Just a quick post to let all you know of the new information feed in the right hand column.
Thanks to the guys at Cricketgod (see their URL in the 'Extra cover Links' tab) they have created a widget that will automatically give you the ICC team rankings on my site.
You can't miss it if you scroll down. To see up to date rankings for players (Batsmen & bowlers) visit the official ICC rankings page which can also be found in the links tab.
More articles and plenty writing for you readers coming up soon with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India approaching very, very quickly! It's going to be a rippa!
26 September 2008
16 September 2008
CHANGE IS GOOD FOLKS!
To combat a threat you must try turning it into an opportunity!
That’s what is done in the business world, it is done in your life, and it is also done in sports!
Perhaps Australian cricket has been facing the biggest threat now, with the new stage of team/ player development as a result of the departure of nearly all the great players of the 90’s. But the opportunity is raring to go!
Let’s backtrack a bit. In 2005 Australia lost the Ashes to England, only to fight back and regain it 5-0 in 2006/07. In 2006 the ICC Champions trophy was won and a game dubbed ‘the great ODI’ was lost to South Africa (the 438 match) that same year. The third consecutive World Cup was won (4th title for Australia) in 2007 and Australia had just come off a series of losses in the ODI arena to New Zealand and England.
The talks then started again when Zimbabwe beat them in the Twenty20 Inaugural Champions trophy in September last year, only to come back and thump England two days later. India then stepped up to threaten Australia’s strong stance.
The future cup Australia won 4-2, but then with the Commonwealth bank series India had their victory after losing the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2-1, as it happened back in India during the 2004 season. Then the newer looking Australian team went off to the beaches of Caribbean where they won a hard fought test series and a comprehensive 5-0 win in the ODI’s.
It looks quite favorable to Australia on paper doesn’t it? Maybe quite balanced to some?
Interestingly some of the biggest shock losses mentioned occurred when Australia had their ‘legends’ of Dad’s army onboard.
When the experienced side lost a series, the team was questioned. Now when a series is lost or not of extreme brilliance with most of the legends gone, the ‘fill the void’, ‘when we had the legends’ statements get raised.
Glen McGrath, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Damian Martyn, Adam Gilchrist and even Brad Hogg (his ODI position had importance) had all been a big part of this legends era. Since their departures there has been a perceived threat!
But when there is a loss of a player of such quality, Australia have not looked to fill the player and his legacy, but rather the simplest thing. That is the job description!
Sadly many are not taken by this and are embracing the panic factor. ‘When we had Adam Gilchrist’, ‘without Shane Warne’, ‘who will replace the McGrath factor?’ are a few of the statements. Only a few months after Gilchrist’s departure cricket fans wanted ‘the new Gilly’. One has to feel for Brad Haddin, who has his own style and is a well grounded cricketer, being compared to someone like Adam so soon.
Fact is, those greats are gone, those days are over and those names will never be replaced! And that is great as it opens up new opportunities in the cricket world.
We don’t need McGrath’s and Warne’s. What we need is Lee’s, Clarke’s, Hussey’s, Dhoni’s and Pietersen’s, all current players!
New brands of players must emerge to the game, not to replace the legends but join them! Yes, that is what the focus should be on. Not to recreate but create!
Sure, when a legend goes it is bound to have an impact. But the game moves on and new champions emerge.
I look at the squad line up for the Border-Gavaskar series in India this coming October. It is refreshing and exciting to see a new wave of players join the seniors.
I like it; I like the idea of a challenge and people seeing it as an opportunity for India and a threat to Australia. If defeat is the result, the players realise the opportunity to improve, to become so damn good they will end up being great!
I feel the change has been needed and with fresh blood on the line, let the development begin, let the new era in not just Australian cricket, but any team ignite!
Throughout this summer Ricky Ponting and his men face many threats, especially with South Africa and England on the fixtures sheet, but the opportunity, I say again, is there for the taking. Let’s see tomorrows heroes rise up naturally in the heat of battle and in time join the legends of yesterday! Change is very good folks!
That’s what is done in the business world, it is done in your life, and it is also done in sports!
Perhaps Australian cricket has been facing the biggest threat now, with the new stage of team/ player development as a result of the departure of nearly all the great players of the 90’s. But the opportunity is raring to go!
Let’s backtrack a bit. In 2005 Australia lost the Ashes to England, only to fight back and regain it 5-0 in 2006/07. In 2006 the ICC Champions trophy was won and a game dubbed ‘the great ODI’ was lost to South Africa (the 438 match) that same year. The third consecutive World Cup was won (4th title for Australia) in 2007 and Australia had just come off a series of losses in the ODI arena to New Zealand and England.
The talks then started again when Zimbabwe beat them in the Twenty20 Inaugural Champions trophy in September last year, only to come back and thump England two days later. India then stepped up to threaten Australia’s strong stance.
The future cup Australia won 4-2, but then with the Commonwealth bank series India had their victory after losing the Border-Gavaskar trophy 2-1, as it happened back in India during the 2004 season. Then the newer looking Australian team went off to the beaches of Caribbean where they won a hard fought test series and a comprehensive 5-0 win in the ODI’s.
It looks quite favorable to Australia on paper doesn’t it? Maybe quite balanced to some?
Interestingly some of the biggest shock losses mentioned occurred when Australia had their ‘legends’ of Dad’s army onboard.
When the experienced side lost a series, the team was questioned. Now when a series is lost or not of extreme brilliance with most of the legends gone, the ‘fill the void’, ‘when we had the legends’ statements get raised.
Glen McGrath, Shane Warne, Justin Langer, Damian Martyn, Adam Gilchrist and even Brad Hogg (his ODI position had importance) had all been a big part of this legends era. Since their departures there has been a perceived threat!
But when there is a loss of a player of such quality, Australia have not looked to fill the player and his legacy, but rather the simplest thing. That is the job description!
Sadly many are not taken by this and are embracing the panic factor. ‘When we had Adam Gilchrist’, ‘without Shane Warne’, ‘who will replace the McGrath factor?’ are a few of the statements. Only a few months after Gilchrist’s departure cricket fans wanted ‘the new Gilly’. One has to feel for Brad Haddin, who has his own style and is a well grounded cricketer, being compared to someone like Adam so soon.
Fact is, those greats are gone, those days are over and those names will never be replaced! And that is great as it opens up new opportunities in the cricket world.
We don’t need McGrath’s and Warne’s. What we need is Lee’s, Clarke’s, Hussey’s, Dhoni’s and Pietersen’s, all current players!
New brands of players must emerge to the game, not to replace the legends but join them! Yes, that is what the focus should be on. Not to recreate but create!
Sure, when a legend goes it is bound to have an impact. But the game moves on and new champions emerge.
I look at the squad line up for the Border-Gavaskar series in India this coming October. It is refreshing and exciting to see a new wave of players join the seniors.
I like it; I like the idea of a challenge and people seeing it as an opportunity for India and a threat to Australia. If defeat is the result, the players realise the opportunity to improve, to become so damn good they will end up being great!
I feel the change has been needed and with fresh blood on the line, let the development begin, let the new era in not just Australian cricket, but any team ignite!
Throughout this summer Ricky Ponting and his men face many threats, especially with South Africa and England on the fixtures sheet, but the opportunity, I say again, is there for the taking. Let’s see tomorrows heroes rise up naturally in the heat of battle and in time join the legends of yesterday! Change is very good folks!
12 September 2008
AUSTRALIAN TEST SQUAD ANNOUNCED FOR INDIA SERIES
The NSP has announced the 15 man squad to travel over to India for the 4 match test series.
Australia will be looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after having won the previous controversial series that was played in Australia (2007/08).
The breaking news is that Andrew Symonds has not been included in the side, and Bryce McGain (Victoria) is finally getting his call up, having roughly one month ago stated his intentions to still get the opportunity, even though his career is in the sunset stage.
Doug Bollinger (NSW) is still in the ranks after a good performance with Australia A, in the Indian conditions. Jason Krejza (Tasmania), who is still in the early stages of his career has been called up as an off-spinner, being possibly overlooked in place of Beau Casson, who played in the West Indies series. Peter Siddle (Victoria) has also been drafted into the side.
Competition is starting to intensify for squad places, which can only be a positive sign for the season ahead!
Simon Katich has mentioned that he believes the Border-Gavaskar Series is becoming the next big thing since the Ashes. After the last series and the interest shown, I don't find it hard to believe that for the Indian supporters this is their form of an Ashes!
Here is the announced Test squad from Cricket Australia:
Ricky Ponting, Captain (TAS) 33
Michael Clarke, Vice-Captain (NSW) 26
Doug Bollinger (NSW) 27
Stuart Clark (NSW) 32
Brad Haddin (NSW) 30
Matthew Hayden (QLD) 36
Michael Hussey (WA) 32
Phil Jaques (NSW) 28
Mitchell Johnson (QLD) 26
Simon Katich (NSW) 32
Jason Krejza (TAS) 25
Brett Lee (NSW) 31
Bryce McGain (VIC) 36
Peter Siddle (VIC) 23
Shane Watson (QLD) 27
Australia will be looking to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy after having won the previous controversial series that was played in Australia (2007/08).
The breaking news is that Andrew Symonds has not been included in the side, and Bryce McGain (Victoria) is finally getting his call up, having roughly one month ago stated his intentions to still get the opportunity, even though his career is in the sunset stage.
Doug Bollinger (NSW) is still in the ranks after a good performance with Australia A, in the Indian conditions. Jason Krejza (Tasmania), who is still in the early stages of his career has been called up as an off-spinner, being possibly overlooked in place of Beau Casson, who played in the West Indies series. Peter Siddle (Victoria) has also been drafted into the side.
Competition is starting to intensify for squad places, which can only be a positive sign for the season ahead!
Simon Katich has mentioned that he believes the Border-Gavaskar Series is becoming the next big thing since the Ashes. After the last series and the interest shown, I don't find it hard to believe that for the Indian supporters this is their form of an Ashes!
Here is the announced Test squad from Cricket Australia:
Ricky Ponting, Captain (TAS) 33
Michael Clarke, Vice-Captain (NSW) 26
Doug Bollinger (NSW) 27
Stuart Clark (NSW) 32
Brad Haddin (NSW) 30
Matthew Hayden (QLD) 36
Michael Hussey (WA) 32
Phil Jaques (NSW) 28
Mitchell Johnson (QLD) 26
Simon Katich (NSW) 32
Jason Krejza (TAS) 25
Brett Lee (NSW) 31
Bryce McGain (VIC) 36
Peter Siddle (VIC) 23
Shane Watson (QLD) 27
11 September 2008
ICC AWARDS 2008
Australia sweeped the honours all over the show in Johannesburg last year.
However after a very quiet calendar year, the playing field for the awards was very different this time around.
Simon Taufel (Australia) picked up the award for ICC Umpire of the year...fifth time running too! I can admit when I see Simon by the stumps in any match, I have no worries and with that quality of an umpire in place, we don't need the new refferal system.
Ricky Ponting was named as the Captain for the ICC ODI team.
Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Mitchell Johnson & Andrew Symonds were apart of the ODI dream team.
For the ICC TEST squad Brett Lee once again appeared, alongside Stuart Clark as 12th man.
The top honours (ICC player of the year) went to Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), which I am rather pleased about. He has been a strong player for many years now, with a career expanding just over a decade. He is solid in any form of the game and deserved the top award.
Dale Steyn (South Africa) was named Test player of the year for his performances against New Zealand and West Indies.
Mahendra Singh (MS) Dhoni (Indian ODI skipper) was named ODI player of the year, not only for his great ability to hold the middle order together, but his good work as Captain.
Anjantha Mendis (Sri-Lanka) was awarded Emerging player of the year. If you saw him in the recent test series against India, you'd understand why!
ICC Women's cricketer of the year this time around went to Charlotte Edwards (England).
With a very intense, action-packed schedule ahead for Australia and the other big nations, we will see more Aussie names in that award line-up and backed by some top performances.
Stay tuned for more articles soon.
* ICC: International Cricket Council. The official body for International cricket.
However after a very quiet calendar year, the playing field for the awards was very different this time around.
Simon Taufel (Australia) picked up the award for ICC Umpire of the year...fifth time running too! I can admit when I see Simon by the stumps in any match, I have no worries and with that quality of an umpire in place, we don't need the new refferal system.
Ricky Ponting was named as the Captain for the ICC ODI team.
Brett Lee, Nathan Bracken, Mitchell Johnson & Andrew Symonds were apart of the ODI dream team.
For the ICC TEST squad Brett Lee once again appeared, alongside Stuart Clark as 12th man.
The top honours (ICC player of the year) went to Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies), which I am rather pleased about. He has been a strong player for many years now, with a career expanding just over a decade. He is solid in any form of the game and deserved the top award.
Dale Steyn (South Africa) was named Test player of the year for his performances against New Zealand and West Indies.
Mahendra Singh (MS) Dhoni (Indian ODI skipper) was named ODI player of the year, not only for his great ability to hold the middle order together, but his good work as Captain.
Anjantha Mendis (Sri-Lanka) was awarded Emerging player of the year. If you saw him in the recent test series against India, you'd understand why!
ICC Women's cricketer of the year this time around went to Charlotte Edwards (England).
With a very intense, action-packed schedule ahead for Australia and the other big nations, we will see more Aussie names in that award line-up and backed by some top performances.
Stay tuned for more articles soon.
* ICC: International Cricket Council. The official body for International cricket.
07 September 2008
Michael Hussey: 'Mr. Cricket: Driven to succeed'
Sure it may still be the early stages of his innings in International cricket to release an Autobiography, but this book offers something different.
From the same publishers of Andrew Symonds’ ‘Roy: Going for broke’, we get the release of Michael Hussey’s ‘Mr. Cricket: Driven to succeed'.
Like Andrew Symonds’ book, which was used to clarify a few questions for people regarding his origins and rise to recognition, Huss’ book slogs on a different path.
It takes a look at his early days in Western Australia, backyard cricket with his brother David (Australia/ Victoria) and the fights that resulted in brotherly rivalry, his junior state days and the drive leading up to the realisation of cricket being his identity.
It is inspiring, highlights the key success factors of the Hussey mind as well as the persistence and hard work in getting to the elite level.
After reading the book I had a new level of respect for Michael. I knew he’d grafted to get into the Australian team (his age at when he made the cut was evidence of his patience) but I soon realised quite clearly why Michael is Mr. Cricket!
He really does live the game. His mind is always focusing on it, he is always eager to practice, always wanting to become the master of his own talent. It actually gets exhausting after a while seeing what an overdrive Michael is on with this amazing game,
The book covers his cricket career (up until release in late 2007) with endless tips for on and off the cricket field.
Through out there are blocks with bulleted points regarding topics and notes Michael has made over the years relating to the building blocks of his career.
For on the cricket field, he speaks of innings preparations, getting settled at the crease, mental elements of building an innings, getting to know your natural game as you grow and develop, leadership roles, keeping motivated, practicing hard, setting season goals, team work development, getting to know other players mind sets and personalities, routines and believe it or not so much more!
The reason this approach makes this book of Michael’s such an elaborate read is because many of these principles can be adopted into ones life, almost a motivation basis.
Seeing how hard Michael has worked, what a great team player he is as well as a world class batsman, it made me find it all very genuine
Many of these topics he approaches on the self-motivation & determination frontier can be related to your family life, relationships, the work place, studies and short and long term planning.
I have found many elements very logical Michael pointed out, but the simplicity often escapes your thoughts and it’s easy to preach, but practice! That’s an aspect he seems to articulate to the reader very sensibly!
It’s a tool I have used to motivate myself from time to time and that’s what’s great.
On a lighter, less intense view on the book, it is a fairly easy read throughout but the sort of read you would find yourself referring back to as there is a fair bit to absorb on that Mr. Cricket mental side of things.
It has letters and contributions from Steve Waugh (We all know Tugga), John Buchanan (Former Australian cricket coach), Amy Hussey (Michael’s wife) and a handful of other people who have been apart of Michael’s journey.
So, whether you are looking for a good read to make the lady think you are busy, get a few tips for your cricket or find out more about a great role model and sportsman for Australian cricket, I think you will find value for yourself in this autobiography of Michael ‘Mr. Cricket’ Hussey!
Google the book to get prices, locate retailers and see if it’s available in your country.
Mr. Cricket: Driven to succeed
The Michael Hussey autobiography
Written by Michael Hussey, Co-written by David Sygall
Published by Hardie Grant Books (2007)
www.hardiegrant.com.au
It takes a look at his early days in Western Australia, backyard cricket with his brother David (Australia/ Victoria) and the fights that resulted in brotherly rivalry, his junior state days and the drive leading up to the realisation of cricket being his identity.
It is inspiring, highlights the key success factors of the Hussey mind as well as the persistence and hard work in getting to the elite level.
After reading the book I had a new level of respect for Michael. I knew he’d grafted to get into the Australian team (his age at when he made the cut was evidence of his patience) but I soon realised quite clearly why Michael is Mr. Cricket!
He really does live the game. His mind is always focusing on it, he is always eager to practice, always wanting to become the master of his own talent. It actually gets exhausting after a while seeing what an overdrive Michael is on with this amazing game,
The book covers his cricket career (up until release in late 2007) with endless tips for on and off the cricket field.
Through out there are blocks with bulleted points regarding topics and notes Michael has made over the years relating to the building blocks of his career.
For on the cricket field, he speaks of innings preparations, getting settled at the crease, mental elements of building an innings, getting to know your natural game as you grow and develop, leadership roles, keeping motivated, practicing hard, setting season goals, team work development, getting to know other players mind sets and personalities, routines and believe it or not so much more!
The reason this approach makes this book of Michael’s such an elaborate read is because many of these principles can be adopted into ones life, almost a motivation basis.
Seeing how hard Michael has worked, what a great team player he is as well as a world class batsman, it made me find it all very genuine
Many of these topics he approaches on the self-motivation & determination frontier can be related to your family life, relationships, the work place, studies and short and long term planning.
I have found many elements very logical Michael pointed out, but the simplicity often escapes your thoughts and it’s easy to preach, but practice! That’s an aspect he seems to articulate to the reader very sensibly!
It’s a tool I have used to motivate myself from time to time and that’s what’s great.
On a lighter, less intense view on the book, it is a fairly easy read throughout but the sort of read you would find yourself referring back to as there is a fair bit to absorb on that Mr. Cricket mental side of things.
It has letters and contributions from Steve Waugh (We all know Tugga), John Buchanan (Former Australian cricket coach), Amy Hussey (Michael’s wife) and a handful of other people who have been apart of Michael’s journey.
So, whether you are looking for a good read to make the lady think you are busy, get a few tips for your cricket or find out more about a great role model and sportsman for Australian cricket, I think you will find value for yourself in this autobiography of Michael ‘Mr. Cricket’ Hussey!
Google the book to get prices, locate retailers and see if it’s available in your country.
Mr. Cricket: Driven to succeed
The Michael Hussey autobiography
Written by Michael Hussey, Co-written by David Sygall
Published by Hardie Grant Books (2007)
www.hardiegrant.com.au
06 September 2008
3rd ODI: BANGLADESH LOOK BETTER BUT STILL NO MATCH FOR AUSTRALIA
Michael Clarke has Captained his Australian ODI squad to 3-0 series win, and this makes it the first time in two years Australia have a home Commonwealth Bank series in the bag. Australia won the 3rd ODI by 73 runs.
Michael Clarke won the toss at last and decided to have a bat, get the runs on the board and then clean out the Bangladesh batting order.
A slow wicket backed by an outstanding performance from the Bangladesh spin attack, as well as a much better fielding standard was enough to really make the Australian’s work for their runs.
An inform Shaun Marsh (30) was timing the ball much better in the early stages of his innings but was bowled to cut short his vision of another half century.
Shane Watson (27) and Michael Clarke (25) tried to fight through the tough conditions and slower bowling from Shakib Al Hasan (0/25 in 10 overs) & Abdur Razzak (1/22 in 10 overs) but the pressure got to them.
Both were run out in attempts to steal quick singles and David Hussey (11) was sent on his way from a direct hit, as was Clarke.
Sitting at 4/111, Brad Haddin (16) made his way in to partner with Michael Hussey (57*), who was once again in no pre-season issues as he made another half-century.
They took the score to 150 before Haddin, who was just starting to look ready to blast a few, was softly dismissed.
Cameron White (22*) played a great anchor role to assist Hussey in the warm Darwin conditions.
They wrapped up the innings with a score of 198 with the loss of 5 wickets. Sure, it wasn’t a high total by any means, however the wicket proved tough and credit must be given to the Bangladesh spinners for using those conditions.
Despite a fine knock from Tamim Iqbal (63 runs from 69 deliveries), he had little support as his team were dismissed for 125 runs.
Shakib Al Hasan continued his good day with a supportive knock of 27 runs.
James Hopes picked up his career best figures of 3-30. Hopes is proving to be a very useful all-rounder in this ODI squad.
Shane Watson (2/8 in 5 overs) was in form this time around again and managed to at least pick up 2 victims.
Stuart Clark (2/12 in 5 overs) was equally good and is no doubt working for a spot in both the Test and ODI squads. Good on you Stuart!
So, Bangladesh ended up 73 runs short of the Australian total, however their efforts were a lot better this game and they will return home with a lot more confidence after the day’s performance.
No doubt it was always going to be tough against the World Champions, but they will have learnt a fair amount from this short series.
Tamim Iqbal was Man-of-the-match and Michael Hussey was awarded Man-of-the-series for his work with the bat as well as in the field.
As for the Australian ODI squad, they stood up to the task without their key senior players and worked solidly as a unit. There were some promising batting, which will improve with the pre-season dust swept away, and bowling performances, which has been a great display to watch. I am confident come January the Australian ODI squad will be ready to take on the Proteas and Black Caps.
So, it’s off to India next for 4 Test matches in October, and as always should be a good contest between the two sides. Brett Lee has spent some time with the squad in Darwin and is very keen get to back in!
Time for the Test match squad members to get in some solid practice before taking on a very pumped up Indian side.
It’s a long break for the ODI squad, especially with the ICC Champions trophy being postponed, but come January the engines should be ready to blast off for a very exciting season of cricket ahead!
Michael Clarke won the toss at last and decided to have a bat, get the runs on the board and then clean out the Bangladesh batting order.
A slow wicket backed by an outstanding performance from the Bangladesh spin attack, as well as a much better fielding standard was enough to really make the Australian’s work for their runs.
An inform Shaun Marsh (30) was timing the ball much better in the early stages of his innings but was bowled to cut short his vision of another half century.
Shane Watson (27) and Michael Clarke (25) tried to fight through the tough conditions and slower bowling from Shakib Al Hasan (0/25 in 10 overs) & Abdur Razzak (1/22 in 10 overs) but the pressure got to them.
Both were run out in attempts to steal quick singles and David Hussey (11) was sent on his way from a direct hit, as was Clarke.
Sitting at 4/111, Brad Haddin (16) made his way in to partner with Michael Hussey (57*), who was once again in no pre-season issues as he made another half-century.
They took the score to 150 before Haddin, who was just starting to look ready to blast a few, was softly dismissed.
Cameron White (22*) played a great anchor role to assist Hussey in the warm Darwin conditions.
They wrapped up the innings with a score of 198 with the loss of 5 wickets. Sure, it wasn’t a high total by any means, however the wicket proved tough and credit must be given to the Bangladesh spinners for using those conditions.
Despite a fine knock from Tamim Iqbal (63 runs from 69 deliveries), he had little support as his team were dismissed for 125 runs.
Shakib Al Hasan continued his good day with a supportive knock of 27 runs.
James Hopes picked up his career best figures of 3-30. Hopes is proving to be a very useful all-rounder in this ODI squad.
Shane Watson (2/8 in 5 overs) was in form this time around again and managed to at least pick up 2 victims.
Stuart Clark (2/12 in 5 overs) was equally good and is no doubt working for a spot in both the Test and ODI squads. Good on you Stuart!
So, Bangladesh ended up 73 runs short of the Australian total, however their efforts were a lot better this game and they will return home with a lot more confidence after the day’s performance.
No doubt it was always going to be tough against the World Champions, but they will have learnt a fair amount from this short series.
Tamim Iqbal was Man-of-the-match and Michael Hussey was awarded Man-of-the-series for his work with the bat as well as in the field.
As for the Australian ODI squad, they stood up to the task without their key senior players and worked solidly as a unit. There were some promising batting, which will improve with the pre-season dust swept away, and bowling performances, which has been a great display to watch. I am confident come January the Australian ODI squad will be ready to take on the Proteas and Black Caps.
So, it’s off to India next for 4 Test matches in October, and as always should be a good contest between the two sides. Brett Lee has spent some time with the squad in Darwin and is very keen get to back in!
Time for the Test match squad members to get in some solid practice before taking on a very pumped up Indian side.
It’s a long break for the ODI squad, especially with the ICC Champions trophy being postponed, but come January the engines should be ready to blast off for a very exciting season of cricket ahead!
03 September 2008
2nd ODI: A CONVINCING WIN TO AUSTRALIA, SERIES SECURED!
Well the talk was that Bangladesh would buckle down with discipline and determination.
Yes, they did show alot more promise with their batting but that didn't go down onto the scoreboard to justify a great deal and their poor batting continued to haunt them.
Australia started off excellently, with Nathan Bracken picking up the important wicket of Tamim Iqbal with the first delivery of the match, edging it fine to David Hussey at second slip.
Two more wickets fell in similair fashion to the slip zone and Bangladesh found themselves at 3/15. Despite promise shown by Junaid Siddique (21) and keeper Dhiman Ghosh (30, including 1 six and a four), they ended up with 117 all out.
Nathan Bracken (2/16) started the onslaught with some fine swing bowling similair to that he displayed at the 2007 World Cup! Stuart Clark followed him closely also ending up with figures of 2/16.
Mitchell Johnson showed no intentions of slipping in his form as his figures were 3/17. I have a gut instinct Mitchell Johnson has a very big 18 months ahead for himself!
Cameron White (2/39), though expensive at times, was pushed on by skipper Michael Clarke. Clarke showed good trust and confidence in his team.
James Hopes (1/16) and Shane Watson (0/5 off 4 overs) added with tight on the mark bowling.
It didn't take the World Champions long to win by 8 wickets. 22.4 overs is all it took.
With Shane Watson (29) returning to the top of the order alongside Shaun Marsh (69*), the two put on 73 for the 1st wicket before Watson was dismissed falling LBW.
Michael Clarke's (1) stay was brief, and Michael Hussey (8*) backed Marsh to end another thumping victory for the home side!
Shaun Marsh was awarded Man-of-the-match. He has made back to back fifties and continues to impress, assuring us his future looks bright and that he is here to stay! His innings included 9 fours and 1 six.
He ended the match off in style with a slog six down the wicket, followed by a four to seal the match and series.
I think the only flaw regarding the Australian team was the extra's column ending up with 18 extras, including 10 wides.
That aside, the dust has been removed and the team, without the senior's, have looked as good as any Australian team since 1999!
Bangladesh set a pattern for their innings. A wicket, followed by a brief partnership attempt would be destroyed with a 2 wicket fall in consecutive overs. This pattern was repeated from ball one.
It is their batting that's let them down once again and all their supporters can hope for is that there is a more dominant stance come the final ODI of the series on Saturday. If they could just manage 200 runs it would give them confidence and a shot at 1 win.
Australia lead the three match series 2-0 and are looking good on their perch at the top of the ODI rankings.
A win for England today in their 5 match series against South Africa, which England are leading 4-0, will put them ahead of South Africa, making them second on the ODI rankings, but not by any means nipping at Australia's heels.
Yes, they did show alot more promise with their batting but that didn't go down onto the scoreboard to justify a great deal and their poor batting continued to haunt them.
Australia started off excellently, with Nathan Bracken picking up the important wicket of Tamim Iqbal with the first delivery of the match, edging it fine to David Hussey at second slip.
Two more wickets fell in similair fashion to the slip zone and Bangladesh found themselves at 3/15. Despite promise shown by Junaid Siddique (21) and keeper Dhiman Ghosh (30, including 1 six and a four), they ended up with 117 all out.
Nathan Bracken (2/16) started the onslaught with some fine swing bowling similair to that he displayed at the 2007 World Cup! Stuart Clark followed him closely also ending up with figures of 2/16.
Mitchell Johnson showed no intentions of slipping in his form as his figures were 3/17. I have a gut instinct Mitchell Johnson has a very big 18 months ahead for himself!
Cameron White (2/39), though expensive at times, was pushed on by skipper Michael Clarke. Clarke showed good trust and confidence in his team.
James Hopes (1/16) and Shane Watson (0/5 off 4 overs) added with tight on the mark bowling.
It didn't take the World Champions long to win by 8 wickets. 22.4 overs is all it took.
With Shane Watson (29) returning to the top of the order alongside Shaun Marsh (69*), the two put on 73 for the 1st wicket before Watson was dismissed falling LBW.
Michael Clarke's (1) stay was brief, and Michael Hussey (8*) backed Marsh to end another thumping victory for the home side!
Shaun Marsh was awarded Man-of-the-match. He has made back to back fifties and continues to impress, assuring us his future looks bright and that he is here to stay! His innings included 9 fours and 1 six.
He ended the match off in style with a slog six down the wicket, followed by a four to seal the match and series.
I think the only flaw regarding the Australian team was the extra's column ending up with 18 extras, including 10 wides.
That aside, the dust has been removed and the team, without the senior's, have looked as good as any Australian team since 1999!
Bangladesh set a pattern for their innings. A wicket, followed by a brief partnership attempt would be destroyed with a 2 wicket fall in consecutive overs. This pattern was repeated from ball one.
It is their batting that's let them down once again and all their supporters can hope for is that there is a more dominant stance come the final ODI of the series on Saturday. If they could just manage 200 runs it would give them confidence and a shot at 1 win.
Australia lead the three match series 2-0 and are looking good on their perch at the top of the ODI rankings.
A win for England today in their 5 match series against South Africa, which England are leading 4-0, will put them ahead of South Africa, making them second on the ODI rankings, but not by any means nipping at Australia's heels.
01 September 2008
ROY 'CONTEMPLATING HIS FUTURE'
As you all know, Andrew Symonds was asked to return home at the request of his senior staff to work on his 'frame of mind' and reasses his commitment to Cricket Australia before the start of the 3 match ODI series against Bangladesh.
Roy missed a compulsory team meeting to spend time on another activity he loves best, fishing, and also made a note he would not attend a practice session, which was opptional.
It is unfortunate as he is such a funny bloke and importantly such an essential part of Australia's middle order and of course, the shark in the field.
But this may be the best choice and I back the decision 100%.
It is bizarre how this came out again around the Bangladesh tour after 2005's incident where Andrew ended up having a bit of a pub crawling session and was not fit for play the next day. He explains the saga in his book, 'Roy: Going for broke'.
Sadly I thought he would have learnt from this and after CEO of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, a man I am quite fond of with his business thinking, threatened to rip up Roy's contract if he stepped out of line again.
Roy was a bit outspoken on his views of the India, test series in Australia and also his views on Pakistan. While I do believe in freedom of speech and that I prefer guys who tell it like it is, I did find it needed to be regulated in his best interest, especially after the row between himself and Harbhajan Singh.
He has seemed to at times look 'distracted' on the field and his commitment from a loyal supporters views looking from the outside in, has seemed questionable.
Tim Nielsen, Australia's coach, expressed that he is planning on the possibility of going on the test tour to India next month without Andrew, which will obviously have a slight impact on the Australian line-up, but as timing would have it, that time frame see's the return of alot of strong players, including those who are contracted for the test format.
Regarding the tour to India and Roy's situation, Nielsen was quoted stating the following in a recent interview;
"I don't think we can at the moment, I don't think we can bank on much at all at the moment. The only thing we can bank on is providing as much support as we possibly can for him to make the right decision for him and for us, to come back into the group 100% committed. But how long is a piece of string? I don't know if Roy [Symonds] would understand or know how long it's going to take. I certainly don't."
(Punctuation has been editted but Nielsens quote is verbatim)
I am not sure what has been going on in his (Symonds') mind, but the short of it is Roy has to do one thing and that is to show his ultimate commitment to Cricket Australia and the job at hand.
Considering he has contemplated quitting the game before, to give a shot at rugby league (also found in his book) it is only fact that focus in other areas of life does sometimes seem to be more appealing to individuals, no doubt in certain time frames.
The support network is there and I hope for the game of cricket and the Australian cricket team and the supporters sake he makes the right decision. If he decides to return with the full force and tenacity to play for Australia as he has shown us all in the past, it will be great!
Time will tell, but in the meantime things move on and contigency planning is in place to counter attack this sudden imbalancement for Cricket Australia.
The following sources contain more on the issues and hopefully this will all be moved past and whatever decision is made, it will be good for the game and importantly Andrew Symonds.
Cricinfo:
* Symonds sent home after going fishing
* Symonds determined to fight back
* Nielsen plans for tour without Symonds
Cricket Australia
* Clarke defends Symonds' decision
The next ODI is on Wednesday against Bangladesh.
Shane Watson, the Queensland All-rounder who made a gem of a return to the ODI squad during the West-Indies series, is to make a likely return to the squad, I'd imagine in place of James Hopes.
Roy missed a compulsory team meeting to spend time on another activity he loves best, fishing, and also made a note he would not attend a practice session, which was opptional.
It is unfortunate as he is such a funny bloke and importantly such an essential part of Australia's middle order and of course, the shark in the field.
But this may be the best choice and I back the decision 100%.
It is bizarre how this came out again around the Bangladesh tour after 2005's incident where Andrew ended up having a bit of a pub crawling session and was not fit for play the next day. He explains the saga in his book, 'Roy: Going for broke'.
Sadly I thought he would have learnt from this and after CEO of Cricket Australia, James Sutherland, a man I am quite fond of with his business thinking, threatened to rip up Roy's contract if he stepped out of line again.
Roy was a bit outspoken on his views of the India, test series in Australia and also his views on Pakistan. While I do believe in freedom of speech and that I prefer guys who tell it like it is, I did find it needed to be regulated in his best interest, especially after the row between himself and Harbhajan Singh.
He has seemed to at times look 'distracted' on the field and his commitment from a loyal supporters views looking from the outside in, has seemed questionable.
Tim Nielsen, Australia's coach, expressed that he is planning on the possibility of going on the test tour to India next month without Andrew, which will obviously have a slight impact on the Australian line-up, but as timing would have it, that time frame see's the return of alot of strong players, including those who are contracted for the test format.
Regarding the tour to India and Roy's situation, Nielsen was quoted stating the following in a recent interview;
"I don't think we can at the moment, I don't think we can bank on much at all at the moment. The only thing we can bank on is providing as much support as we possibly can for him to make the right decision for him and for us, to come back into the group 100% committed. But how long is a piece of string? I don't know if Roy [Symonds] would understand or know how long it's going to take. I certainly don't."
(Punctuation has been editted but Nielsens quote is verbatim)
I am not sure what has been going on in his (Symonds') mind, but the short of it is Roy has to do one thing and that is to show his ultimate commitment to Cricket Australia and the job at hand.
Considering he has contemplated quitting the game before, to give a shot at rugby league (also found in his book) it is only fact that focus in other areas of life does sometimes seem to be more appealing to individuals, no doubt in certain time frames.
The support network is there and I hope for the game of cricket and the Australian cricket team and the supporters sake he makes the right decision. If he decides to return with the full force and tenacity to play for Australia as he has shown us all in the past, it will be great!
Time will tell, but in the meantime things move on and contigency planning is in place to counter attack this sudden imbalancement for Cricket Australia.
The following sources contain more on the issues and hopefully this will all be moved past and whatever decision is made, it will be good for the game and importantly Andrew Symonds.
Cricinfo:
* Symonds sent home after going fishing
* Symonds determined to fight back
* Nielsen plans for tour without Symonds
Cricket Australia
* Clarke defends Symonds' decision
The next ODI is on Wednesday against Bangladesh.
Shane Watson, the Queensland All-rounder who made a gem of a return to the ODI squad during the West-Indies series, is to make a likely return to the squad, I'd imagine in place of James Hopes.
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