Shrawan Raja's Cricket Blog

Timex looks to rope in Sachin Tendulkar

2010-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

Brand Sachin Tendulkar fits into anything from watches to inverters

Endorsements are part of a cricket player's life and appearing on the television is too. We get to see a player at his creative best during the commercial breaks. At a tight situation, some players even tend to lose their common sense.

Sachin Tendulkar doesn't belong there. He approaches the other end of his career, but his appeal has not showed no signs of aging. Watch manufacturer Timex is hoping it can rope in Sachin Tendulkar to promote its products.

Representative from Timex on Sachin Tendulkar -

Yes why not. But he is expensive

Brett Lee was the watch manufacturer's brand ambassador, but in recent times, injuries have threatened Lee's career and managed to keep him out of action.

Source - Financial Express
Image Source - OLX

Daniel Vettori confident about 2011 World Cup

2010-09-18T07:13:00.000-07:00

Daniel Vettori senses year end India tour will serve as a good build up

New Zealand skipper Daniel Vettori is confident about his side's prospects at the World Cup in India next year. Vettori's party will tour India during Christmas that should help in getting a good look at the conditions and the team's strengths and weaknesses playing the sub-continent.

Daniel Vettori -

For the New Zealand team, to win the World Cup would be the ultimate achievement. I know the preparations are going pretty well. The fact we have been to Sri Lanka, we're going to Bangladesh soon and then we play some one-dayers in India gives us the best preparation leading into such an important tournament.

New Zealand has never won a World Cup final despite managing to make it to the semis five times. Players like Guptil, Taylor, Ryder, Bond, McCullum and Vettori himself have to deliver king size if New Zealand are to come anywhere near the semis next year.

Source - Cric Info

Javagal Srinath - Leave Ishant alone

2009-11-16T20:21:00.000-08:00

Srinath posing with a fan; He asks many such to leave Ishant on his own

Match referee and former fast bowler Javagal Srinath has asked people to leave Ishant alone and allow him to correct his line and length on his own.

Javagal Srinath -

Ishant is playing quite a few Twenty20 and ODIs and on such flat wickets any bowler is bound to go for runs. But he has wonderful potential. He has set very high standards for himself. The Test series against Sri Lanka is a great platform for Ishant to hit the line and length. It is a great opportunity to experiment and get back his rhythm.

Source - CricBuzz
Image Credit - Pritesh

Justin Langer appointed Australia' batting coach

2009-11-16T18:51:00.000-08:00

In his role as coach, Langer will help the Australian batsmen perfect their batting skills

39 year old Justin Langer, who opened the batting in his 105 Tests that he played for Australia, is now appointed batting coach of the Australian cricket team.

Langer played for Somerset after his retirement from test match cricket. He was one of the treasured finds of Australian cricket.

Justin Langer -

I have been passionate about Australian cricket for many years so I am excited about playing a hands on role in the continued development of the Test team, particularly in the batting and leadership departments

Source - Yahoo News AU
Image Credit - Paulsh

Chanaka Welegedara says Sachin' wicket was the best of his three

2009-11-16T18:43:00.000-08:00

Sachin was undone by a beautiful in-swinger which crept to the stumps through bat-pad gap

28 year old Welegedera, who is playing only in his second test match, is excited on taking Sachin Tendulkar's wicket, a day after the legend completed 20 years in the international arena. Chanaka said the early morning moisture in the wicket promoted some movement which the Indian top-order batsmen were unable to counter.

Chanaka Welegedara -

Thushara was injured and I was told I am playing a few minutes before the toss. They did not want to take a chance with someone who was not hundred per cent fit at the start of the series. I bowled in good areas and Sachin's is the best of my three scalps.

Source - CricBuzz
Image Source - Geophin

Ind-Lanka series could be Muralidharan's last overseas tour

2009-11-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Murali hopes to sign of overseas test cricket with a victory

Sri Lankan off spinner Muralidharan said yesterday that the ongoing tour could be his last in his illustrious career. The 37 year old Sri Lankan has picked up 783 wickets, the most by any bowler in this form of the game. Murali hopes to wrap up his last overseas series with a historic victory, but after seeing the performance of the Indian batsmen on Day 1 of the first test, it looks unlikely.

Muttiah Muralidharan -

I have played enough cricket over the years. This could be my last tour overseas.

Source - Cricket365
Image Credit - SJ Jagadeesh

Michael Clarke keen to compete in All stars T20 blockbuster game

2009-11-16T01:25:00.000-08:00

Clarke is interested in taking part in the blockbuster T20 game and celebrations.

Michael Clarke will compete against the likes of Warne, Glenn McGrath, Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden in next week's All Stars Twenty20 blockbuster. Clark was keen to play in this one of a kind encounter and he requested the chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch to include him in the Australian side.

Michael Clarke -

I've spoken to Andrew Hilditch and told him I'm really keen to play. I think he's happy for me to play

The All Stars match will be conducted next Sunday, with four days left Australia's opening Test match against the West Indies in Brisbane.

The All stars eleven will have all the big hitters and former greats of Australian cricket. The Australian XI will be named only on Thursday.

Source - Yahoo cricket
Image Source - Kevin MCC

Gayle confident ahead of Australian challenge

2009-11-15T19:43:00.000-08:00

If Windies can win the first test, the pressure will be transferred on to the Australians

Cricket is a funny game. And it gets real funny at times. Beating Australia in their home territory is not going to be an easy task, but the West Indian side is looking at firing early and winning the first test match at Queensland to put pressure on the hosts, which hasn't lost to anyone in the last 20 occasions in this venue.

Chris Gayle -

Every team is beatable, we know the task won't be easy. To beat Australia you have to be on cue from ball one. Batting is going to be very important, and our overall cricket has to be good to beat the No.1 team

Source- CricInfo

Tendulkar disappointed with lack of test matches in schedule

2009-11-15T19:27:00.000-08:00

Tendulkar is not happy with the lack of test matches in the Indian calender

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar, at a press conference on the occasion of his 20th year in international cricket, expressed disappointment over the lack of test matches in the Indian cricket calender. Sachin said the planned five tests this season, would not give our nation's youngsters a chance to know which level they were.

Sachin Tendulkar -

Ideally for any team to progress you need to play more Test cricket as that is where the real cricket is according to me. Test cricket is cricket of the highest level and since it is played across five days at the end of each day it allows you to regroup, re-think, come up with fresh ideas and plan for the next day. Sometimes in Twenty20 and ODIs even before you realise the match is over.

Source - CricInfo

Mascarenhas to replace Malinga in Tasmania's squad

2009-11-13T02:41:00.000-08:00

Mascarenhas replaces Malinga for Tasmania

Sri Lankan fast bowler Lasith Malinga would not compete in the Australian domestic tournament due to his commitments with the national side, informed Malinga's manager Charlie Austin today.

English all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas will take Malinga's place in the Tasmanian squad. Mascarenhas plays for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL and has been on and off in the national side.

Source - ABC

Sreesanth says this is a new beginning

2009-11-13T02:28:00.000-08:00

Sreesanth poses with a fan; He needs good wishes of many such to succeed in the upcoming series

India pacer S.Sreesanth says the Sri Lankan series is a new beginning in his cricketing career. He was dropped from the side after his antics during the IPL, where he was also accused of irritating Harbhajan Singh, who slapped him in return, after his team won the match.

Sreesanth has seen more controversies and dilemmas that wickets in international cricket. He was also warned by the BCCI after he misbehaved with a batsman during a state-level cricket match this year.

But Sree is confident that those incidents will stay in history. He says he's taken stock of Allan Donald's advise to swing the ball late, something which the legendary fast bowler did not see happening with Sree' existing action.

S.Sreesanth -

I know I am tagged with lots of negative publicity. But I am what I am. All I can assure every cricket follower in India is that when it comes to playing and preparation, I am as disciplined and dedicated as anyone else. This is a new beginning for me and my best years are ahead of me.

Source - CricInfo
Image Credit - Anil Kumar PJ

Irfan Pathan gets into a verbal brawl with Eden Gardens curator

2009-11-12T23:35:00.000-08:00

Pathan's verbal outbreak has caused nothing but bad news

Pacer Irfan Pathan landed into another controversy yesterday when he engaged in a verbal brawl with Eden Garden's pitch curator Prabir Mukherjee.

The media persons were asked by Mukherjee to move outside the playing arena where Pathan was interacting with them. The spark ignited when Irfan got into the conversation and demanded the curator to allow the media to do their job. Mukherjee replied that it was his duty to maintain normalcy in the playing arena.

The man was right.

But Irfan continued to argue before Baroda coach Paras Mhambrey intervened and settled the dispute.

Source - The Hindu
Image Credit - Daarkfire

Viv Richards hopes Gayle has learnt his lessons well

2009-11-12T23:20:00.000-08:00

Richards feels Darren Ganga can lead the side down under despite his mid-20's batting average

West Indies batting legend Vivian Richards hopes the skipper of team touring Australia, Christopher Gayle, has learnt his lessons and will represent his country well in a potential "team-breaking" series in Australia. The West Indians will land in Australia today and their campaign starts in roughly two weeks.

Viv Richards -

Gayle has got to go and show a different sort of attitude when he goes to Australia. He's got to show that he wants to represent his people and represent them well, and not only them, but also the legacy that he's representing. Let's hope he has learnt his lessons

Source - The Age
Image Courtesy - Paddynapper

Sachin Tendulkar - Cricket is my life

2009-11-12T23:06:00.000-08:00

Tendulkar isn't thinking of retiring now, though he will in the future

Master batsman Sachin Tendulkar who completes 20 years in international cricket this year, says cricket is his life. The 36-year old started his long inning back in 1989 on November 15 against Pakistan in Karachi.

Sachin belongs to the elite group which boasts of Mushtaq Mohammed, Imran Khan, Bobby Simpson and Garfield Sobers. These men are among the few who have played the game for two decades or more in modern times.

Sachin Tendulkar -

My love for cricket and the honour of playing for my country have kept me motivated all these years. Cricket is my life and I am lucky and absolutely honoured that I have been able to wear the India cap for 20 years.

Source - Supersport

Pink balls, multiple substitutes will be tried in IPL Season 3

2009-11-12T22:48:00.000-08:00

Pink balls aid visibility and color longevity

Practice games ahead of the IPL Season 3 tournament will be played using pink colored balls, Lalit Modi, chairman of IPL said on his twitter account earlier in the week.

Pink cricket balls have capacity of retaining their color for longer duration. They also provide better visibility for fielders and batsmen, let alone cameramen.

The IPL next season is also going to experiment with four fielding substitutes. The gone by season had just the twelfth man.

Lalit Modi -

IPL teams to test pink ball in their practice matches and sessions in partnership with MCC. Four fielding substitutes rather than 12th man.

Image Credit - The Age

Mitchell Johnson - I can do with some rest

2009-11-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

Johnson would like to grab some time off than bowling in a sheffield shield cricket match

Aussie pacer Mitchell Johnson says he'd rather rest than play for the Western Warriors in a Sheffield Shield match as preparation for taking on the touring Windies later this month.

The reigning ICC Cricketer of the Year helped Australia win a injury-ridden series against host India in the absence of several front line bowlers like Lee and Siddle.

Mitchell Johnson -

It'd be nice to have a little bit of a rest.If it all works out perfectly, I think I'd rather go that way leading up into the Test series. No-one wants to miss games, but I definitely don't want to miss Test matches.

Source - Cricket365
Image Credit - Zoonabar

Kevin Pietersen says he's up and running

2009-11-12T19:23:00.000-08:00

Kevin Pietersen needs to be unstoppable if England are to make merry in South Africa

Kevin Pietersen, who has just flown in to South Africa to represent his side in a long tour consisting of tests, ODIs and T20s, says the three month break from cricket has given him time to refresh his batteries. The South African tour kicks off today with the first of two T20s.

Kevin Pietersen -

I’ve woken up feeling really good. I enjoyed the break to refresh my batteries, to get myself right and ready to know that I can compete again and want to compete again

Source - Buzzincricket
Photo Credit - Ian Wilson

Aamer Sohail unhappy about on sacking skipper Younus

2009-11-12T19:12:00.000-08:00

Former Pakistani opening batsmen and commentator Aamir Sohail is unhappy with the PCB's decision to appoint Mohammed Yousuf as the skipper for the upcoming NZ tour.

Mohammed Yousuf was appointed captain two days ago after reports of team members not cooperating with Younus Khan emerged, leading to the 2-1 series loss against NZ in Abu Dhabi.

Aamer Sohail -

The same PCB had given full support to Younis some two weeks ago following the National Assembly row and should have once again conveyed a warning to the rebel players to either support the captain or go out. I think this old culture and problem of player-power should be rooted out completely from Pakistan cricket. If any player or players think they are bigger than the team, they should be dropped at once.

Source - Yahoo Cricket

Bangladesh hosts tri-series consisting of India, Sri Lanka in Jan 2010

2009-11-12T18:47:00.000-08:00

Here's the schedule for the tri-series India and Sri Lanka will take part in next year in Bangladesh.

Following the tri-series, India will play Bangladesh in two test matches -

January 2 - Indian team arrives
January 4 - Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (D/N), Mirpur
January 5 - India v Sri Lanka (D/N), Mirpur
January 7 - Bangladesh v India (D/N), Mirpur
January 8 - Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (D/N), Mirpur
January 10 - India v Sri Lanka (D/N), Mirpur
January 11 - India v Bangladesh (D/N), Mirpur
January 13 - Final (D/N), Mirpur
January 17-21 - First Test, Chittagong
January 24-28 - Second Test, Mirpur
January 29 - Indian team departs

Mohammad Yousuf named captain of Pakistan cricket team

2009-11-11T04:11:00.000-08:00

PCB is "resting" Younus Khan. Resting his captaincy in peace?

Looks like Inzamam's call has been heard. Partly.

PCB has appointed Mohammad Yousuf as the captain of the Pakistan side that tours New Zealand. Wicket keeper Kamran Akmal is the vice captain. The tour of New Zealand begins on the 24th of this month.

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ijaz Butt -

Yes, Younus has asked for a rest so we have appointed Younus as captain for the three-Test tour, it has nothing to do with the defeat against New Zealand

Source - Supersport

Botham reacts to Stuart Broad's "burnout" comment

2009-11-11T02:37:00.000-08:00

Botham's 50 greatest isn't going to have Broad in it after the latter's complaint

Stuart Broad, who urged his cricket board to take preventive steps so that players don't burnout after non-stop cricket has attracted a word of advice from cricketing legend Ian Botham.

Staurt Broad had earlier expressed his concern for English players who had to play two Twenty20s, five one-day internationals and four Tests in South Africa quickly followed by a tour to Bangladesh, another World Twenty20 cup in the West Indies and then a home series against Bangladesh.

Ian Botham -

If you are worried about burnout in your second year then that's pretty sad. I suggest you get on and play. Winning teams don't get burnout. This burnout is just a modern word. If you don't want to play international cricket, do you want to go back and play county cricket? I doubt it. You have got the best end of the stick and you get well rewarded

Source- Cricket365

Sangakkara - Sachin is Bradman's league

2009-11-11T01:58:00.000-08:00

Sanga says Sachin's always been a headache for bowlers of his team

Sri Lankan captain Kumar Sangakkara while preparing for the 45 day tour in India by taking part in practice matches in Mumbai, replied to questions asked by reporters on Sachin Tendulkar.

Sanga says Sachin's a big threat to the Lankan bowling attack and the way he's gone about fulfilling the expectations of Indian cricket fans for two decades is remarkable. Though he did not use these exact words, Sanga says superlatives can't express Sachin's batting.

Kumar Sangakkara -

He's (Sachin) probably the greatest player to play the game in the modern era and compares with the (Donald) Bradmans and all the legends of the past

Source - Yahoo Cricket

Glenn Mcgrath swears by Brett Lee, says he's created a deadly aura

2009-11-11T00:35:00.000-08:00

Mcgrath is all for Lee. He's says Lee brings with him more than just pace

Recently retired Australian speedster Glenn Mcgrath, says fellow paceman Lee has a lot to offer in the longer version of the game. He feels Lee will play a vital role in the upcoming series against the touring Windies.

Brett Lee, who was sent back from India after he developed a niggle, is in contention for the test series which begins later this month. Mcgrath's right when he says Lee's experience is needed for Australia and he brings with him the all-important fear factor that teams are really worried about when playing down under.

Glenn Mcgrath -

In a Test match, the workload is going to be pretty heavy and I don't think Brett would want to go into a Test where he was concerned (about his fitness). If he broke down in that first match back it could damage his career a lot more than just sitting that one out and coming back when he was 100 per cent right

Source - web123India
Image Source - Paddynapper

Gymming Mishra awaiting his turn eagerly

2009-11-10T23:53:00.000-08:00

Leggy Mishra is learning to play well and be patient

Indian leg spinner Amit Mishra can't wait to feature in the playing eleven. The final one dayer which takes place today in Mumbai, might see Mishra and pacer Tyagi taking their positions in the field.

Mishra says he goes to the gym everyday and is bettering his art by bowling to some of the best batsmen in India in the nets. Mishra's talent cannot be questioned and he must be deployed in the final game of the decided tournament today.

Amit Mishra -

I will try my best to deliver. The team requirements in these past six matches have been different. I can only wait for my chance

Source - Yahoo Cricket
Image Courtesy - Peter.J.Waldeck

Daniel Vettori happy over NZ's series victory

2009-11-10T23:27:00.000-08:00

Vettori's not only an all-rounder, but also a well-driven captain

The game of cricket can produce only two winners. One - a contesting side Two - the game of cricket itself.

Daniel Vettori expressed excitement speaking to the media in Abu Dhabi, moments after his side clinched a humdinger. The Kiwis, who wrapped up the ODI series over Pakistan 2-1, will play Pakistan in two T20 games in Dubai shortly.

Vettori says, the margin of the victory isn't important. It is the victory itself which will help boost morale of the NZ team players as they enter favorites into Dubai.

Daniel Vettori says Abu Dhabi, though not in Pakistan, provided them with a similar playing experience. The wickets, crowd and the atmosphere was very similar to a Karachi or Rawalpindi.

Daniel Vettori -

This shows the confidence of the team. There's still quite a lot of young inexperienced players in there and some guys really stepped up. They'll take confidence from it and hopefully take it into the T20s as well

Source - Cricket 365

Inzamam asks Pakistan coach, captain to be sacked

2009-11-10T20:32:00.000-08:00

Inzamam's comments come after Pakistan's avoidable failure against NZ

Inzi is furious. And the reason is Pakistan' failure in the recently concluded ODI series in Abu Dhabi against New Zealand.

Inzamam claims the stubborness of skipperYounus Khan was the underpinning fault for the collapse. Pakistan did not play Shoaib Malik and Mohammed Yousuf, the pair responsible for the crucial win against the Windies in the Champions Trophy earlier, in the decider.

Inzamam says Shahid Afridi is the right choice for captaincy. He also feels the coach Intikhab Alam should be sent home since he failed to sort out differences plaguing the team.

Inzamam Ul Haq -

There was no reason for dropping or resting them. In the Champions Trophy, we just barely beat a depleted West Indies and the only good match we played was against India and in that game Malik and Yousuf were responsible for the victory and yet they have been dropped

Source - Cricbuzz

Image Courtesy - Paddynapper

Indian skipper Dhoni scoring with girls after Hyderabad loss

2009-11-10T16:15:00.000-08:00

An Indian news channel claimed the slideshow here is gathered with pictures taken three hours after the Indian team lost to Australia by three runs in Hyderabad.

Praveen Kumar exhales a cloud of smoke which isn't going to do any good to his lungs or his breathing capacity, vital for quick bowlers. Sehwag seems to be sitting in a cloud of his own smoke and Dhoni's seen scoring high with the girls after he scored little to help the team's chances.

The Indian team is seen here having a good time, but the way they played in the next match at Guwahati was dismal. Smoking and drinking are not the ways to be in shape. It is purely a player's conscious and personal decision, but the effects of smoking and drinking off the field is bound to show when they are in the middle.

Source - NewsX

Tendulkar blames batting order for WC2007 loss

2009-11-10T04:15:00.000-08:00

Tendulkar says the mixed up batting order cost them the World Cup

Why is Sachin bothered to speak about the dreadful WC 2007 performance which saw India losing to Bangladesh? Sachin recalls the time during the world cup where Robin Uthappa was sent out to bat ahead of him. He blamed the team's early exit on the incorrect batting order, even though they were having the right mix of players.

Sachin says his body is holding up well and he looks forward to the next iteration in 2011 when there arises another opportunity for him to be part of a world championship side.

Sachin Tendulkar -

It was a big tournament and we had a fantastic team. Everything looked well set but I felt our batting order was not right. This was one of the reasons behind India's early ouster.

Source - Cricbuzz

Scott Styris wants to continue playing the 50 over format

2009-11-10T03:42:00.000-08:00

Scotty Styris is looking to play one day cricket and improve at that

NZ middle order batsman and medium pacer Scot (Scotty) Styris says he would like to play the 50 over form of the game as long as possible. Styris, 34, who gave up test match cricket last February, did it to direct all the focus towards the 50 over format.

Styris picked up three wickets in the 2nd ODI against Pakistan, a series which New Zealand won with a nail-biting finish. Styris is happy taking part in the IPL where he gets to pad up alongside stars of international cricket.

Scott Styris -

I want to play as long as I can and trying to improve so that I can be in the team and having achieved what I wanted to achieve it's important to strive

Source - Cricket365

John Paul Duminy wins Cricket Annual Award in South Africa

2009-11-09T21:51:00.000-08:00

Duminy's age and stroke bank gives him great opportunities to make a big statement

John Paul Duminy was honored at the Cricket Annual awards in South Africa. The same player cannot be awarded twice according to the rules set by the commission, but regardless, JP Duminy could have easily bagged it.

Previous winners included names like Ntini and Pollock.

Duminy is one of the most successful younger cricketers in South Africa. In the six Tests he played in the 2008/09 season, Duminy scored 389 runs at an average of 48,62.

In 14 one-day internationals, he made 412 runs at 45,77 and also bagged 10 wickets at 25,40 as a part-time spinner.

Source - The Witness
Image Courtesy - Paddynapper

VVS Laxman eying a place in the Indian test side

2009-11-09T20:23:00.000-08:00

VVS is looking to convert his form at domestic cricket into centuries for India

The Indian cricket team in the past has benefited greatly by middle order batsmen VVS Laxman. He's grouped some big innings helping India win many test matches.

VVS, who plays for Lancashire, scored a chart-topping 857 runs in 11 matches, studded with four centuries. Laxman last played in the test side back in April and is keen to repeat some of his best performances in coming test series against Sri Lanka where he hopes to see India capture the number one position in the ICC rankings.

VVS Laxman -

I am looking forward to playing the Sri Lankans. It would be really nice to get back to the team after a long gap.We would want to win the series and achieve the status of being the number one Test side in the world. We are very close, and if I can be there when we achieve that, I'll be really happy. I'm sure Sri Lanka would also strive to do the same, which will make the series highly competitive.

Source - Yahoo Cricket

Image Via Uday's Flickr photo stream

Chris Gayle donates $500,000 worth sporting goods to schools

2009-11-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Usain Bolt and Chris Gayle at the toss of the benefit match held last month in Jamaica

Christopher Gayle, the captain of the West Indies side which tours Australia later this month, won laurels from budding sportsmen in his country. Funds liberated from the recently conducted Digicel Pro 15/15 cricket matches (one where Usain Bolt, the world's fastest man, took the West Indies Captain' wicket) was distributed by him to 16 primary and high schools in Jamaica.

Chris Gayle -

I am very happy that we embarked on this initiative to donate this equipment to the 16 schools across the island. No doubt that having the right equipment will help unearth talented sports men and women that are in these schools and bring out the aspiring cricketers, netballers or footballers to sustain these games in Jamaica

Source - Jamaica Observer
Image Courtesy - Cariblifecentral

Zaheer Khan to make comeback during Sri Lanka series

2009-11-09T06:50:00.000-08:00

After a gap of several months, Zaheer Khan is expected back into the Indian test side for the series against Sri Lanka which begins on the 16th. Zaheer should bolster the Indian pace attack with this fine outswingers, as Ishant Sharma is very likely to burn himself out if he continues to play at the rate he is.

The Indians need Zaheer's pace to continue their dream run against the Lankans. The last 14 encounters have favored the men in blue.

Zaheer Khan bowled in the domestic circuit to get into a rhythm for this important series which will test the Indian team's ability to bounce back.

Source - Rediff

Stuart Broad injures shoulder, aims to play 100 tests and IPL

2009-11-08T20:11:00.000-08:00

Ashes hero Stuart Broad injured his shoulder while diving to stop a ball in a warm up match against the Eagles cricket team in South Africa. England are in South Africa to play a series including T20s.

A scan later revealed no serious damage, but the recovery time was not announced. A spokesperson for the english team said Broad would be kept under observation for the next two days.

The 23 year old front line bowler says he would like to play 100 test matches for his country and is also considering the IPL route.

Stuart Broad -

I don’t think you can ever ask for a breather at international level. That’s for the hierarchy to decide. But player burnout is going to be a huge worry

In future the best way will be to rotate people, something Australia do fantastically well. They will go to one of their key players and tell him he’s having the next three games off but assure him he will then be straight back into the team, even if his replacement scores three hundreds while he’s away. It is a difficult balancing act but it cannot carry on as it is, because players will either not perform to their best or just break down.

Source - Reuters via Thaindian

Sangakkara and his arsenal arrive in Mumbai

2009-11-08T18:25:00.000-08:00

Sanga's men will look to attack right from ball one to take over the rampage from Australia

The Indians will have hardly have time to recover from the ODI series which they've gifted to the Aussies as the next round of fire begins on the 16th of this month. The cricket team from Lanka have already landed in Mumbai and their skipper Sangakarra says he'll put as much pressure as possible on the Indians.

The Lankans have never won a test here in India, and they will try and end the jinx this time around. The Lankan' campaign begins on November 8 and stretches till December 27. It begins with a three-day warm-up game against the Board President's XI at Mumbai's Bandra-Kurla Complex before the first Test. The second Test takes place in Kanpur and the final test comes back to Mumbai.

The teams will also play two T20s and five one day matches.

Kumar Sangakkara -

We are here to relax, enjoy and not worry about history, and try and put as much pressure on the Indians as possible

Source - Cricinfo

Brian Lara not hopeful of Windies winning in Australia

2009-11-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Lara says WI will find it hard to play with unity

West Indies batting legend Brian Lara feels cricketers from his country touring Australia later this month will have an unsuccessful campaign.

The full strength Windies side, restored after a few months of waging war with the national cricket board, will resume with stars Chanderpaul, Sarwan and Gayle. Gayle, named captain for the test series, had earlier said he would not be surprised to see T20 cricket take over the longest version of the game.

Brian Lara -

What's happened over the last six months must have an effect on team spirit and the guys jelling together. West Indian cricket is still in limbo at the moment and it's hard to assess what is going on. For the last six to eight months we have been playing with a very sub-standard team. It's hard to find a position of where we are at. They have to sort out any remaining problems quickly - and it's even tougher to sort those things out while you are playing cricket.

Source - Fox Sports

Tendulkar 10 short of 30k run landmark

2009-11-07T17:52:00.000-08:00

Yet another record should reach Tendulkar today

During the course of his big hundred in the 5th match of the ODI series against Australia, Sachin Tendulkar registered 17,000 runs in ODI cricket, and became the first ever batsmen to accomplish the feat.

In the penultimate Guwahati encounter today, Sachin could surpass another landmark, which he's 10 runs away from -- 30,000 runs in International cricket.

We've heard of cricketers working hard to reach record books. In Sachin's case, the records are finding it hard to avoid him.

About Me

2009-11-07T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hi there!

My name is Shrawan Raja, a resident of India and an avid fan of the game of cricket, worshiped as a religion by my countrymen. I'm 22 years old and I've been following cricket since I was 6. I've played cricket, none of it at the professional level. In school, at home, net practices, in the college ground and at the beach have been some places where I've associated myself with the gentleman's game.

I'm a big fan of Adam Gilchrist. I've watched him play through the years and I've always felt he combined stroke making and aggressive hitting very well. He's arguably the best wicket keeper batsman world cricket has seen. He's led the Deccan Chargers to their maiden title this year and his captaincy and management skills played a huge role in building a team that were dead last a year back in the same tournament.

Apart from cricket, I run a popular Automotive blog where I speak on cars and motorcycles - Indian Autos Blog

My cricket blog will deal with topics related to cricket and crickteers around the world. I'm not going to be sticking to just writing about the Indian team, but also elsewhere and on new places and teams which are discovering how beautiful this game is.

Aaron Finch's heroic efforts see Bushrangers through in a MCG runfest

2009-11-07T03:26:00.000-08:00

Rhett Lockyear's sub run a ball 111 helped Tasmania reach 300

The Victorian Bushrangers chasing down 301 to clinch victory in the Ford Ranger Cup at the MCG, took the fight till the last over, and amazingly won the match despite lesser contributions from the stalwarts.

Batting first, the Tigers put up 300 in their allocated 50 overs courtesy of a brilliant century from Lockyear. His knock was stuffed with strokes all around the circle and it was a big confidence booster for the team which had lost two out of the three games in the tournament. Useful contributions from Bailey and Bert, and especially some big hitting from the latter, cannoned the Tigers to a psychologically demoralizing 300.

Chasing 301 to win, the Innings was not going the Bushrangers' way. A poor umpiring decision followed by poor shot selection saw the main three -- Rogers, Hussey and Hodge back in the pavilion much before the half way mark, leaving them in all sorts of trouble. Something special was required from the inexperienced middle order, and how many times do you expect such a unit to deliver in when the required rate is creeping towards eight an over?.

A 80 run partnership between Aaron Finch and John Hastings for the seventh wicket brought the Bushrangers closer towards the target. Their partnership consisted of many big hits, but the key factor that held them together was singles and twos, which were constant pressure barriers. Past the 45th over mark, a Jason Krezja over saw two sixes, one each. The pressure was mounting on the opposition as the Bushranger required just 19 of the last two with four batsmen to follow.

The Bushrangers were the favorites today despite an ordinary performance from their bowlers and top order batsmen. They had won six out of their last ten games giving them a psychological advantage over the Tigers who were lacking the aggression and the thirst to win.

The Bushrangers broke the record for the most runs chased at the MCG. Apart from this, they have several positives to take away from today's game. Their middle order came good. The youngsters had less than 10 matches under their belt, but put up sparkling performances which will be very useful as the tournament progresses. Aaron Finch's match winning run a ball 87, should see him being promoted up the order.

The Bushrangers were constantly interested in singles and twos. They even took threes with some brisk running which helped the scoreboard to scoot along giving them a much-needed victory.

Head over to Cricinfo for the full scorecard.

Ravindra Jadeja denied India of a victory?

2009-11-05T21:03:00.000-08:00

If we start pointing fingers at people responsible for a mishap, we would understand 10 fingers is not many. Yesterday's India-Australia Game at Hyderabad was a crucial encounter. If India were to keep their winning hopes alive, they had to win yesterday. Sure, India can still clinch the series, but only if they come out with two extraordinary back to back performances with both bat and ball. Looks very tricky.

The case yesterday was not a lagging run rate or lack of talent or depth in the batting order. Ravindra Jadeja, who was sent in after Harbhajan Singh failed to make an impact, should have played sensible cricket, considering he's a proven all-rounder and is in the side as one. Watching Jadeja bat, one wonders why Yusuf or Irfan Pathan could not have done a better job.

Jadeja was constantly trying to run himself out, which he subsequently did. He killed himself and India's chances of taking control of the series. If the Indian team chased down 350 with Raina, Sachin and Sehwag showing dangerous instincts, Ricky Ponting and his injury-hit squad have all the reasons to worry about.

But since Jadeja could not stay till the end and tap balls around for singles and twos, he's given Ponting and his men a firmer grip on the series. He should have played a more sensible game. In his partnership with Sachin Tendulkar, he was at the receiving end of constant advise on how to play to capture the flag. After Sachin's departure, victory was a mere18 runs away with the required run rate hovering around six an over.

Dhoni, Yuvraj and Gambhir failed to click, but they certainly did not affect the balance of the game. When you have one batsmen who has scored more that half the required score, the other merely have to play around him. After this batsmen departs, it is the duty of the others to finish of the game since expecting one player to do it, is expecting too much.