The Ashes day one Gabba

Australia and Cummins could not have asked for a perfect start. First Australian bowler to captain the side, a side that had been in turmoil just before the start of the series, Cummins must have certainly felt the pressure. He must have hoped for a decent morning with a couple of wickets if they were bowling or around 60 runs with just one wicket down if they were batting. However, what transpired on day one was something Cummins would not even have wished in his dream. The Ashes day one Gabba.

Cummins lost the toss and must have mentally prepared himself for a day long of chasing the ball. He would have wanted all of his bowlers to hit their strides quickly and they did. Spectacularly. England lost 4 with next to nothing on the board. It included their main players, Root & Stokes. It has become a serious problem for England that if Root fails, the rest of the batting order caves in too. Suddenly, losing the toss did not really matter. Absolutely, none of the English batsman were able to play a couple of sessions. Hameed & Pope did threaten to nullify the early advantage but they were always against the eight ball. Buttler counterattacked but it could last only for awhile. The scorecard at the end of the day will make any English supporter to expect the worst over the next 5 games.

As for Cummins, this was more than a perfect start for his captaincy. England bowled out on the first day and a self-haul of 5 wickets. Fairy tales may even be real.

Batting first wasn’t the problem

As for England, well the day could not have gone any worse. Winning the toss and batting first was not the problem. As Ollie Pope said after the press conference, ‘I wouldn’t look too much at the toss we just had to execute in the first couple of hours of the game. We had the quality in the side to score the runs we needed. 

The problem was with application. England batsmen were nervous. Nervous because of the previous experiences at the Gabba. A fortress that have proved very hard for England to crack. Nonetheless, the English batsmen must have applied themselves better. Rory Burns walked right across to what was essentially a full ball on the legs. He was so far across that his right leg was well outside the off-stump. As a result, he missed the ball completely.

Burns and Hameed are good at playing time. If only these two had batted atleast the first hour if not the first session though without scoring that many runs, things would have been much better for England. Hameed batted till the end of the session but Burns opened up the other end and Australia just cashed in. England must remember that this is not a sprint. It is a marathon. The more you bat, the more miles on the legs of the Aussie bowlers. Eventually, it will all come down to who among the teams are the fittest. This is exactly what England failed to do on day one.

England left out Stuart Broad from the team and Anderson was anyway not slated to play. Broad anyway never really had any impact in Australia as his career statistics suggest. An average of 37 is something that will keep any bowler out of the team.

England will just have to look at India in Australia last year

England must not worry. Whatever happened has happened. This cannot be changed. England do not have to search elsewhere for inspiration. All they have to do is cast their minds to these shores and think of what India accomplished. India did not start well at Adelaide and were bowled out for 36. It was a disaster from which any team would have found difficult to come back but India did. Not only that they played exceptional cricket with their 4th choice team and went onto win the series. This is inspiration enough.

All that England will have to do now is ensure that the game goes well into the 5th day. Do not throw in the towel. Do not feel defeatist. They must ensure that Australia do not pile up a huge score. They must ensure that they are in the game all the time and when they bat for the 2nd time, they must target to bat atleast 150 overs. England may still lose the game but would have ensured that the Aussies are kept in the field for a lot longer than they would have wanted. For that, Root must tell Burns, Hameed & Malan to forget about runs and just play for a long as they possibly can. Afterall, this is a 5 test series.

For the sake of the series, let us hope England do not succumb easily.

India vs New Zealand second test review

Just as expected, India pulled off a resounding and convincing win against New Zealand in the 2nd and final test and thereby have won the series as well. Crucially, India have also secured vital points towards the next WTC finals though by that time, there will definitely be a new batting order. Kohli will remember this game for quite sometime because it took awhile to come. There were quite a few memorable feats in this test. Let me try to analyse in India vs New Zealand second test review.

Enormous feat but with a pinch of salt

The one major feat that everyone talks about in this test was undoubtedly the 10-wicket haul of Ajaz Patel. Whichever way you look at it, it was an extraordinary performance. Granted, he bowled close to 50 overs and India played more than 100 overs on a pitch that wasn’t a rank turner but had sufficient help for the spinners. Yet, none of this must diminish the performance of Ajaz. Even if India had scored more than 500, 10 wickets in an innings is an incredible feat. Having said that, I do not think that just because Ajaz achieved this in the first innings, it is an even better achievement. I will not agree with that analysis because yes this was in the first innings but the test match wasn’t played on a New Zealand pitch or a pitch that had pace and bounce.

It was played at the Wankhede in India which is known to help the slow bowlers. The pitch at the Wankhede had lots of help for the spinners. It was certainly not unplayable but a spinner had all the help he could have asked for. This was the case even on day one. I will say that it was an extraordinary effort and achievement but the fact that it was during day 1 and 2 will not enhance the performance.

Best delivery of the game

There were a couple of deliveries that competes to be the delivery of the game and both of them got wickets. It is funny that a delivery when it does not fetch a wicket is not even in contention eventhough it was a beautiful delivery. Ajaz Patel to Ashwin and Siraj to Ross Taylor are the 2 deliveries that stood out in the entire test. Both of them were fabulous. Both of them moved in the same angle. From leg to off. Ajaz’s was a beautifully flighted delivery that pitched on middle and leg and turned just enough to beat the defense of Ashwin. Ashwin did not even realise that he was bowled and he asked for review. However, the delivery of the game must certainly belong to Siraj.

On a pitch that wasn’t conducive for the faster bowlers, Siraj’s spell on the 2nd afternoon was a treat to watch. It had everything pace, seam and bounce. Rossco who is usually a good player of fast bowling was completely beaten by the pace and angle of that delivery. Siraj got the ball to move just a little that defeated Taylor comprehensively and had his bail knocked off. It was every fast bowler’s dream delivery and Siraj perfected it.

Why Kohli did not declare

India bowled just 28 overs in New Zealand’s first innings and had a lead of over 250 and yet, Kohli did not ask New Zealand to bat again. 28 overs is not a lot of effort and the Indian bowlers could have bowled again but Kohli chose not to. There could be couple of reasons for Kohli not wanting to impose the follow-on. One is more of speculation and the other is real.

Let me first speculate

Kohli has been on the receiving end from New Zealand over the last 3 years. Under his watch, India lost the test series in New Zealand 0-2 and the ODI series preceding that 0-3. More famously, India’s march towards the final of the 2019 ODI World Cup and the 2021 T20 World Cup was stopped by New Zealand. Not to forget the WTC finals in England. A test that was destined to be drawn, New Zealand came from nowhere to win that test and the championship comprehensively.

Hence, he had a score to settle. Kohli got that opportunity at Mumbai and he wanted to grind the New Zealand bowlers to the ground and he took that opportunity. There is nothing wrong in that. Test match wins are not that easy. They are hard won. Lot of efforts, planning and strategy goes into winning test matches. A captain had to be ruthless and Kohli is ruthless.

Now to the humane reason

Kohli and Pujara are struggling for runs. Everyone is aware of that. India will be touring South Africa shortly. It is a country where India have never won a test series. Now, South Africa is in real bother. They hardly have any batsman of international repute. Gone are the days when they were able to call upon, Smith, Amla, Kallis, de Villiers or even Gibbs. They are ripe for the taking and Kohli will surely want himself to be in top form. He may not get one more opportunity.

To ensure maximum amount of game time, he choose not to impose the follow on. It gave both Pujara and Kohli much needed time in the middle. Ofcourse, Indian conditions will not be a match for what will be found in South Africa but time spent in the middle is worth. If only either had scored a hundred, India will be in a much happier space just before South Africa.

Gains for India

There were lot of gains. First and foremost is that even without some major players, India is tough to beat at home. That is the biggest takeaway. This has thrown up lot of replacements for Pujara, Rahane and even Kohli. It is something every team will like to have. It will be hard to drop any of Shreyas Iyer, Axar Patel, Shubnam Gill and Mayank Agarwal in South Africa. If Pujara or Rahane still fails to perform, they will be replaced sooner rather than later. Siraj looks like shoe-in for the SA tests and Ishant Sharma will be one to miss out.

Gains for New Zealand

As for New Zealand, apart from Ajaz Patel’s perfect 10, not much to write about. The continued failure of Ross Taylor in Asian conditions and Williamson’s struggle on the slow and low wickets are major reasons to worry for New Zealand. If they have to be accepted by everyone as the best test team, they will have to start winning in India and for that, Williamson and Taylor will have to score heavily.

First test review

England vs Australia The Ashes preview

If England are in Australia in the month of December and will be celebrating Christmas in Australia, it can mean only onething. THE ASHES is here. The Ashes which is the predominant trophy that predates any tournament is about to start and the excitement even after 100 years is still undiminished. Even ODI and T20 World Cups pale into insignificance in front of The Ashes. Every English and Aussie supporter do not mind if their team loses to anyone else but they loathe losing to each other. Such is the passion of the Ashes. Let me offer my thoughts in England vs Australia The Ashes preview.

There are other series India against Australia or India against England or Australia / England against South Africa or Pakistan against England but none of them, absolutely none of them can even come close to matching the excitement, the flavour and the thrilling action of an Ashes. This is so even for the neutral. An Indian or a Sri Lankan will happily watch the Ashes without complaining. This series promises nothing but the same.

Over the last 30 years there has always been a clear leader amongst the teams. From 1989 till the early part of the new millennium, Australia completely dominated England and till 2011, England though they didn’t dominate Australia were easily the better team. Then there was the pattern of each team winning in their own country. However, this series promises to be different in that there is no clear winner.

England appears to be much more settled

Strangely, it is England, who usually go through some uncertainties before the Ashes, seems to be much more settled. Australia, rather unexpectedly are facing major upheaval in their preparation ahead of the much awaited series. Steve Smith returning as vice-captain and Tim Paine resigning, it has created a huge imbalance in the ranks of the Aussies. Now it is Pat Cummins, the first bowler, who has been handed over the captaincy baton with Steve Smith being closely watched. Australia have for the first time in several decades have stepped into the unknown. How will Cummins manage himself and the rest of the team? How much of a role with Smith play? What bowling combination will the teams go in with? Will Cummins over-bowl or under-bowl himself? So many questions. The answers will be known in the next 6 weeks.

The often repeated cliché is wrong

The first test starts off at The Gabba. Yes, the same Gabba that the Aussies surrendered to India last year. However, England have always found 2 venues to be tough for them to overcome. One is Gabba and the other is WACA. England will hope to come out of Gabba unscathed. It is said that the first test, day one, session one will set the tone of the series. I will not subscribe to this view at all. This is a nonsensical cliché.

To prove my point, I again will have to go back to the India series last year. India had a dreadful start losing both the openers in that first session but what happened in the end is known to everyone. It does not really matter who comes out on top at the end of the first session. What really matters is who is left standing at the beginning of the 5th test. Remember, 5 tests will be squeezed into a small matter of 6 weeks. The players, especially, the bowlers are bound to be completely tired. Australia will dread the thought if either Cummins loses his potency because being the primary wicket taker he over-bowls himself or because of captaincy pressures before the start of the final test. Come to think of it, Smith may even lead the side.

England’s immediate past in Australia

England off-late does not have fond memories of touring Australia. 2 whitewashes and a 0-4 verdict that could well have been another whitewash in 13 years is a lot to take in. Atleast in 2007, the Aussies were smarting from the 2005 Ashes defeat and wanted to avenge that and they did that in style. However, there is no excuse for losing 0-5 in 2013 and 0-4 a few years later. They were unable to find an answer for Johnson’s pace or the guile of Harris & Starc. England will do well not to repeat that again.

Anderson will not play at the Gabba

England will go into the series without their main strike bowler James Anderson. He has a calf strain and is certainly not expected to play at the Gabba. England have however insisted that they have always planned to rest Anderson from Gabba to ensure his longevity throughout the series. A noble thought but one that beggars belief. In the absence of Archer and Stone, Anderson is England’s best bowler. How can they even think of resting him from the very first test of the series is beyond me. This will leave a rather inexperienced bowling attack, with the exception of Stokes, at the mercy of Australia.

‘This is crazy nonsense and hard to believe,’ tweeted former Test batsman Damien Martyn. ‘Australia would be very happy he is not playing #mindboggles.’ Shane Warne, meanwhile, described his absence as a ‘huge loss’.

Anyway, stranger decisions are not that uncommon in the sport.

What are the chances for England?

I somehow feel that Burns and Hameed will have a huge role to play in this series. They may not score heavily but they can blunt the Aussie attack with their patience at the crease. The Australian bowlers usually expect wickets quickly. They will want things happening quickly and if it is not forthcoming, they tend to become restless. England can take advantage of that. Root & Stokes, who will have to score consistently, will be able to do that if the early sting is taken out of the Aussie attack. England does not have the bowlers to threaten Smith & Warner. Remember, this is the same bowling attack that lost the last time 0-4. The Kokkaburra ball will not swing like the Duke.

Robinson, Woakes, Anderson & Broad, who are primarily swing bowlers will not get much purchase with that ball. They will have to see the back of Warner & Smith early. If England can accomplish that, the rest of the batting will cave in early. England will have to look to score 375-400 in the first innings and get Warner & Smith early. If they can do that, they can prevail because Australia do not have the batsmen to score bucketload of runs if those two are taken care of. Labuschagne may wage a lone battle but he will not be supported. Having said that, England’s bowlers must remain fresh and supremely fit to be able to bowl out Australia time and time again.

What are the chances for Australia?

Australia playing at home with a brilliant fast bowling attack and an excellent spinner in Nathan Lyon, will start the series as favourites. Smith, Warner & Labuschagne will have to provide the bulk of the runs. Warner especially will be motivated to the fullest extent. He was snubbed by his IPL franchise and during the last Ashes in England, Broad got him for low scores in all the games. He has a point or two to prove to everyone else. If Warner starts blazing at the top, England will be hard pressed to maintain or slowdown the runrate. This will help Smith to launch his own attack on the hapless bowlers and Australia will gallop towards a huge score. I do not expect runs from the rest of the top 6. Alex Carey may prove to be the game changer but only if Smith and Warner give him a solid platform.

As for bowling, it is the same bowlers that played last year, the year before and the year before. However, they have hardly played competitive cricket with the red-ball over 8 months which means they must be fresh. Lyon will definitely play a huge role in this series. More than Starc or Cummins or Hazlewood, if Lyon manages to capture vital wickets, Australia can prevail.

Gabba – Advantage Australia

Adelaide – Advantage Australia

Melbourne – Even

Sydney – Australia slightly ahead.

other Ashes related topics can be read here, here and here.

Rahane is dropped from the test – finally

It has happened. The unthinkable has happened. Ajinkya Rahane, the so-called crisis performer is dropped. Yes, he is dropped though the official version is that he sustained a minor left hamstring strain during the final day’s play at Kanpur. However, I would like to think that he has been dropped for this test because no one absolutely no one is aware that he had injured himself during the last test. Nevertheless, Rahane is dropped from the test – finally.

What’s with the secrecy?

Not just Rahane, Ishant Sharma and Jadeja aren’t playing in the test either. It looks like all the 3 injured themselves in the first test. If that was the case, why wasn’t this revealed right after the test or atleast prior to the second test? What’s with the secrecy? What could possibly be in play to not reveal their injuries? I can very well understand the team management not wanting to reveal that Jadeja is injured. They didn’t want New Zealand to gain confidence because Jadeja is that important a player. However, whether Ishant or Rahane is injured is immaterial to them. If anything, New Zealand will certainly miss both of them. If only they were playing, New Zealand have 2 less players to worry about. Laxman categorically stated that Kohli did not reveal anything during the press conference.

“Did something happen this morning? But Virat Kohli said nothing about in the press conference yesterday. It is obviously a big blow. Jadeja was injured in that England series and Axar Patel came in and he was named Player of the Series.”

Nonetheless, everyone is aware that Rahane has been dropped. Social media is having a field day because of the duplicitous nature of the communication. I am particularly pleased that something that must have happened a few years ago, has finally happened. Ofcourse, Rahane may even be back for the South African series. One will never know until it happens. He has this impression of performing well outside of India though that impression was undone quite a few times.

Shubnam Gill continues to frustrate

The surprise right at the beginning was ofcourse Kohli winning the toss. The grin on his face must be seen to be believed. Shubnam Gill, the outrageously talented youngster has wasted one more start. His talent is not in question but his temperament may well be questioned. Coupled with that, he seems to be having a technical problem. It looks like he is susceptible for the incoming delivery. He gets beaten at both ends of the bat. On the faster South African pitches, that will become a serious problem. Perhaps, too much exposure to T20 cricket has spoiled his technique. Having said that, he will do well to address that technical issue as well as his temperament, quickly, because once Rahul and Rohit returns, he will not find a spot at the top though I wish he is preferred instead of Rahul.

Now that Mayank has scored a hundred, if Shreyas comes out well in the 2nd test, Gill will not be able to replace him or Rahane in the middle order either. Gill is young and has loads of talent and time on his side but that does not mean that he can take matters lightly. He must make use of the opportunities that he gets lest he may go the Prithvi Shaw way.

Enough of this Kohli

Kohli’s on-field behaviour has become ridiculous. He is just like Ashwin in that he keeps on pushing the boundary of behaviour. All the talk is that that is how Kohli plays is hogwash. It must stop. Here he was arguing with the umpire because he was given out leg before wicket. He may have hit the ball before the ball hit the pad. The umpire may have been wrong but a decision was made. The third was unable to overturn the verdict either for want of concrete evidence. The only option before any batsman at that point is to walk back to the pavilion but Kohli stood there and kept on fighting with the umpire. How many times have we seen this? Kohli arguing with the umpire. It has happened far too many times to be counted. I wish Nitin Menon had told him to take a walk.

One of the zillion rules in cricket is not to argue with the umpire after a decision has been made. I wish to see Kohli banned for a few months and fined a hefty amount for his continuous misbehaviour. At this stage, only a severe punishment will teach a lesson to Kohli. Anyone who wants to follow him will also learn a valuable lesson. Match referee, Javagal Srinath must really take a harsh view of this outrageous behaviour.

The BCCI may not support him

Kohli is the captain of perhaps the strongest board in world cricket but that does not give him the right to behave like a jerk. He may do well to remember that the board may not come to his rescue. Afterall, he remains the captain who failed to win a single ICC tournament in 5 attempts. His stocks has fallen. Already, the clamour for him to be replaced as the ODI skipper is gaining ground. It will descend into a chorus if Rohit manages to win the T20 World Cup next year in Australia. Together, with his form slump, an average of less than 30 in 3 years without a single hundred, Kohli cannot hope for much support.

Rahane is dropped from the test – finally concluding words

There is no need to hide the fact that Rahane has been dropped. As I had written in one of the previous blog, Kohli may not want to be seen as Rahane is dropped because of his own returns over the last 3 years. I atleast hope that the concerned player is aware that he is dropped because of his meagre returns and not because he is injured, if at all.

What do you think? Do you think Rahane has been dropped or do you believe in the official version? Let me know your comments.

India vs New Zealand first test review

The first test between India and New Zealand has just ended in an exciting draw. What looked like a bore and dull draw suddenly came to life and India were firm favourites to win the test when the last hour started. However, the debutant Rachin Ravindra and Ajaz Patel held on for 8 overs before the game was abandoned with 12 minutes of play remaining but the overs having been completed. India will be disappointed by the fact that they were not able to secure full points which could prove vital in the final analysis before the next WTC finals, whereas New Zealand will be pleased having drawn an away test. This is India vs New Zealand first test review.

Surely, Rahane has played his last

Time is certainly running out or infact has already ran out for Rahane. As for Pujara, it is ticking slowly but ticking nonetheless. I have written this before and I will write this again. Rahane is past his sell-by date and is a liability to the team. Once every 15 tests, he scores runs which fortunately for him and unfortunately for India, the team wins that test and Rahane is hailed as someone who performs when the team is in trouble. In this test, India was in trouble in both the innings. Infact, Rahane was a party to that trouble and yet, he didn’t score runs to justify his place in the side. It was atrocious to have made him the captain when his place is seriously questioned by everyone.

Now, with Shreyas Iyer’s magnificent debut, Rahane spot in the side has become untenable. It is time Rahane himself recognises the writing on the wall and announce retirement. He has been a successful captain having not lost a single test in 6 attempts including 3 in Australia. A remarkable achievement indeed. However, that must not hide the fact that his lack of runs is one of the reason India is failing to post good enough total. He is anyway part of some IPL franchise. He can play in IPL for the rest of his career. Having said that, I will not be surprised if Kohli replaces Mayank and Pujara opens the innings thereby Rahane stays.

Pujara’s time clock is also ticking

As for Pujara, he played positively but got out at the wrong moment. He is not getting any younger and with others banging on the door, he must be on guard. I will give him one more series in South Africa. Depending on his performance, he will either be part of the squad or he must also announce retirement. Perhaps, he can play county cricket for the next few years.

The former coach, Ravi Shastri has however defended both these players.

“It is very easy to just get rid of players if they failed in one or two innings. But you should know experience is not sold in the market and it can’t be bought. It is something you earn and unless you have a replacement, double that experience, when it comes to quality, you should not be thinking,” Ravi Shastri replied.

He will do well to remember that father-time is also not sold in the market.

Ashwin keeps pushing the wrong boundary

India will rue the fact that they allowed Somerville to bat till lunch on the 5th day. The might of Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar weren’t able to dislodge him. The disappointment was surely Ashwin. Here is the premier spinner, having a chance to prove someone wrong and yet, he failed to bowl the team to win on the 5th day. Agreed, the pitch wasn’t turning as expected but anyone will atleast expect him to get Somerville early which wasn’t to be.

On top of that he was involved in one more controversy when he repeatedly blocked the umpire’s view and ran infront of the non-striker. He had no business to do that. Arrogantly, he defended his behaviour and stated that it is within the rules. He keeps on pushing the boundaries of rules but does not take into consideration the ethics of the game. It is time, Dravid has a discussion with him and tells him in no uncertain terms that the ethics of the game must be followed and to hell with his rules.

Shubnam Gill. For all his enormous talent, he is not yet able to convert the start. He keeps getting bowled repeatedly which points to serious technical deficiency.

The real find for India

The real find for India in this test was however the maturity shown by Shreyas Iyer. He played a pair of sublime innings that without his contribution, India would have paid the price for taking this series lightly. There is no other way to express this than the fact that the Indian team is taking the test series lightly. You cannot rest 5-6 of your first choice players and expect to win. However, this is about Shreyas and his beautiful innings. He may still not play in the second test with Kohli expected to come back. He may play if Pujara is sent up the order to open the innings because it is unlikely that Rahane will be dropped. Not after he had just captained the team.

New Zealand proved why they are the test champions

As for New Zealand, they will be happy that they got out of jail. Somerville and Latham did really well in the morning but the strange batting in the 2nd half is what got them into trouble. If only New Zealand had played a bit positively, 2-3 runs an over, they could have been in a position to launch a serious assault on the target.

Southee & Jamieson were outstanding with the ball. They were just expected to support Ajaz Patel. However, they proved that they are more than capable of taking the shine off the ball. They kept India well within the par score of 450 in the first innings. With a little bit of luck, this pair could have won the game for New Zealand if not for some resolute batting from Shreyas, Ashwin, Saha and Axar.

Young and Latham at the top of the order offers the strongest stability that New Zealand could have asked for. Young surely looks like he is someone who will be around for a long time. When Conway comes back, it will be tough if Young is dropped. Young and Latham ensured that the Indian bowlers are tired before the 2nd test. 150 for no loss for a visiting team on an Indian pitch on the 3rd day is something unheard of.

What must worry New Zealand is Ross Taylor. He clearly looks out of his comfort zone. He does not seem too confident facing the spinners. Taylor was circumspect in both the innings.

Onto the next one.

Steve Smith’s reinstatement as vice-captain

He is back. Steve Smith is back. Smith is back as the Australian vice-captain. After more than 4 years since the disgrace of Newlands, Smith is now the vice-captain of the team. Paine’s ignominious exit post his lewd messages, left a leadership crisis within the Australian team. That too just before The Ashes. Ashes we all know is the most important series for English and Australian public. Even a World Cup defeat will not rankle as much as a defeat in the Ashes for either. Such is the importance of any Ashes series. However, there are varying opinions about whether Smith should have been made the vice-captain. Let me analyse Steve Smith’s reinstatement as vice-captain.

Pat Cummins the likeable fellow is the captain

Pat Cummins, the brilliant fast bowler, has become the first bowler to become Australian captain. For some reason, Australia never made a bowler become the captain. Perhaps, they felt that bowlers will not be able to judge properly. Perhaps, the Australian board feels that the chances of a bowler getting injured is high compared to a batsman and hence, they never wanted a bowler. However, in the light of absolutely no obvious candidate, Cummins is now the captain. It remains to be seen whether he will be in a position to carry on for the entire series. Will he feel the burden? Will his bowling suffer? We will come to know if a few week’s time. This blog is however about the reinstatement of Steve Smith.

Shane Warne at his scathing best

Shane Warne, the mercurial yet brilliant former Australian spinner, is extremely vocal about the reinstatement. Warne in his Herald Sun column has written, “In my opinion announcing him as vice-captain opens up Cricket Australia for ridicule and criticism. ‘We all love Steve Smith and are proud that he’s the best Test batsmen in the world again, but he should not be the Australian vice-captain,’ said Warne.

It indeed is a strong word. This has opened another avenue for the Barmy Army to ridicule the Australian team during the series. We all know how aggressive the Australian public is in any game in their country.

The Barmy Army will not hold back. Paine’s sex scandal and now Smith becoming the vice-captain, the Barmy Army will have a field day. Infact, a field series. Apparently, it was Cummins who was adamant for Smith to be made his deputy. Infact, it is believed that Cummins refused to become to captain if Smith is not made his deputy. Probably Cricket Australia was left with no choice.

Warne is correct because what happened at Newlands happened under Smith’s watch. He knew about the plot that about to be perpetrated. He knew pretty well what Warner and Bancroft were upto. Smith seems to have told them that he didn’t want to know. That is a clear admission that he knew and he wasn’t prepared to stop it. Being the captain of the team, he must have stopped Warner and Bancroft but he didn’t. This alone is enough to ensure that Smith should never be around management throughout his career. Not just for Australia but for any Australian state team.

Michael Clarke raises some valid points

The worry for Australia is that Smith must not be seen to be making decisions on the field. That must rest with Cummins. Steve Smith will always be under heavy scrutiny. Atleast until the end of his career. Michael Clarke was spot on, “I don’t think Steve Smith understands how extreme it is going to be,” Clarke said

“He got a tiny glimpse of it last summer against India when he scuffed the pitch and was called the biggest cheat on the planet. I don’t think he understands how heavy it is going to be on him.”

More so in an Ashes series. The English tabloids will be all-over Smith and Aussies if Smith even attempt anything remote.

Former Aussie cricketers

Cricket Australia seems to have forgiven Steve Smith but the former Aussie cricketers are not ready and may never forgive Smith for that ignominy that he brought Australian cricket. It usually is the English cricket team that will be in all sorts of disarray come an Ashes series and Australia will be settled and ready to settle some old scores against their arch-rival. This time, the boot is on the other leg. It is Australia who are vulnerable, vulnerable from all the sides and that too in their own country and England who even if they do not appear settled is atleast quietly confident.

The mental impact of such series of missteps by Cricket Australia is likely to decide the result of the series. If Australia go onto to lose this series, they can only point the fingers at themselves and the Australian board for taking some illogical decisions just before the start.

Tim Paine and Smith must be judged on the same yardstick

Tim Paine should not have been allowed to go because he didn’t do anything on the field that would have brought the game into disrepute. If Smith who did everything to bring the game into disrepute and cause enormous shame to Australian cricket is allowed to return as the vice-captain, you never know, he may still become the captain before the end of the series, Paine by the same yardstick must have been allowed to stay.

Cummins health history

More than 2000 days passed between Cummins’s first and second tests. He was laid low by a series of injuries but ever since his return, he has been playing non-stop in all formats of the game. Including IPL. With his medical history, it remains a challenge for him to remain fit for 5 tests in 6 weeks.

Warne continues his attack against Starc

Warne has never really been a supporter of Mitchell Starc. He has called for Starc to be dropped. Starc had a pretty ordinary series against India.

“He (Starc) needs to find a bit of rhythm and some form. He had a really poor World Cup. He’s just not bowling well enough. It’s too important at the Gabba. I’m all for Jhye Richardson.” Whether this will kindle the fire in Starc will have to be seen. However, I do not see Starc being part of the playing eleven for all the 5 games.

Rahane has successfully fooled Dravid

An average of just above 32 in 50 test matches. An average that was more than 51 about 5 years ago is now down to below 40. These are the statistics of Ajinkya Rahane. Anyone with such performance, would have been dropped from the team a few years ago. Leave alone India, this sort of performance will not be acceptable even in New Zealand or Sri Lanka where the player base in those countries is much less than India’s. They will need quality players all the time. They cannot afford slackers. On the otherhand, Rahane is consistently picked not only in the squad but in the playing eleven itself. Dravid too has defended Rahane. Let me offer my thoughts in Rahane has successfully fooled Dravid.

What did Dravid comment?

The new Indian coach, Rahul Dravid, when answering a question regarding Rahane’s form, replied that, “I don’t get worried, you don’t get worried,” Dravid said. “Of course you would like more runs from Ajinkya. I am sure he would like a few more runs.” Dravid adds. “He is a quality player. He has done well for India in the past.”

Dravid continues. He is one of those guys who has that quality. He has the experience. Hopefully it’s just a matter of an innings, a matter of a game where he can turn it around. Certainly he would like to score more runs. He knows that. And we know that.”

In constant communication with the management

Rahul Dravid, I am sure has followed Indian cricket ever since his retirement. It is believed that he was in constant touch with Shastri and Kohli throughout the last 6 years. He was the head of the National Cricket Academy at Bangalore and thereby worked with the 2nd and 3rd string of players. He was instrumental in supplying players to the main team whenever there was a need. Siraj, Gill, Pant and a few others benefitted greatly from Dravid’s knowledge. One of the reason India now can successfully field a strong second string side is because of Dravid who nurtured talent and supported them throughout.

The Sri Lankan tour

Remember, that side that toured Sri Lanka in July won the ODI series and if not for Covid, would have won the T20 series too. The reason for that was not only the fact Dravid had worked with most of the team members of that tour but he was intent on creating a string of replacements who can replace anyone in the senior team and be match ready. Ofcourse, he made the mistake of replacing 5 players for the final ODI without which India would have won all the 3. Nevertheless, the fact is that this series was a clear testament to Dravid’s long term plan and vision.

Dravid must be aware of how Rahane has under performed

Dravid would have been certainly aware of Rahane’s failings and how it has become next to impossible for Rahane to in the playing eleven. Yet, Dravid is hopeful that it is just a matter of one innings. One innings that will change the fortune of Rahane and the team. To listen to such words from a player of Rahul’s stature is disheartening. For someone like Shreyas Iyer, who performed admirably in the first test, this statement from the coach must be devastating. Now, he may not be playing in the next test with Kohli’s impending inclusion. There is no better way to destroy the confidence of a player like how Dravid just did or will be doing.

Dravid must only know too well how he was constantly shunted in the batting order when a so-called Tendulkar would not budge. He must have felt unsecure. He surely does not want the same disappointment imposed upon another youngster.

Lack of experience and middle order bother

The Indian batting is already in a spot of bother. Rohit Sharma is the only one to score runs consistently. He is not playing this series. There are 2 inexperienced openers at the top followed by Pujara, Kohli and Rahane (assuming that he plays). All the 3 have a combined average 3 runs short of 30 in over 3 years. This essentially means that the Indian batting is in disarray. No one knows who will get runs. You were given a lifeline. A youngster has just batting beautifully in both the innings of the first test. Without his runs, the team would have lost the test. Yet, the team management may have the temerity to drop that youngster for a veteran whose returns have been few and far between. A veteran who is past his sell by date.

Kohli’s predicament

One maybe inclined to think that Kohli himself would not want to drop Rahane because his own returns over the last 3 years is much below his standards. He himself has scored less number of runs without any century though in less number of games at a lesser average compared to Rahane. He may not want to drop Rahane because he would not have an answer if the question arises. This is where the guidance and the decision making skills of Dravid will be required. Dravid must take it upon himself to drop Rahane and allow Shreyas to take up his rightful place.

Conclusion to Rahane has successfully fooled Dravid

One can only hope that better sense prevails when the Indian team is selected for the 2nd test because India just cannot afford to slack one more time. New Zealand have shown that they are ready to fight. It is time for Rahul and Kohli to show that they value youngsters and will recognise their efforts.

Is it correct to remove Paine from the team?

Tim Paine, the former Australian captain has resigned his captaincy following revelation about his lewd text messages to one of his female colleague about 4 years ago. He was exonerated at that time after an investigation but in the light of the said messages becoming public, he decided to leave the captaincy and as a result his place in the team itself is threatened. Is it correct to remove Paine from the team?

“Today I’m announcing my decision to stand down as the captain of the Australian Men’s Test team. It’s an incredibly difficult decision but the right one for me, my family and cricket.”

The decision came after allegations emerged of misconduct back in 2017.

“As a background on my decision, nearly four years ago, I was involved in a text exchange with a then-colleague,” Paine said. “At the time, the exchange was the subject of a thorough CA Integrity Unit investigation, throughout which I fully participated in and openly participated in.”

This was Paine’s private space

Inappropriate behaviour of a player is nothing new. Paine’s wasn’t first nor will it be the last. These things will continue. More so if the said player is popular and people tends to take advantage of that. People who may want get popular too quickly, might take a similar route. The point is that this was Paine’s private space. He made a mistake. A married man with 2 children must not have done what he did but it was completely private. If reports are to be believed, it was consensual too. The angle of immoral behaviour not befitting an Australian captain is put across. Whether Paine regrets his behaviour does not really matter at all. What happened has happened. There is no going back. This is where Cricket Australia must have stepped in to support Paine.

Paine cannot be accused of immoral behaviour on the field of play. He didn’t commit any crime that would have dragged the game into disrepute. Whatever he did was in the private confines of wherever he was at that time.

The case of Shane Warne

Years ago, Shane Warne, who could have become the greatest of Australian captain was never allowed to captain the Australian side, save for a few ODIs, because of his off-field shenanigans. The volume of his outlandish behaviour outside of the ground, the innumerable number of extramarital affairs was the sole reason he was never made the Australian captain. He was also involved in spot fixing and performance enhancing drugs just before the 2003 ODI World Cup. He was rightly banned for 12 months.

However, the real reason he wasn’t made the captain was because just before Ricky Ponting was made the permanent captain, Warne had an escapade with one of his family friend and was jettisoned from captain Australia ever. His performance on the field, his tactical nous, his brilliant decision making during the short stint he had been Australia’s ODI captain was never considered. Warne had all the qualities that would have made him a captain that other teams around the world would have envied. However, he was denied that opportunity. Though in Warne’s case, he did not lose his spot because of the off-field shenanigans.

Shane Warne has been compassionate with Paine

“It was sad to see what happened last Friday on so many levels and the circumstances in which Tim was forced to stand down. I really feel for him, what he’s going through, and what his family is going through,” Warne added.

“I’m not judging him on this incident. Just because Tim is in the public eye doesn’t mean he won’t make a mistake. Sportspersons are human, they have feelings. Let’s stop the judgement. It’s not our place to do that.”

The point is this act of Paine must not be the reason for him to be dropped. Yes, he deserved to be dropped from the team if his performance was not impressive. If his keeping is substandard and his batting is pretty ordinary. Yes, it is agreed that Paine is not a good batsman. Certainly not in the mould of Adam Gilchrist, the fellow Australian but it was because of his crucial 72 Australia won the first test at Adelaide against India in 2020. Otherwise, Australia could have lost the series 0-3 and that would have been devastating.

Ofcourse, his ill-advised chirps during the 3rd test at Sydney and the fact that Australia subsequently lost the series showed him to be stupid but his keeping remind tidy and batting decent enough for a wicket keeper batsman. It is a given that Paine would have walked in if it weren’t for this revelation. Australian board would not have thought of dropping him. This situation must not change that. If his keeping or batting deteriorates during the series, drop him by all means. He has already paid with his captaincy for his misdeeds but must not pay with his place too unless he deserves.

Shane Warne already has a replacement for Paine

“Inglis gets my vote. He’s got silky smooth hands behind the stumps, he’s a 360 degree player with the bat and coming off three first class hundreds last season for Western Australia. He’s a great team man who I saw first hand at the London Spirit this year. Get him in.”

Perhaps Warne will want to wait for few tests.

Cricket Tasmania is not taking it kindly about the treatment meted to Paine. They are really furious. Anger is palpable at Tasmania.

“In conversations I have had in recent days it is clear that the anger amongst the Tasmanian cricket community and general public is palpable,” Gaggin said. “Tim Paine has been a beacon for Australian cricket over the past four years and instrumental in salvaging the reputation of the national team after the calamity of Cape Town.

“Yet, at a time when [Cricket Australia] should have supported Tim, he was evidently regarded as dispensable. The treatment afforded to the Australian Test captain by Cricket Australia has been appalling, and the worst since Bill Lawry over 50 years ago.”

These are really strong words. If Paine is to be dropped from the Australian team, surely Tasmanian supporters will not be enthused.

The only question before Cricket Australia is that would they have dropped Paine from captaincy and from the team if his conversation had not been revealed?

Other Tim Paine related blogs can be read here and here.

The India vs New Zealand series – are there any takers?

Did you know, India and New Zealand are involved in a short series just after the conclusion of World T20? Could the timing have been more inappropriate? Are there any takers for this series? From what I can see or gauge, this series is not taken seriously either by the teams or by the fans. Kohli & Rohit have chosen to skip the tests though Kohli will be back for the 2nd one. Williamson chose to skip the T20 series. A sort of dull and dreary atmosphere is prevailing over this series. Let me try to analyse in The India vs New Zealand series – are there any takers?

The T20 series as I type is completed with India winning all the games. A couple of wins were quite comprehensive. It made fans contemplate what might have been. Setting a target or chasing a target was achieved with relative ease. It is hard to think that this is team is not India’s first choice side with several of the regulars having taken a break. Yet, the effortlessness with which the games were won beggars belief. Perhaps, New Zealand players were not really looking forward to this series. They had lost the finals only 3 days ago before the start of the first T20 and were in no mood to go through the charade of a series. The tour is so condensed that if you blink you will miss it.

Why would Cricket New Zealand accept this?

It really is a wonder how New Zealand cricket board agreed to this schedule. It is onething to play limited overs games alone and quite another to play a test series. Afterall, New Zealand is the defending World Test champions and they deserve to start the defense of that hard won title in better circumstances. The board have left their players vulnerable. Proper first class games were not planned. Remember, New Zealand have not played the longer format after the won the World Test title in June. That is almost 5 months of inactivity for most of their players. As we all know, T20 cricket is not ideal preparation for Tests and that too in the sub-continent where the pitches for T20 and Tests are as different as chalk and cheese.

In an ideal world, this series should not have been played at all. After 3 weeks of intense World Cup action, all the players would have been grateful for much needed rest and would have looked forward to regain their energy. Especially the Indians who are on the road for more than 10 months. Alas, it is not to be. The broadcasters need their pound of flesh and the BCCI obliges the with more games.

Worries for India

Leaving all that aside, what was the gains for India? There were quite a few gains and few worries. The form of Kumar, who is thought to be a limited overs specialist is a real worry. He had been such a brilliant bowler at the top and towards the end for such a long time that his dip in form is proving to be a concern. Bumrah and Kumar have always been reliable and India did not struggle to find bowlers at the death. With Kumar’s struggle, this may have to be revisited.

The other major worry is Surya Yadav. He is exceptionally talented. A late bloomer. There is no question about that but his inability to make the most of the limited chances must worry him. There are far too many players who are ready to replace him. The real concern is that will he go the way of Manish Pandey? If that happens, India would have lost one more fabulous talent.

Gains for India

It is not all alarming for India however. Apart from the wins, there were few bright spots. Venkatesh Iyer, the standout player during the IPL apart from Ruturaj Gaikwad has begun his international career quite well. With runs and wickets, his confidence must have increased. He must start to believe that he belongs at this level. Ofcourse, he did not get to play too many deliveries because of the position he came in in all the games but nonetheless, he has made a decent enough start.

The other gain is the return of Ashwin with his bag of variations. In all the games, Ashwin proved the most difficult bowler to get away. He took crucial wickets in the middle overs and contained the flow of runs. Infact, he stopped New Zealand right in their tracts after they got off to typical flamboyant start. Whether the fact that Rohit Sharma took over the captaincy and as a result of that, did Ashwin was in his usual self will is hard to say. If Ashwin can continue in this fashion, it is only a matter of time he is back in the ODI team too. For now, he is certainly in the running to be the frontline spinner in Australia in about 10 months for the next T20 World Cup.

Perhaps the biggest of the gain for India was the emergence of Harshal Patel. The IPL 2021 Purple cap winner used his slower balls to much effect. With Kumar and Shami not proving to be good in this format of the game, the arrival of Harshal Patel will probably add teeth to the Indian bowling during the final overs. Only thing is that whether his slower deliveries will they have the same bite on the surface on the much faster Australian pitches?

Conclusion of the India vs New Zealand series – are there any takers?

I am not going to write anything about New Zealand because they clearly seemed uninterested. They just went through the motions. Williamson chose to skip the series and will be back for tests.

Nevertheless, this is a series that everyone involved will be happy to get away from. This series could not have been timed so poorly. The Indian players would have really wanted to rest before they embark on the all important South African series where they have never won a test series. As for New Zealand, they would have wanted to go back to their country and dwell on what goes wrong for them whenever they come up against Australia.

Also read New Zealand is the top ranked team but….

The extraordinary transformation of Rohit Sharma

Let me confess at the very outset. I have never been a fan of Rohit Sharma. I have always felt that he has been treated with kids gloves whereas other deserving candidates weren’t given much of an opportunity. There is absolutely no doubt in the fact that he has abundance of talent. For a very long time in his career, it will be fair to say that he did not make much use of either his talent or the innumerable number of opportunities. He was correctly criticised for that. It beggars belief how Rohit Sharma has transformed himself into the all-weather player he is now. This is about the extraordinary transformation of Rohit Sharma.

Rohit has been around the team for more than 14 years. He started his career in 2007 and played a major role in India winning the inaugural World T20. Then his twin innings in the finals in Australia where India won for the first the annual Benson and Hedges cup made those who were privileged to watch the innings take notice of an upcoming talent. Everyone who watched him bat in his early years were convinced that a star was born. Rightful successor to Tendulkar and Dravid. He was destined to play for more than 10 years and more than 100 tests. He was expected to break quite a few records.

Alas, for the first few years, everything went downhill. Yes, he indeed has played international cricket for more than 10 years but does not have the numbers to show for it. He may never play 100 tests for India for which he will need to be around for another 4-5 years. At 34, it may not be possible.

What happened?

What went wrong? Why was a player who was thought to takeover India batting after the gradual retirements of Tendulkar, Dravid, Laxman and Sehwag, is still not bracketed among them? Perhaps, he took the game too lightly. Perhaps, the abundance of talent that he possess made him play too many shots too soon and as a result his gave his wicket away cheaply. He, probably, never valued his wicket. Virat Kohli came from nowhere and completely overtook Rohit. Rohit on the otherhand, remained an enigma. In the periphery for missing out on opportunities. He still had talent but his temperament was questioned.

I still pretty much remember that series in Sri Lanka where Rohit was dismissed in single digit in 5 consecutive games. Here was a player who is extraordinarily talented but who does not have the ability to survive and thrive at the highest stage. Dhoni and the selectors showed extraordinary faith and courage in picking Rohit game after game despite his failures. Questions were raised. Why he is still in the team? Why is he picked knowing fully well that he is not going to perform? The term “Nohit” Sharma was coined just to rile him. Will there be a turnaround? Will he be able to finally fulfil his promise or will he just transcend quietly into the unknown?

Then came the turnaround

It was then as a last throw of the dice, Rohit was asked to open the innings in ODIs. It took a great deal of courage on the part of Dhoni to have entrusted him with such a huge responsibility because Rohit failed in the previous couple of games. This is it. This was the stroke of luck or the much needed confidence that was given to Rohit. Will he be able to make this count? Failure will surely mean he will be forgotten forever. It is now or never for him. He can blame only himself if everything goes down south.

Rohit finally started to turnaround his fortune. He took to opening the innings like a fish to the water. He eschewed the big shots and began to put a price on his wicket. Now, bowlers found it tough to get him out. Where he would get out by playing a rash stroke just when he settled, now, he looked to play through the innings. He played calmly and sedately initially and knew pretty well that he will always be able to increase the tempo once he settles down. He followed the same template from then on and the runs began to flow. 3 double hundreds with a top score of 264 is no mean achievement.

The highlight of his ODI career so far will not be the double hundreds but the extraordinary run that he had in the 2019 World Cup. 5 hundreds in a single event was brilliant by any standards though the failure in the semi-finals will rankle him.

T20 career

Rohit continued his extraordinary run in T20s too. He holds the record for the most number of hundreds by an individual player. FOUR. Four hundreds in T20s. I will have to say that again. Four hundreds in T20s. You hardly get 120 deliveries for an entire innings and yet Rohit was able to score 4 hundreds. One must not be surprised if one day, he manages a double in T20 too. The switch between sedateness and aggressiveness is a thin line for him.

Biggest transformation in the highest form of the game

By the beginning of 2018, Rohit had already become the limited overs behemoth. Now, it is just a question of whether he will be able to replicate his exploits in the highest form of the game? The only option he had was to open the innings. In the very first series, he scored couple of double hundreds against South Africa albeit at home. It was a good start but his litmus test will be in the foreign environs. Tours to New Zealand, Australia, England and South Africa are lined up for India. Rohit’s destiny as an international player rests very much on how is he able to bat on those bouncy and seaming pitches and swinging conditions.

Rohit didn’t play in New Zealand because of an injury and was out of the first and second tests against Australia. However, he played in the IPL 2020 playoffs despite the injury. Critics including I questioned his desire to play for India. Was he trying to get out of the series to save his career? He proved everyone wrong when he was drafted in for the last couple of tests. He conducted himself decently enough but his temperament was still in question. Couple of good innings but wasn’t able to press on. Nonetheless, he showed that he can bat in difficult conditions.

Then came the innings of the series against England at home. On a turning pitch, Rohit scored a majestic 160 when no one else could manage a 50. The skill, footwork and the temperament was on full display. Rohit really sealed the test and the series in India’s favour with that one innings. It was a treat to watch him play the English bowlers with relish. Will he be able to repeat that in England?

The England tour

Then came the important tour that convinced a lot of sceptics that Rohit is indeed a complete batsman now. He started the tour confidently with a few 30s in the initial games including the WTC finals. He was playing beautifully and he left the balls that needed to be left and played every delivery on merit. The balance, the head position and the confident strides pointed to onething. A hundred is around the corner. He almost got one at Lords but fell short by 16 runs. Then came The Oval. Shardul Thakur brought India back into the game with his daredevilry yet England took a good lead. Everything depended on the opening partnership. Will Rohit be able to stand up to be counted? He did in an exemplary fashion. On that day, Rohit transformation into a test match batsman of the highest class was answered emphatically.

Other topics about Rohit

Rohit talks about tiredness

Has Rohit cracked test cricket?