevin Pietersen, with his preference for leg side shots, which can be his downfall when the ball strikes his pads. However, his timing is such that this is a rare event and he is a powerful batsman who adds impetus to New Zealand’s top order, with lusty blows over deep mid-wicket a favourite. Averaging 39.93 in ODIs, including fantastic hundreds against the Aussies and Sri Lankans, a Test call will surely follow later in the year.
AB de Villiers (South Africa)
A real team player, A.B. seems to have been around for ages. Still only just turned 23, he has yet to settle down into a regular batting position. He currently opens in the ODI side, though he has also batted throughout the rest of the order in both ODI and Test match cricket. A wicket keeper batsman, he unsurprisingly makes a superb outfielder with his customary acrobatics. Whilst not yet spectacular, his batting averages of 35.14 in Tests and 34.00 in ODI’s are indicative of a man still searching for the position which he can make his own. Watch out for his aggressive style of batting, which in conjunction with Graeme Smiths', can be a real pleasure to behold.
Lasith Malinga (Sri Lanka)
One of the “variety” bowlers within the varied Sri Lankan attack, his round-arm action can be extremely difficult for opposing batsmen to pick up, especially when the ball is spearing into their toes at 95mph. An exceptionally fast and aggressive bowler, a large number of his victims are bowled, because of his unique bowling style. He holds an ODI average of 26.97 and strike rate of 33.82, at a surprisingly low economy rate of 4.78 for a strike bowler. It is in Test cricket where his figures truly are remarkable for a 23 year old though. Possessing an average of 31.57, he has an outstanding strike rate of just 49.45. Quip “Malinga the slinger” at your peril.
Jerome Taylor (West Indies)
The spearhead of the West Indian attack at just 22, this genuinely fast bowler has a very bright future ahead of him. Though it took him two years to recover from being pushed into the Test team far too early, at just 18 years of age, he is now a much stronger character. His Test figures are recovering, with an average of 33.19 and strike rate of 57.61. He has though excelled in ODI’s, with a bowling average of 26.72 and strike rate of 32.83 at an economy of 4.88 and he already has an ODI hat-trick to his name against Australia in the recent ICC Champions Trophy. Possesses a deadly Yorker, which Darren Gough would be proud of.
Chris Pallett
Sunday, 11 March 2007
Muttiah Muralitharan
As the World Cup approaches, Third Umpire will be selecting a ODI World 11, with one player featuring every day. We conclude with our number eleven, Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan.
How does one adequately describe the greatest off-spinner ever to play the game? A player who can rip through any batting line-up on any surface and who always manages to smile, despite the many accusations that have dogged his career.
With his amazing control and the ability to extract turn on any pitch, Muralitharan is a formidable opponent for even the greatest of batsmen. Add to this his experience and boundless enthusiasm and you have the ultimate spin bowler. Even if the pitches in the West Indies were the fast bowler's paradises of old he would emerge as one of the top players in the forthcoming World Cup, but given the slow, turning nature of current caribbean wickets he may well be unplayable.
A veteran of 287 ODIs, in which has amassed an unthinkable tally of 432 wickets at the incredible average of 23.07, Murali is already one of the all-time greats. If his Sri Lankan team-mates can continue their current excellent form it might just be they who claim their second World Cup. It would be fitting for the Kandy magician to hold aloft the World Cup, as he has done so much to entertain and delight cricket fans over the years and, one hopes, will continue to do so for many more.
How does one adequately describe the greatest off-spinner ever to play the game? A player who can rip through any batting line-up on any surface and who always manages to smile, despite the many accusations that have dogged his career.
With his amazing control and the ability to extract turn on any pitch, Muralitharan is a formidable opponent for even the greatest of batsmen. Add to this his experience and boundless enthusiasm and you have the ultimate spin bowler. Even if the pitches in the West Indies were the fast bowler's paradises of old he would emerge as one of the top players in the forthcoming World Cup, but given the slow, turning nature of current caribbean wickets he may well be unplayable.
A veteran of 287 ODIs, in which has amassed an unthinkable tally of 432 wickets at the incredible average of 23.07, Murali is already one of the all-time greats. If his Sri Lankan team-mates can continue their current excellent form it might just be they who claim their second World Cup. It would be fitting for the Kandy magician to hold aloft the World Cup, as he has done so much to entertain and delight cricket fans over the years and, one hopes, will continue to do so for many more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)