Spat between Lee and Ponting Reported!

There was a difference of opinion between Lee and captain Ricky Ponting. The issue was that the Aussie speed star and main attacking bowler Brett Lee was not happy with the bowling change done by captain. He felt he should have bowled before lunch instead of rookies Watson, White, Siddle. He showed dissent on the field and was not happy.

The issue was blown out in the Australian media and reported as a big issue. They also said that the world champions are cracking under pressure and these things are coming out.

It is natural for showing dissent and seeing difference of opinion when things are not going good for you. This is another example, which is not expected from the Australian team. They are the world champions and cracking under pressure really puts them behind.

India is Safer than Pakistan - Ponting!

The Australian captain Ricky Ponting defended the decision by Cricket Australia to continue their tour to India. He said, the decision was right as the conditions between the two countries are totally different and India is safer than Pakistan.

"As we all know and has been outlined already, these are very different circumstances between India and Pakistan right at the moment and Cricket Australia has made that very clear. As captain of the side and as a player, right at the moment I am very comfortable to go on the advice of Cricket Australia and the players' association," The Australian quoted Ponting as saying.


He said that security team which toured India for ensuring safety measures are taken, found no issues and are happy with the situation.

His comments came out after Pakistan Cricket Board alleged that CA is biased in picking the tours. They withdrew the Champions Trophy tour to Pakistan citing security concerns, but they are going travelling to India despite the recent blast in Delhi, the capital India.

BCCI v. PCB!

While PCB is trying to find out all the possible routes to conduct the Champions Trophy, BCCI is becoming a bottleneck in their approach.

After the announcement by ICC to postpone the event to next year, Pakistan was trying to invite various teams to play with them a ODI Series or a triangular tournament. But, nothing went in favor of them.

Extract from Times of India:

As per PCB sources, "India is not interested in having the Champions Trophy at all. It has made clear that they see no necessity for this event on the ICC Calendar."

BCCI is clear that they will not change the Australian itinerary scehduled in October 2008 for a 7-match ODI series.

With Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand annoucing withdrawal from the tournament fearing security and safety reasons, ICC postponed the event to October 2008. They retained the hosting rights with Pakistan.

India basically feels that with world cup scheduled for every four years and T20 World Cup every year, Champions Trophy is not needed. But, ICC feels that this woudl spread cricket and help fuding the associate countries.

Pakistan is hopeful of conduting the Champions Trophy next year.

Symonds Dropped!

What's happening to Symonds and Cricket Australia? Well, with this decision, one has t really appreciate the bold decision taken by Cricket Australia. Of course, Discipline first and then the game.

The all-rounder in form has been dropped from the 15-member squad for the Indian tour in October 2008.

It has to be linked to his discipline and nothing else. Morever, he is not ready to correct them and fix the problem.

CA has told that selectors will be advised once Adnrew can be considered again for selection.

Bad luck this time Symonds! You hould have been dropped along with Harbhajan for your meaningless complaints and improper behaviour! You escaped then, but caught now!

ICC Succumbs to Pressure! CT Postponed

The ICC has decided to postpone the Champions Trophy to next year. In a tele-meeting held today, considering the threat from Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa, and possible split within ICC if venue is moved out of Pakistan, the ICC decided to postpone the event to next October.

They have asked for a detailed report from the security team about conducting the event in Pakistan.

The issue is that, if venue is changed, then the next world cup to be hosted jointly by India, Pakistan and Bangladesh will also be under threat. The top teams may boycot the world cup.

Champions Trophy Decision on Sunday!

With unsuccessful attempts in convincing the players of New Zealand, England and Australia, the ICC will be discussing over conference call on Sunday to decide on the fate of Champions Trophy in Pakistan.

Ite seems that players association of New Zealand and Australia have advised their players against touring Pakistan.

With major countries pulling out, it will be tough decision for ICC. The decision will be taken on Sunday's meeting.

ICC Tries to Convince Teams!

ICC is trying to convince Australia, England, New Zealand about playing in the champions trophy. These teams were not ready to participate in the Champions Trophy 2008 stating the current situation Pakistan.

They were not convinced about the security of the players and all the players are worried about playing in Pakistan.

South Africa was considered as the second option, but ICC finally decided to stay with Pakistan. After this decision, Australia, England and New Zealand continued to say that they will not be participating and ICC is talking with each team.

Ponting is not sure about his team's participation. New Zealand continues to remain with their decision of not participating and ICC is not able to convince them yet.

Champions League to as Scheduled!

The chairman of the IPL Lalit Modi has not taken the letter from ICC indicating that the schedule of Champions League is against the ICC rules. According to ICC, no international event should be conducted 7 before and after an ICC event.

ICC has scheduled the Champions Trophy between September 11 and 28. The Champions League starts on 29th.

As far as the venue of the event is concerned, Modi said, "we had initially announced that Delhi, Mohali and Jaipur would host the matches of the Champions League. But we have received various offers. We would like it to be in India in the first year and then ideally rotate it among the founder members. We are quite open (on the issue of venues). It can be in one geographical area too depending on the available infrastructure."

This indicates that the venue can be outside India for the inagural event.

The eight teams are: Two from IPL, Two from Australia, Two from South Africa, One each from Pakistan and England.

Gayle Resigns!

What's happening to West Indies? No one has the right answer which could turn the West Indian cricket to its (g)olden days. Captains have resigned including Lara though he took charge again after discussion with the board.

The recentl development in West Indies is not a good one to WI Cricket. The captain Chris Gayle has submitted his resignation and it has reached the board. Unconfirmed internet sources give the reason as "he is not happy with the selection of team for the 3rd ODI against Australia."

Wait and see the developments in this site!

Champions Trophy Retained in Pakistan!

The ICC committee has decided to continue with Pakistan for the Champions Trophy 2008. South Africa was expecting that the venue would be changed to their country but ICC went ahead with their decision. Based on the report submitted on the security situation in Pakistan, ICC has gone ahead and did not change the venue.

Several countries are not happy with this decision and not sure about their participation in this Champions Trophy.

Australia is almost sure that they will not play this season. England has confirmed 90% that they will not participate. They said no players should be forced to play as the security of the players is more important.

New Zealand board is talking with the players to find out their comfort level.

With major teams not participating or at least hesitating to participate, it is better that ICC change thier venue or work out some other solution by which all the countries participating in this tournament are free from fear and play competitive cricket.

Symonds in Trouble Again!

Remember, in the contraversial second test between India and Australia in Sydney? Symonds was given not out by Steve Bucknor when the entire city heard the noise of the thick outside edge and he did not walk! He was on 12 and Australian were already under big trouble at that time! He then went on to score 162.

Once again he did not walk, but this time against the host West Indies. He acknowledge that he was out, but it was umpire's job to give out.

He was on 14 and then went on to make 52 to take Australia past 200.

Umpire Mark Benson refused to raise his finger when he gloved Brovo's delivery.

West Indian skipper Gayle said, ""It's up to the individual what he wants to do at that particular time -- there is nothing we can do. That's cricket. Sometimes it goes your way, there is nothing you can do about it, but carry on with the game."

I believe Australians have lot to learn, especially on the basics of cricket--discipline, being honest, behaving professionally on and off the field, respecting visitors and opponent players. It is not only whether you score a century and beat other team by wickets and huge runs, but it also depends on other factors.

A man can be successful, but his character, attitude, discipline are very important otherwise, all the success has no meaning! Fundamental Guys! Didn't your teachers teach you all this in school?

Symonds Reprimanded!

Symonds was reprimanded for not coming to practice on time! The entire team left on the team bus for the net practice, but Symonds did not join them on time.

He was sleeping and got up late to miss the bus. It was said that he had to get a taxi to reach the ground 10 minutes late.

Though he was not fined or punished for this, he was cautioned that he could end up in trouble.

Australia is leading the series 1-0 against the west Indies.

Sunil Gavaskar asked to choose one role!

Gavaskar's dual role as chairman of the ICC's Cricket Committee and columnist has created trouble for him from ICC. It is obvious that the ICC did not like his open and honest comments against Australia during the India's Down Under Series.

His position came up for discussion at the ICC Board Meeting in Dubai last week and Malcom Speed, the ICC Chief Executive was authorised to take up the matter with Gavaskar. This will be discussed in detail during this week's meeting in Dubai.

Though no decision is taken in this matter, it is Gavaskar who has to decide between the two. The matter got his attention when he termed Match Referee Mike Proctor as Racist though he denied that.

However, after the ICC's meeting in Dubai last week, Gavaskar slammed England and Australia in another syndicated newspaper column. "Gone are the days when two countries, England and Australia, had the veto power in international cricket, even though the dinosaurs may not open their eyes and see the reality," he wrote. "The cricketing world has found that India has no longer a diffident voice but a confident one that knows what is good for its cricket, and will strive to get it."

What will he do...wait and see!!

Hayden feels he could have used better words aginst Harbhajan!

Hayden regretted his remark against Harbhajan. He said, he could have used better words instead of "obnoxious little weed" remark aginst Harbhajan. He felt his remarks added "fuel to the fire" during the down under tour.

As the tour was already packed with lot of controversies, he felt he could have used better words. He claimd that this is first slip in the 15 years of cricket. He said, Harbhajan has expressed how he fells about Australian team and he wanted to sit with Bhajji during Austriali's tour to India and see how they both can improve the relationship. He reiterated that his remarks was not intended to disgrance him personally or the game, but he could have used better words.

His "obnoxious little weed" and Habhajan's remark of "liar" about Hayden would be one of the discussion points during Australia's tour to India. Hayden is clear that he wanted to discuss these with Bhajji, put an end to all of these issues and build better relationship.

Source: PTI

Harbhan in Trouble Again!

Even after the completing tour of Australia--famous for controversies, Australian players, board and media try to put pressure on Indian team especially Harbhajan. It was reported in the Australian media that Bhajji called Hayden a liar and mentioned that Gilchrist is not as good as everyone thinks in the on-field behavior.

Australian Board, Cricket Australia has written a letter to BCCI asking them to talk to Harbhajan and restrain him from creating new controversies / issues by talking about the completed tour of Australia. They wanted BCCI to handle this as they did it with Hayden.

BCCI has confirmed that they have received the letter and have asked Bhajji to not talk about the past issues! Bhajji has agreed for the same!

CBS - India v. Australia

Weather God Helped Whom?

The first match of the Commonwealth Bank Series between India and Australia was washed out due to rain! The match, though looked like going in favor of Australia during the middle overs of Indian batting, after the rain, the match swung in favor of India.

You never know the next moment in a rain impacted match. The team batting first may score 350 in 50 overs, but the team batting second may need to score 250 in 30 overs, but they have all the 10 wickets in hand. So, the chase could be little easy.

India won the toss and decided to bat first--a brave decision by captain Dhoni, considering the experience of the team. Shewag and Sachin opened the innings as expected and the start was good, but could have been better. Shewag's try to square cut the Bracken's delivery took in the inside edge of the bat and knocked the bails. Sachin was out strangely, the first ever time--hit wicket. Though Gambir and Rohit Sharma played well and added some score, it didn't last for long. The lower batting order also collapsed.

Rain stopped play and the overs was reduced to 45 a side leaving India with 9 overs when play started. Dhoni added few valuable runs, but Lee was demolishing with his superb bowling performance. India finished with 194 in 45 overs loosing all wickets.

Rain delayed the Australian innings and the target was revised to 141 in 26 overs.
Ishant Sharma's superb in-swinger removed Hopes's off stump and Sressanth's outswinger leavin the right hander, taking Pointings edge was the hall mark of Indian bowling. Rain stopped play when Austraia were 51 for 3 in 7.2 overs. Match was called off! Each team finished with 2 points each.

Final Score:

India 194 in 45 overs (Gambhir 39; Sharma 29; Dhoni 37; Harbhajan 27; Lee 5 for 27) match abandoned due to rain; Australia target 141 in 26 overs (D/L method) 51 for 3 in 7.2 overs (Hopes 17; Sreessanth 2 for 17)

Ricky and Australia Take Sweet Revenge in 20-20!

India lost the 20-20 match against Australia by 9 wickets and close to 9 overs spare. After winning the toss, I thought they will choose to bowl, but to my surprise, they batted first. With the inexperienced batting line up in Australian grounds, I would have bowled first. Anyway, they didn't bat well and nothing the bowlers can do.

No one except Irfan Pathan scored double digit figure. He batted sensibly and no one was there to play the full quota of 20 overs. It looked like a practice area for catching. The turning point of the match was the run out of Shewag, which of course was created by the great fielding by MJ Clarke. He should be given full credit for the wonderful fielding and direct hit at non-stricker's end when Shewag took a risk for a single.

I would advise Sreesanth to have his performance talk rather than his mouth and temperament talking. His performance should definitely improve as his experience is very less compared to the great players in the history of cricket. He is not McGrath, Lee, Akram or a Kapil to have his emotions talk rather than his performance.

The score card is given below:

Played at Melbourne Cricket Ground on 1 February 2008 - day/night (20-over match) - Toss: India; Captains: India-MS Dhoni; Australia-Ricky Pointing; Australia won by 9 wickets with 52 balls spare; Man of the Match: MJ Clarke; Umpires: BNJ Oxenford and SJA Taufel

India 73 all out in 17.3 overs (IK Pathan 26; NW Bracken 3 for 11; AC Voges 2 for 5) lost to Australia 75 for 1 in 11.2 overs (AC Gilchrist 25; MJ Clarke 37 NO; BJ Hodge 10 NO)

Hope the young and less experienced Indian team would learn from the mistakes and look for a good start in the Commonwealth Bank Series tournament that starts on February 3, 2008.

AUS Players Will Be Fined or Banned!

Though I am an Indian, I respect good cricket and cricketers. The comments about “India loosing respect” in Australia are not a good for both Australia and India. I see it as an immature comment. The entire cricket world knows "Who is the master in Sledging?" The only solace to Australia is that they were never caught--either due to no official complaint or biased decisions by referee. Few questions to ask:

1. How did you believe Ricky's word when he lied on the cricket field, just for winning?
2. How did you believe Clark's word for the same reason--till date, he didn't accept his mistake?
3. How do you rate Ricky's behavior during press conference?
4. Did scrapping the agreement between captains a good sign for Australia? Didn't it show that nobody in the world can trust and believe Australian Cricketers, though we have people like Gilly;
5. Do Australians teach good things to their kids and next generation? If yes, how come they teach bad words and sledging when they play cricket?
6. What about Ricky and his team's behavior in India, pushing the sports minister?
7. Mr. Waugh and Mr. Chappell mentioned that, "that's how they play cricket" But do you curse and sledge your guests?What about Hayden's four letter S word?
8. Why did Symonds interfere without knowing what Harbhajan was talking to Brett Lee?

In fact, to be honest, a person believing in God and acting according to his consciousness, would do the following:

1. Ban Ricky for at least 5 Test Matches for lying and not controlling his team;
2. Ban Clark for at least 3 Test Matches for lying on the field;
3. Ban Hayden for at least 1 Test Match and 25% match fee for giving false complaint and for using four letter S word and also for unnecessarily interfering in the argument;
4. Ban Symonds for at least 1 Test Match and 25% match fee for giving false complaint and for unnecessarily interfering, provoking the whole incident.

I do not think that ICC is bending to BCCI fearing financial loss! Any true human being will not punish anybody without proper and satisfying evidence. Can Dravid and Ganguly speak near the microphone as if Pointing and Clark called them Kangaroos? Going by this, calling Dravid, "The Wall" and Ganguly, "The Bengal Tiger" or "Dada" are also racist remark, which every commentator does.

With no evidence against Harbhajan, it is right to let him go, regardless of money playing its part.

IF THIS CONTINUES, BEWARE AUSSIES, ALL THE TEAMS ARE READY TO COMPLAIN ABOUT YOU, IN CASE IF YOU USE BAD WORD OR SLEDGE ANYBODY!

If other team starts complaining about Aus Players, I am sure in the near future, you would see ALL OF THE AUS PLAYERS ARE EITHER FINED OR BANNED!

Sydney's Sadistic Story

WORLD CHAMPIONS, BUT NOT HONEST AND OPEN

What happened in the first test match of 2008 (the 2nd test) between Australia and India is a history that explained to the entire cricketing and other sports related world that EVEN WORLD CHAMPIONS WOULD DO ANYTHING TO WIN, ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY WANTED TO CREATE A RECORD!

Few questions and points in my mind:

1. Why are the branded as sledging, because they are masters in it. Why are they focusing on sledging when they are supposed to play the sport?

2. Ricky claiming that he caught the ball (when Dhoni was batting) though TV replay showed that he grounded the ball? He questioned the reporter's presence and became emotional about his integrity! You are not an honest man, Ricky! If you are, at least after seeing TV replays, you should have come out openly and accepted the mistake! The courage is not in making mistakes, but in accepting it. You are not going to teach good things to your kids and grand kids! You forgot that you are a leader and looked up as an example by so many people in the world, including India.

3. Clarke, provided that he is the deputy of Ricky! He is the next captain of Australia and already learnt how to lie! He also didn't accept grounding the ball and not a good example to anyone in the world!

4. Steve Waugh claimed that it is not a sledging and it is a cultural difference. The way Cricket is played in Australia is by sledging and hurting others by words! Why is there a ball and bat in Cricket, Mr. Waugh? Why do you want to use your tongue to hurt others? Haven't your teachers' never taught you about speaking right things, having a clear and good mind! Please come to India to learn the basic values of human beings!

5. Greg Chappell: You are not fit to be a coach in any part of the world and in any game! The coach is in "Guru's" position--a teacher, who should teach to the disciples about being truth to self and others, honesty, open, learning from mistakes, accepting the mistakes with courage, etc. But, you started supporting the Aus team without looking into the facts! You are not a good example to any team and should resign from coaching! What would you tell your son / daughter / grand kids / neighbors, if they ask you, being a coach, why are you supporting sledging and talking bad words in the field? I am sure you would laugh, lie again, tell them, that's the world! Lessons of good things are only for others and who believe in inner soul and god. You were already a cheat and what to expect out of you! You bowled an underarm (calling it a tactic and presence of mind) I am sure you have never understood the terms "SPORTSMANSHIP" and "HONESTY"